E-News Update Articles

Mass Senior Care has provided public testimony on the following two proposed regulations: Emergency Adoption of MassHealth Nursing Home Rate Regulations/101 CMR 206.00: Standard Payments to Nursing Facilities and Proposed Department of Public Health Amendments to 105 CMR 150.000: Standards for Long Term Care Facilities.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has developed an application template for requests for the use of Civil Money Penalty (CMP) Reinvestment funds to provide nursing homes with in-person visitation aids. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has developed a stream-lined nursing home application template for the approval of these funds.

Now that a second surge of COVID-19 has begun, it is critically important for all long-term care workers to protect themselves from becoming sick with the flu by getting the flu vaccine. As we well know, staff in long-term care facilities are at an increased risk of acquiring the flu and annual flu vaccination of both residents and staff are essential to preventing outbreaks.

MassHealth has scheduled a HPPD reporting webinar on November 13th between 11am and 12pm to discuss the new reporting requirements and answer any questions providers may have.

This week’s DPH call with providers is scheduled for Thursday, November 12, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. due to the Veteran’s Day Holiday.

Discusses DPH guidance for long-term care facilities on the process to report mandatory personnel influenza data.

Please join us for Mass Senior Care Association’s 2020 virtual Annual Meeting on Thursday, November 19, 2020. Going virtual is a big change, but have put together a dynamic program of speakers, including the morning session featuring Congressman Richard Neal (MA-1st Congressional District) and Mark Parkinson, President & CEO of the American Health Care Association, both of whom will provide us with very timely updates on the current political and legislative climate in our nation’s Capital as well as an update on the provider community’s response to COVID-19.

This memo includes the following topics: MassHealth Issues HPPD Reporting Bulletin; OSHA Respiratory Protection Guidance; and DPH Order on Regarding Control of COVID-19 in LTCF

DPH released updated guidance increasing the duration of indoor visits, visitor testing, allowing indoor group activities, so long as safety measures are followed as outlined in the memo, and updates to compassionate care visitation including examples of what might be considered compassionate care. In addition, the DPH has made it clear that long term care facilities may not implement policies for out-of-state visitors traveling to Massachusetts to visit long-term care facility residents that are more restrictive than guidelines described in Governor Baker’s Travel Order.

Mass Senior Care is pleased to welcome new members to our Association. Our Associate Members have demonstrated their commitment to the senior care provider community by joining Mass Senior Care and participating as exhibitors and sponsors for events and educational conferences. Mass Senior Care members are encouraged to contact Associate Members when they are in need of long term care products and services. You can find all of our Associate Members listed on our website, www.maseniorcare.org/preferred-vendors.

​​​​​​​The Department of Public Health (DPH) has scheduled a public hearing on the proposed licensure regulations for Monday, November 9, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. Due to the COVID State of emergency the hearing will be conducted on a moderated conference call. The proposed regulatory changes are part of EOHHS’ Accountability and Supports 2.0 rate reform and policy package which is investing up to $145 million for quality nursing home care. Specifically, the proposed LTCF licensure regulations would (1) establish minimum nursing HPPD requirements, (2) eliminate the 3rd and 4th bed in multi-bed rooms, and (3) revise minimum square footage requirements to allow for physical distancing in 2-bed rooms.

Marcum, Mass Senior Care’s 2020 Educational Partner, is presenting a complimentary two-part webinar series on November 10th and November 17th. If your organization has received Provider Relief Fund (PRF) payments, you have likely visited the PRF Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page of the HHS.gov website. If you have not visited that page for the last few days, now is the time to visit again.

Updates on MassHealth Nursing Facility Bulletin 155 in regard to the requirement for nursing facilities to report on its staffing levels, including information demonstrating the facility’s average staffing hours per patient day, on a bi-weekly basis, OSHA Respiratory Protection Guidance and DPH release of a Public Health Order and guidance for Implementation of Order of the Commissioner of Public Health Regarding Control of COVID-19 in LTC facilities.

We invite you to join an upcoming webinar, “Protect Your Power Source: Ensuring Diesel Fuel Reliability” on November 17, 2020, from 10:00 am – 11:30 am. Michelle Hilger, Diesel Fuel Services Manager at Powers Guaranteed Services, will discuss the importance of ongoing fuel maintenance for long-term stored fuel, the proposed changes coming for 2022 NFPA 110 regarding diesel fuel and best practices for fuel maintenance in New England. Facilities and maintenance staff are encouraged to attend this timely webinar as we prepare for the coming winter session.

Memorandum To: Mass Senior Care Members From: Tara M. Gregorio, President Re: COVID-19 Updates: DPH Updates to Visitation Conditions, Communal Dining, and Congregate Activities in Long-Term Care Facilities Date: November 4, 2020 DPH Updates to Visitation Conditions, Communal Dining, and Congregate Activities in Long-Term Care Facilities Today, the Department of Public Health released updated guidance increasing the duration of indoor visits, visitor testing, allowing indoor group activities, so long as safety measures are followed as outlined in the memo, and

Reviews county positivity rates and staff testing for COVID-19 and reminds members the next DPH weekly call with providers is scheduled for Wednesday, November 4, 2020 at 11:00 a.m.

Earlier this week, U.S. News issued its 2021 Nursing Home Ratings. It includes separate ratings for short-term rehabilitation care and long-term chronic care.

MassHealth Bulletin 154: Updated Room Density Reporting and Planning for Nursing Facilities clarified the process that facilities should follow when they are attesting to ‘exceptional circumstances’ when they file the CHIA online reporting form and attestation

As a reminder, the deadline to submit your Intent to Apply (ITA) for a 2021 National Quality Award is Thursday, November 12 by 8 pm ET. Submit your ITA payment by logging in to the Quality Award Portal. We encourage members to log in to the Portal before the deadline to avoid any delays in setting up your user account. Late payments will not be accepted.

MassHealth Nursing Facility Bulletin 150 delineates the requirements for participation for the new targeted Isolation Space Program, which replaces the original program which ended on September 30th. In order for MassHealth to approve a provider as a qualified nursing facility eligible to operate an isolation space under the new program, a nursing facility administrator or other appropriate representative must attest to the criteria specified in the Bulletin which is included as Appendix A, and must submit the executed form via

Provides information on the DPH scheduled public hearing on the proposed licensure regulations on Monday, November 9, 2020, renewal of expired and expiring licenses as well as HHS updates to Provider Relief Fund FAQs.

Skilled nursing facilities are now required to report point-of-care (POC) test results performed under their CLIA waiver to the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) system.

Given the increased threats of cybersecurity incidents targeting U.S. hospitals and healthcare information systems, a joint cybersecurity advisory (Alert AA20-302A) has been issued by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This advisory describes the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) used by cybercriminals against targets in the Healthcare and Public Health Sector (HPH) to infect systems with Ryuk ransomware for financial gain.

Updates on HHS announcement of the first round of the $2 billion COVID-19 Infection Control incentive-based payments to nursing homes, DPH memo authorizing its testing vendor, the American Red Cross (ARC), to resume Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) testing on or about December 1, 2020, and the CDC releasement of new information on testing in nursing homes through the frequently asked questions website.

An update on MassHealth Bulletin 154: Updated Room Density Reporting and Planning for Nursing Facilities, the next weekly DPH call with providers and the next CMS COVID-19 call with Nursing Homes.

Announcements regarding the CMS development of an application template for requests for the use of Civil Money Penalty (CMP) Reinvestment funds to provide nursing homes with in-person visitation aids and donated hand sanitizers are available for pick-up on Thursday.

Shares information about the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) changes to the reporting requirements and expanded types of providers who could apply for Provider Relief Funds and the updated HHS NHSN Reporting Requirements.

Massachusetts Senior Care Association has developed the Resident Care Assistant Onboarding Toolkit for Members offering best practices to assist with hiring and onboarding RCAs.

Members are updated on de-densification summary and timeline for (1) MassHealth Room Density Reporting and (2) DPH proposed NF licensure changes, DPH list of references and resources for flu campaign; DPH Weekly Public Health Report move to Thursday release and infection control resources for Mass. LTC facilities.

On October 5, CMS issued a memo​ regarding compliance with residents’ rights requirement related to nursing home residents’ right to vote. The memo is effective immediately and outlines the regulatory requirements providers are required affirm and support the right of residents to vote.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is conducting a survey to learn how the COVID-19 crisis has impacted Massachusetts citizens and understand how best to provide people with resources and support around COVID-19.

AHCA/NCAL has released a new three-part webinar series on ahcancalED that addresses the extraordinary strains the COVID-19 pandemic has on nursing facility and assisted living residents and staff.

Massachusetts recently announced a new Eviction Diversion Initiative to help households as the eviction moratorium in Massachusetts expires. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has resources available for individuals and families struggling to make rent or mortgage payments due to COVID-19.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has developed a list of references and resources for healthcare providers to support the development of influenza campaigns and to guide providers in identifying best practices for increasing Health Care Personnel (HCP) vaccination rates.

Mass Senior Care is pleased to welcome new members to our Association. Our Associate Members have demonstrated their commitment to the senior care provider community by joining Mass Senior Care and participating as exhibitors and sponsors for events and educational conferences.

This week the Health Policy Commission's (HPC) hosted their 2020 Annual Health Care Cost Trends Hearing: COVID-19 and the Massachusetts Health Care System – Assessing Impact, Advancing Equity.

Members are provided information on MassHealth one week extension deadline for reporting room density in nursing facilities and the update on COVID-19 surveillance testing: CHIA reporting.

An announcement on the CDC vaccine LTC distribution program, a reminder about the weekly DPH call and an invitation to register for the HPPD webinar.

Announcement on DPH updated guidance on the care for COVID-19 recovered residents, Interim COVID-19 Vaccination Distribution Plan, and an important webinar - Meeting the New HPPD Requirement: What Nursing Facilities Need to Know.

Updates are provided on the Executive Office of Health and Human Services posting on its nursing facility provider rate webpage the rate year 2021 rate file for each nursing facility, the MassHealth Nursing Facility Bulletin 150, which delineates the requirements for participation for the new targeted Isolation Space Program, and the White House announcement on the Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program—a national vaccine distribution program for long term care residents.

On October 5, CMS issued a memo regarding compliance with residents’ rights requirement related to nursing home residents’ right to vote. The memo is effective immediately and outlines the regulatory requirements providers are required affirm and support the right of residents to vote. The right to vote must not be impeded in any way by a nursing home and its staff. Long term care facilities should have a plan to ensure residents can exercise their right to vote.

Marcum, Mass Senior Care’s 2020 Educational Partner, is presenting a complimentary webinar on Thursday, October 22nd on HHS funding reporting and determination of tranche 3 eligibility. Webinar and registration details are below.

MassHealth this week issued Nursing Facility Bulletin 151 which requires all nursing homes to report the number of rooms by type (single, two-bedded, three-bedded, and four-bedded) within their facility, regardless of whether or not the beds are occupied, as well as the number of residents residing in each room. All nursing facilities must complete the attestation and reporting requirements of Nursing Facility Provider Bulletin 151 by 11:59 p.m. on October 23, 2020, using the prescribed reporting form via a CHIA online survey.

Last week, thousands of long term care professionals, residents, their loved ones and members of the public came together to join in a national moment of silence to honor the tens of thousands of lives lost in long term care due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In remembrance and to honor those they lost, Royal Health Group planted magnolia trees, each accompanied by a sitting bench on the facility’s grounds.

The Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) has scheduled a public hearing on November 6, 2020,at10:00 a.m. relative to the 2021 Medicaid Rate Regulation (101 CMR 206: Standard Payments to Nursing Facilities). EOHHS will invest significant funds in Rate Year 2021 (RY 2021), ranging up to $145 million for quality nursing home care covering (1) a new integrated rate structure for the RY 2021 rate and beyond, and (2) targeted COVID-19 Supplemental Funding. The EOHHS proposal builds upon prior Accountability and Supports programs designed to promote and ensure quality nursing home care. The regulation is expected to be adopted later this month with a retroactive effective date of October 1, 2020. Please note that EOHHS has indicated that it will post on its website 2021 nursing facility rate sheets this week.

An audio recording (ZIP) and transcript (PDF) is now available for the September 22 Medicare Learning Network call on Dementia Care. This call discussed the unique challenges facing nursing home residents living with dementia during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and best practices to support them.

Last week, the Acting Commissioner of Public Health Margret Cooke signed an Order requiring certain personnel to be vaccinated against influenza virus. All long-term care facilities licensed pursuant to G.L. c 111, § 71 must ensure that all personnel are vaccinated against influenza virus by December 31, 2020, unless such administration is medically contraindicated or vaccination is against the individual’s religious beliefs. Personnel -an individual or individuals employed by or affiliated with the facility, whether directly, by contract with another

Governor Baker yesterday released a revised FY 2021 budget recommendation, proposing a $45.5 billion plan for the fiscal year. The state has been operating on interim budgets for the beginning of the fiscal year, as the Governor and Legislature work to craft a full year budget in light of the COVID-19 revenue uncertainties.

Members are reminded about the DPH weekly call and provided information about CMS COVID-19 Care Site-Specific Calls, CMS update on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) public reporting tip sheets for Skilled Nursing Facilities and the webinar "Does Your Respiratory Protection Program Meet OSHA Standards?".

AHCA/NCAL has two new online programs in conjunction with Healthcare Academy®. Both programs incorporate a digital competency platform to allow for documentation of live skills demonstration. The digital checklists included in these programs have been designed by industry experts using evidence-based practices to help organizations develop competent and confident staff.