Member Resources

This week kicks off National Nursing Assistants Week, and Massachusetts Senior Care Association is pleased to recognize our member CNAs who are dedicated to enhancing the quality care and quality of life of their residents. Follow us on Facebook to view our members’ post highlighting CNAs and thanking them for all that they do.

Broad Reach at Liberty Commons and The Victorian Assisted Living in Chatham welcomed Massachusetts' Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders and State Senator Julian Cyr, the Senate Vice-Chair of the Joint Committee on Elder Affairs for a visit and tour. Secretary Sudders and Senator Cyr visited several Cape Cod health and human services facilities this week to personally thank staff for their continued resilience and great work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As part of the AHCA/NCAL Congressional Briefing, Mass Senior Care members and staff met with Congressman Jim McGovern (D-Massachusetts) in Washington DC last week to advocate on behalf of the long term care profession. As a result of Mass Senior Care member advocacy, Congressman McGovern co-signed a letter, led by Congressman Lou Correa (D-CA), requesting CMS to support a three-year phase-in of the parity adjustments and avoid payment reductions in FY2023.

Mass Senior Care is pleased to report, the Department of Public Health has extended to December 31, 2022, authorization for the issuance of temporary licenses for certain providers including RNs and LPNs, and renewal or reactivation of certain temporary licenses for health care providers.

CMS has released QSO-22-17-ALL, providing new information on how CMS will survey for compliance of the staff vaccination requirement, and beginning with the reporting week of June 27, 2022, the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) will update its definition of Up to Date for COVID-19 vaccines to align with the CDC definition.

The Department of Public Health has extended to December 31, 2022, authorization for the issuance of temporary licenses for certain providers including RNs and LPNs, and renewal or reactivation of certain temporary licenses for health care providers.

DPH updated the Long Term Care Surveillance Testing guidance, and DPH also updated the Update to Caring for Long-Term Care Residents during the COVID-19 Response and included the Visitation Conditions, Communal Dining, and Congregate Activities from previous guidance to this update.

There are so many learning opportunities at this year’s AHCA/NCAL Convention & Expo. Over the course of four days, you can choose from more than 100 sessions in 20+ tracks, covering all critical aspects of long term and post-acute care. You’ll also have the chance to earn up to 14.75 CE​s. Whether you are a c-suite executive, administrator, DON (nursing supervisor), corporate staff, or an assisted living professional, there’s something for you at the AHCA/NCAL Convention & Expo!

The Resident Care Assistant (RCA) role continues to be a critical entry-level position to recruit and retain the direct care workforce essential to meet the care needs of residents living in Massachusetts nursing facilities. RCA is a non-certified position created to support existing nursing staff, assist with resident care and create an accessible pipeline to future employment as Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs.)

Mass Senior Care is pleased to announce a new virtual education program in collaboration with the American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing (AAPACN) and Zimmet Healthcare. AAPACN’s DNS-CT Certification Workshop will meet virtually from 9am – 1 pm on the following dates: September 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22. Take your leadership and management talents to the next level with a preparatory workshop for AAPACN’s Director of Nursing Services—Certified (DNS-CT) certification. Earning this credential validates your expertise, gives you

Per state law, Chapter 19A, Section 43, all providers who contract with or receive funding from EOEA, ASAPs, MassHealth OLTSS which includes nursing facilities and those whose services are certified by EOEA must ensure that all current employees complete training on caring for and supporting LGBTQ seniors and their families

In the coming months, federal aid will dwindle as the government and states move toward a post-pandemic normal order of business. As SNFs continue to struggle with sluggish occupancy and workforce challenges, ensuring that every dollar earned for care delivery is retained will be imperative.

This week, the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing issued a favorable report to H.4780, An Act to Improve Quality and Oversight of Long-Term Care. The omnibus nursing home reform bill legislation has now advanced to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

This week, Mass Senior Care members and staff took part in the AHCA/NCAL Congressional Briefing in Washington D.C., to advocate for nursing facility care and bring the profession’s legislative priorities to Capitol Hill. Mass Senior Care members had an ambitious schedule of meetings with House Ways and Means Chairman Richard Neal, Congressman Jim McGovern, and legislative aides from the offices of U.S. Senators Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren, Congressmen Jake Auchincloss, Seth Moulton, Stephen Lynch, and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley.

CMS revised QSO-20-41 Guidance related to Emergency Preparedness, on Friday, April 16, 2021, the Board of Registration of Nursing Home Administrators voted unanimously to reduce the required CEUS from 40 to 20 for the period of July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2022, and register for tomorrow’s C. Auris Webinar - Candida auris (C. auris) was recently named one of five urgent threats in the CDC Antibiotic Resistance Threats in the United States, 2019 despite only being identified in 2016.

The Joint Committee on Elder Affairs released and referred to the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing, H.4780, An Act to Improve Quality and Oversight of Long-Term Care. This omnibus bill consolidates 16 separate pieces of legislation filed independently.

An earlier version of today's COVID-19 Update included an incorrect link to the ARPA Grant Opportunity.

Governor Baker has announced the second round distribution for the $460 million COVID-19 Essential Employee Premium Pay Program for low-income workers, CMS has provided clarification on the In-Service Training requirements of §483.95(g)(1) for SNFs and NFs, the ARPA grant opportunity, DPH conference call for long-term care facilities on Wednesday, June 8, 2022, and a webinar on the emerging threat of Candida auris in LTC facilities.

National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) recently announced various revisions to the COVID-19 module pathways, DPH Issues memo on compliance with Resident Bedroom 2-Bed Maximum Requirement if hardship waiver request is denied, DPH monthly conference call for LTC facilities, MassHealth to host training webinars on how to schedule Enhanced Wheelchair (ECC) Transportation, register now for important education webinar on emerging threat of C. auris in LTC facilities.

Join the Massachusetts eHealth Institute (MeHI) and the MassCyberCenter on June 9 at 10:00 am for their monthly health care provider cybersecurity call. The call will be joined by representatives from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Massachusetts State Police and Commonwealth Fusion Center who will provide updates on recent cyber threats and trends.

Massachusetts Senior Care Association looks forward to celebrating National Nursing Assistants Week which kicks off on Thursday, June 16th. This annual celebration is an opportune time to formally recognize and acknowledge the valuable contributions made by members of your staff every day—especially the Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) who provide quality care to residents.

Please join the Massachusetts Adult Immunization Coalition and the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for an educational session around the recent updates to Pneumococcal Vaccine.

Candida auris (C. auris) was recently named one of five urgent threats in the CDC Antibiotic Resistance Threats in the United States, 2019 despite only being identified in 2016. There are active cases of C. auris in long term care facilities in Massachusetts and across the country.

Two Mass Senior Care member facilities are being recognized with a 2022 Bronze – Commitment to Quality Award by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL).

Mass Senior Care filed comments this week on CMS’ FFY 2023 SNF Medicare Payment rule, requesting that the agency phase in the Patient Driven Payment Model (PDPM) parity adjustment over three years in light of the staffing and financial challenges the nursing facility sector is experiencing as it battles to protect its residents and staff during the COVID pandemic.

DPH strongly encourages long-term care facilities provide and administer the second COVID-19 booster vaccine to all eligible long-term care residents and staff as soon as possible, Candida auris (C. auris) was recently named one of five urgent threats in the CDC Antibiotic Resistance Threats in the United States. There are active cases of C. auris in long term care facilities in Massachusetts and across the country, and MassHealth has issued an FAQ document from the Customer Web Portal (CWP) & Provider Requests for Transportation (PT-1) Office Hours from May 5.

The Massachusetts Resident Care Assistant (RCA) 8-hour training course is now available free for MSCA members. This online training program provides initial instruction to new RCA recruits. After successfully completing the online training, RCAs receive additional onsite resident care training at the facility and undergo skills/competency assessment by the facility prior to beginning work.

Mass Senior Care would like to remind members that CMP funds up to $3000 per facility are available for in-person visitation aids which now includes portable fans and portable air cleaners meeting the criteria stated on the application template, and Mass Senior Care has received inquiries from members regarding the process for reducing a facility’s licensed bed (quota) as a result of dedensification.

Join the Massachusetts eHealth Institute (MeHI) and the MassCyberCenter on June 9 at 10:00 am for their monthly health care provider cybersecurity call. The call will be joined by representatives from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Massachusetts State Police and Commonwealth Fusion Center who will provide updates on recent cyber threats and trends.

Save $200 off the AHCA/NCAL’s Gero Nurse Prep course through May 31, 2022, with promo code QUALITYRN22 (all caps). Specifically designed for registered nurses working in long term care, this curriculum provides comprehensive online training that leads to board certification in gerontological nursing by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) for RNs.

Mass Senior Care is pleased to welcome new members to our Association. Our members have demonstrated their commitment to the senior care provider community by joining Mass Senior Care and we are grateful for their support.

There are so many learning opportunities at this year’s AHCA/NCAL Convention & Expo. Over the course of four days, you can choose from more than 100 sessions in 20+ tracks, covering all critical aspects of long term and post-acute care. You’ll also have the chance to earn up to 14.75 CE​s. Whether you are a c-suite executive, administrator, DON (nursing supervisor), corporate staff, or an assisted living professional, there’s something for you at the AHCA/NCAL Convention & Expo!

Per state law, Chapter 19A, Section 43, all providers who contract with or receive funding from EOEA, ASAPs, MassHealth OLTSS and those whose services are certified by EOEA must ensure that all current employees complete training on caring for and supporting LGBTQ seniors and their families.

The staff and residents of the German Centre in West Roxbury celebrated National Skilled Nursing Care Week with a special visit from Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and Emily Shea, the City of Boston’s Commissioner of the Age Strong Commission.

In a memo by MSCA General Counsel Mark Reagan of Hooper, Lundy & Bookman, Attorney Reagan noted that nursing facilities across the country are receiving requests from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (OIG), concerning a review of Provider Relief Fund (PRF) spending and infection control practices, and join us for next week’s Putting Patients First Webinar.

Mass Senior Care is reminding members that the full June LTC Medicaid payment will be made on the normal payment schedule, Massachusetts State Court Issued a narrow temporary restraining order in regard to involuntary transfer of residents resulting from DPH’s implementation of de-densification requirement, the Berkshire Eagle published an op-ed today by Tara Gregorio, President of Massachusetts Senior Care Association calling for the Legislature and Governor Baker to approve and fund $238 million for a vital workforce investment proposal.

Today, the DPH released revised guidance on Antigen Rapid Point of Care COVID-19 Testing for Long-Term Care (LTC) Facilities, skilled nursing facilities that participate in the Skilled Nursing Facility Quality Reporting Program (QRP) must have the weekly health care personnel COVID-19 vaccination summary data entered into the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) by May 16, 2022​ for the 2021 Quarter 4 (October 1 – December 31, 2021), and as noted in the CMS FAQs for In-Person Visitation Aids, Civil Money Penalty (CMP) Reinvestment funds are available to certified nursing facilities to add portable fans and portable room air cleaners with high-efficiency (HEPA H-13 or H-14) filters to increase and improve air quality in nursing homes.

MassHealth requires that nursing facilities and chronic disease and rehabilitation inpatient hospitals account for the balances of personal needs allowance (PNA) account funds.

CMS will be holding a webinar on May 25th at 2:00pm on the “Culture Change in Long Term Care.

Hamel-Lydon Chapel & Cremation Service of Massachusetts, an Associate Member of Mass Senior Care Association, appreciates the special care and dedication that frontline healthcare workers provide to patients on a regular basis. We understand that the same compassion is required when we serve families and their loved ones under our professional care.

Nominations for the 2022 ACHA/NCAL awards programs are now open! AHCA/NCAL members are strongly encouraged to nominate those in their community who go above and beyond to provide exceptional service in the long term care profession.

The Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) updated its comprehensive quality strategy that reflects MassHealth’s quality goals and objectives, quality management framework and agency-wide quality activities. The quality strategy incorporates CMS guidance utilizing the updated Quality Strategy Toolkit, and also maintains adherence to the regulatory managed care rule requirements.

Amidst the flurry of activities happening in skilled nursing facilities this week, it was heartwarming to see the smiles on residents’ faces as they enjoyed a variety of events celebrating National Skilled Nursing Care Week (NSNCW).

The Senate Ways and Means (SWM) Committee this week released its FY 2023 budget recommendation totaling $49.7 billion, including $75 million for nursing facility direct care staff and patient quality supports to continue investments. The $75 million in Medicaid funding would be distributed as a rate add on for direct care staffing costs ($56.25 million) and for a supplemental payment to promote quality improvement ($18.75 million).

Yesterday, the DPH released a letter to providers urging them to ensure Paxlovid and other COVID-19 treatments are offered to all patients eligible to receive them, and join us for Putting Patients First Webinar.