Member Resources

The state Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development issued a notice indicting that criminal enterprises in possession of stolen personal information from earlier national data breaches have been attempting to file large amounts of illegitimate unemployment claims through the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) system.

Memorandum To: Mass Senior Care Members From: Tara M. Gregorio, President Re: COVID-19 Updates: EOHHS Releases FAQ #3 on the Infection Control Competency Checklist; Register Now for Infection Control Webinar Date: May 27, 2020 EOHHS Releases FAQ #3 on the Infection Control Competency Checklist In continued collaboration with Mass Senior Care, EOHHS has released an updated FAQ #3 on the Infection Control Competency Checklist. These FAQs are in response to questions from MA nursing facility directly related to the EOHHS

Nursing facilities are facing an unprecedented workforce and financial crisis that is being exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Mass Senior Care Board of Directors voted in February 2020 to support the Nursing Home Ballot Initiative which would allow voters to create a permanent and critical law requiring the state to adequately fund and support nursing home care.

Memorandum To: Mass Senior Care Members From: Tara M. Gregorio Re: Reminder: Baseline Testing – CHIA Web Portal is Live for NFs to File Attestation and Complete Data Points Date: May 22, 2020 The COVID-19 Baseline Testing Report is due on Monday, May 25 th by 11:59pm. The CHIA web portal is live for facilities to file their attestation and complete the data points to document completion of the baseline testing requirement. Facilities must test 90% of staff and 90%

Memorandum To: Mass Senior Care Members & Nursing Facility Providers From: Tara M. Gregorio, President, Mass Senior Care Association Re: CHIA Weekly Reporting Due Monday, May 25th Date: May 24, 2020 CHIA Weekly Reporting Due Monday, May 25th This is reminder that the 3rd CHIA Nursing Home Weekly data report is due on Monday, May 25th. As a condition of MassHealth supplemental funding, nursing facilities are required to comply with this administrative requirement by submitting weekly data updated on the

Memorandum To: Mass Senior Care Members From: Tara M. Gregorio, President Re: Register Now for IC Competency Audit Webinar; Weekly Call Reminders; Deadline Extension for Provider Relief Funds; Clinical Audit Results Posted Date: May 26, 2020 Register Now for Important Webinar: Identified Areas of Non-Compliance Massachusetts Nursing Home Infection Control Competency Checklist Audits Join us on May 29, 2020 at 1:00 pm as we review the results of the first round of Massachusetts Nursing Home Infection Control Competency Audits and

Memorandum To: Mass Senior Care Members From: Tara M. Gregorio, President Re: COVID-19 Updates: Federal COVID-19 Relief Funds; Updated PPE Guidance and Filing Deadline Reminder Date: May 22, 2020 HHS Releases $4.9B in COVID-19 Relief for Skilled Nursing Facilities The federal government today announced the distribution of almost $4.9 billion in COVID-19 relief funds directly to skilled nursing facilities, the first specific tranche of stimulus money for the industry released since the start of the pandemic. HHS will make relief

Memorandum To: Mass Senior Care Members From: Tara M. Gregorio, President Re: COVID-19 Updates: CMS Nursing Home Reopening Recommendations; Compliance Filing Deadline Reminders Date: May 20, 2020 CMS Issues Nursing Home Reopening Recommendations for State and Local Officials On May 18, CMS provided recommendations on a nursing home phased reopening for states. The recommendations cover the following items: Recommendations for testing residents and staff Dedicated space for cohorting residents with COVID-19 Criteria for relaxing certain restrictions and mitigating the risk

The US Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration released guidance aimed at protecting nursing homes and long term care facilities workers from exposure to COVID-19. Many of the recommendations are based on CDC guidance including optimizing PPE, screening workers and sending sick workers home

Mass Senior Care is pleased to share positive stories which have been included in local and statewide coverage of dedicated caregivers and the incredible stories of recovery from patients. We encourage members to share their positive posts or stories of recovery on social media with us by tagging @MASeniorCare or using hashtag #NursingHomeHeroes.

Nursing facilities are facing unprecedented workforce and financial crises which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Mass Senior Care Association’s Board of Director’s voted in February 2020 to support the Nursing Home Ballot Initiative which would allow voters to create a permanent and critical law requiring the state to adequately fund and support nursing home care.

Webinar - Meeting Staff Baseline Testing: How to Prepare for Workforce Disruptions Mass Senior Care hosted a webinar on Wednesday, May 20th from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m., Meeting Staff Baseline Testing: How to Prepare for Workforce Disruptions. Nursing facilities across the Commonwealth are preparing to meet the staff and resident baseline testing requirement by the May 25th deadline. This webinar will provide an overview of workforce resources available and what nursing facilities can do to meet their workforce demands during

Memorandum To: Mass Senior Care Members From: Tara M. Gregorio, President Re: COVID-19 Updates: Updated MassHealth FAQ; Stimulus Checks; Reminders for DPH and CMS Calls Date: May 19, 2020 MassHealth Issues Updated FAQ on Accountability and Support for Phase 2 Funding – (1) Baseline Testing (May 25 th ) and Initial Financial Plan (May 21 st ) MassHealth today updated it FAQ MassHealth Nursing Facility COVID-19 Accountability and Support Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – 5-19-2020, which provides updated guidance on

Memorandum To: Mass Senior Care Members From: Tara M. Gregorio, President Re: COVID-19 Updates: MassHealth Phase 2 Supplemental Payments; Register for May 20 th Webinar on Managing Possible Workforce Disruptions; Occupational Exposure & Return to Work Guidance Date: May 18, 2020 MassHealth Phase 2 Supplemental Payments: (1) Initial Plan Filing Deadline May 21 st and (2) Baseline Testing by May 25 th with Attestation As a reminder to members, the MassHealth Phase 2 Medicaid Supplemental funding for May and June

Temporary Nursing Agencies - Mass Senior Care Associate Members During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mass Senior Care members are encouraged to find long term care products, supplies and services through our list of Associate Members/Preferred Vendors. To assist members with workforce disruptions, below is a list of Mass Senior Care Associate Members which provide temporary nursing services: connectRN connectRN is here to help our partners in the long term care sector during the COVID-19 crisis. Through our technology and advanced outreach

Memorandum To: Mass Senior Care Members and Nursing Facility Providers From: Tara M. Gregorio, President Re: MassHealth Phase 2 Supplemental Payments Filing Deadlines and EOHHS Webinar PPT Date: May 17, 2020 As a reminder to members, the MassHealth Phase 2 Medicaid Supplemental funding for May and June requires compliance with accountability rules, as listed below. We are also including a copy of the EOHHS presentation on last Friday's Mass Senior Care webinar on accountability, staffing, testing and reporting. Initial Financial

Memorandum To: Mass Senior Care Members From: Tara M. Gregorio, President Re: COVID-19 Update: Updated Instructions for CHIA Nursing Facility Reporting Weekly Data – Next Weekly Report Due Monday, May 18 at 11:59 pm Date: May 16, 2020 The Centers for Health Information and Analysis (CHIA) has issued an UPDATED Data Submission Guide for the Weekly Reporting pursuant to MassHealth Provider Bulletin 145. The next weekly report is due on Monday, May 18 at 11:59pm. Please note the following changes

Webinar: Optimizing and Overseeing PPE in the Long Term Care Facility Obtaining, training and managing PPE during the COVID-19 Pandemic provides unique challenges for the provision of safe care for both employees and residents. There is no magic wand for perfection, however, this informational webinar will provide strategies for organizations when navigating needs and guidance during a national emergency. Objectives: Upon completion of this presentation, attendees should be able to: 1. Identify the importance of understanding facility supply needs for

Memorandum To: Mass Senior Care Members From: Tara M Gregorio, President Re: Preparing for Next Infection Control Competency Checklist Audit Date: May 16, 2020 In effort to help nursing facilities to meet the core elements of the MassHealth Infection Control Competency Checklist, we are providing the following information which we urge you to review carefully as you prepare for your facility’s next Infection Control Competency Checklist audit: EOHHS FAQ #2 on the Infection Control Competency Checklist (May 15th); EOHHS FAQ

Memorandum To: Mass Senior Care Members From: Tara M. Gregorio, President Re: MassHealth Administrative Bulletin 20-53 Date: May 15, 2020 The Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) today issued Administrative Bulletin 20-53 Accountability and Support Supplemental Payment Methodology Applicable to Nursing Facilities During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Public Health Emergency which specifies the calculation and the accountability requirements for the MassHealth Phase 2 Supplemental Funding. This funding provides up to a 50% increase in payment for the

The US Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (OIG) has released its updated list which reflects all OIG exclusions and reinstatement actions up to, and including, those taken in April 2020.

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.

Expense Tracking Tips and Other Key Insights for Economic Relief Fund Recipients Friday, May 15, 2020 11 a.m. – noon CT Infection Control Focused Surveys and the Impact on Senior Living Reimbursements Thursday, May 21, 2020 1 – 2 p.m. CT

Responding to COVID-19 in Nursing Homes – This guidance is intended to assist nursing homes and public health authorities with response and cohorting decisions in nursing homes. This guidance supplements but does not replace recommendations included in the Interim Additional Guidance for Infection Prevention and Control for Patients with Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19 in Nursing Homes. Testing for COVID-19 in Nursing Homes – Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing for SARS-CoV-2 infection among residents and healthcare personnel in nursing

Since the restrictions on visitation were enacted in early March, there has been an outpouring of support and encouragement for residents and staff from family members and communities across the state. We are pleased to share several opportunities for resident engagement and encourage you to contact the individuals/organizations listed below.

On May 11, 2020 the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Seema Verma penned a letter to nursing home management and staff.

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh shares a heartfelt video message to the residents and staff who live and work in Massachusetts skilled nursing facilities and assisted living residences.

Attorney General Maura Healey and Massachusetts Senior Care have partnered to supply 730 tablets to nursing home residents across the state to facilitate face-to-face communication with their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nursing facilities across the Commonwealth are getting creative with new ways to celebrate National Skilled Nursing Care Week (NSNCW) while keeping residents and patients safe from the COVID-19 pandemic. Mass Senior Care is pleased to share these positive stories during NSNCW which have been included in local and statewide coverage of dedicated caregivers and the incredible stories of recovery from patients.

Register Now for Two Important Webinars on Friday,May 15th

Memorandum To: Mass Senior Care Members From: Tara M. Gregorio, President Re: COVID-19 Updates: Deadline for Baseline Testing; Waiver of Paid Feeding Assistant Training Date: May 14, 2020 Deadline Approaching for Nursing Facility Baseline Testing Requirement Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services yesterday emailed to nursing facilities the message below regarding the May 25th baseline testing requirement for residents and staff, indicating that facilities wishing to pursue testing through state-directed methods (COVID Command Center Congregate Care Mobile Testing

Memorandum To: Mass Senior Care Members From: Tara M. Gregorio, President Re: COVID-19 Updates: Signing Bonuses for NF Staff; Waiver of Timeframe for CNA Training; Managing PPE Webinar; EOHHS Webinar on Friday Date: May 13, 2020 MassHealth Issues Nursing Facility Bulletin 147 - Signing Bonuses for Nursing Facility Staff MassHealth has issued Nursing Facility Bulletin 147, Signing Bonuses for Nursing Facility Staff. This Bulletin describes the procedures for securing the $1,000 state-sponsored signing bonuses for individuals providers directly hire on

Memorandum To: Mass Senior Care Members From: Tara Gregorio, President RE: Workforce Survey; Temporary Nursing Services and Staff Recruitment Toolkit Date: May 12, 2020 MSCA Workforce Survey – Due Thursday, May 12th MSCA is keenly aware that COVID-19 has exacerbated pre-existing challenges in fully staffing facilities. Through enhanced Medicaid reimbursements during the surge period, the commonwealth is providing monthly supplemental payments to help address new costs associated with higher PPE, new infection control protocols and higher staffing wages to address

Memorandum To: Mass Senior Care Members From: Tara Gregorio, President RE: REMINDER: First Weekly Reporting Filing Due TODAY (Monday, May 11) – CHIA Portal Date: May 11, 2020 As part of the MassHealth Phase 2 Funding for COVID-19 which provides up to an additional $130 million (50% increase) in monthly funding for May and June, nursing facilities are required to submit weekly reports to the Center for Health Information and Analysis (CHIA) to monitor measures related to staffing levels, COVID-19

Memorandum To: Mass Senior Care Members From: Tara Gregorio, President RE: MassHealth Issues Testing Policy Documents; Guidance on Nursing Facility Infection Control Competency Checklist Date: May 9, 2020 MassHealth Issues (1) NF Bulletin 146/Baseline Testing Requirements and (2) FAQ related to Accountability for MassHealth Supplemental Funding MassHealth has issued 2 documents: (1) providing guidance on baseline testing requirements for residents and staff and (2) answering questions via an FAQ for accountability provisions related to the MassHealth supplemental funding during the

Memorandum To: Mass Senior Care Members From: Tara Gregorio, President Date: May 8, 2020 MassHealth Issues Weekly Report Data Submission Guide: Mandatory Weekly Reporting for Phase 2 MassHealth Funding: First Filing Due on Monday, May 11 MassHealth today issued instructions on the Weekly Reporting (1) filing method and (2) data elements to be reported, as part of the MassHealth Phase 2 Funding for COVID-19 which provides up to an additional $130 million (50% increase) in monthly funding for May and

This week clinical audits have begun for nursing facilities statewide. As discussed on the webinar last week, nursing facilities are being assessed on 5 core competencies included in the Infection Control Competency Checklist. Mass Senior Care in collaboration with Hebrew SeniorLife will host a webinar on Friday, May 8, 2020 to provide a comprehensive overview of the core competencies related to cohorting and PPE as well as practical implementation tips and resources.

Memorandum To: Mass Senior Care Members From: Tara Gregorio, President Re: COVID-19 Updates: CMS Update on Reporting Requirements; NHSN Long-Term Care Facility COVID-19 Module Date: May 7, 2020 CMS Releases Memo on Interim Final Rule Updating Requirements for Reporting and Notification of Confirmed and Suspected COVID-19 Cases Among Residents and Staff in Nursing Homes On May 6, 2020, CMS released a QSO memo addressing the Interim Final Rule requiring nursing homes to report to NHSN on COVID-19 as well as

In response to Mass Senior Care’s advocacy, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker and Executive Office of Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders last week announced a second round of funding, up to $130 million for nursing facilities to support COVID-19 response efforts over the next two months. This funding will support staffing costs, infection control and personal protective equipment (PPE). In addition to increased financial support, the Administration has required baseline testing for staff and residents of nursing facilities.

The Department of Public Health has announced it is making funding available to nursing homes and rest homes to purchase communicative technology. We encourage you to complete the application which is due Monday, May 11th. If you need assistance with equipment and pricing information, please contact Ann Marie Antolini at Mass Senior Care Association.

During National Nurses’ Week, Mass Senior Care want to thank you all for the extraordinary work you do each and every day and know that our number one priority is to provide you with the support and resources necessary to keep our facility staff safe and our residents well cared for.

CDC has launched a new mini webinar training series for frontline long-term care and nursing home staff. This series of 5 short webinars reviews basic infection prevention steps including: proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and facemasks, how and when to perform hand hygiene, how and when to clean surfaces, and the need to check residents and staff daily for symptoms of COVID-19.

The Interim final rule from CMS last night also delays implementation of new MDS items for SNF QRP. This delay will enable SNFs to continue using the current version of the MDS 3.0 v1.17.1. CMS will require SNFs to collect data on the transfer of health information measures and SPADES data on October 1 of the 1st of the year that is at least two full fiscal years after the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency.

This week clinical audits have begun for nursing facilities statewide. As discussed on the webinar last week, nursing facilities are being assessed on 5 core competencies included in the Infection Control Competency Checklist.

Mass Senior Care has learned the Executive Office of Health & Human Services (EOHHS) is planning to provide further testing guidance later this week. EOHHS has indicated that to meet this requirement, baseline testing will now be defined as 90% of residents being tested and 90% of employed staff who were tested on or after April 8th.

To further assist nursing facilities in meeting the May 25th requirement to conduct baseline COVID-19 testing on residents and staff, below is a summary of testing options. While the Executive Office of Health & Human Services (EOHHS) will provide further testing guidance in the next day, EOHHS has indicated that to meet this requirement baseline will be defined as 90% of residents being tested and 90% of employed staff who were tested on or after April 8th.

Memorandum To: Mass Senior Care Members From: Tara Gregorio, President Re: COVID-19 Updates: Communicative Technology for Long Term Care Facilities; Webinar to Review Cohorting and PPE; DPH Weekly Call Reminder; CMS COVID-19 Stakeholder Engagement Call Date: May 6, 2020 Communicative Technology for LTCFs - Application for Funding The Department of Public Health has announced that it is making funding available to nursing homes and rest homes to purchase communicative technology. Please note that there are different requirements and corresponding documents