Member Resources

National Healthcare Decisions Month inspires, educates and empowers the public about the importance of advance care planning. This year marks the 10th anniversary of National Healthcare Decisions Day. In recognition of this milestone and in support of increasing awareness of the value of advance care planning, the Massachusetts Coalition for Serious Illness Care and its more than 70 member organizations including Mass Senior Care are working together to bring an expanded, month-long version of this effort to Massachusetts. This program

During National Nursing Home Week® (NNHW), May 14 to 20, 2017, skilled nursing care centers will unite under the theme, “The Spirit of America.” This theme underscores the bond between staff, volunteers and residents that capture the American spirit. Click here to download the 2017 Planning Guide and Product Catalog! To order 2017 NNHW products, visit the AHCA publications website here! Established by the American Health Care Association (AHCA) in 1967 and always beginning on Mother’s Day, NNHW provides an

Congress nullified OSHA’s rule finalized in December 2016 “Clarification of Employer’s Continuing Obligation to Make and Maintain Accurate Records of Each Recordable Injury and Illness,” informally referred to as the “Volks” rule. The Volks rule made recordkeeping requirements a continuing obligation and effectively gave OSHA the ability to issue citations to employers for failing to record work-related injuries and illnesses during the 5-year retention period, contrary to the six-month statute of limitations. President Trump has indicated he will sign the

The Committee on House Ways and Means earlier this week released its state FY 2018 budget recommendation, totaling $40.3 billion, representing a 3.8% increase over the current SFY 2017 budget. The Committee’s recommendation includes $180 million more than Governor Baker’s House 1 recommendation, $17.8 million of which is dedicated to Medicaid nursing facility funding. Mass Senior Care is grateful to Chairman Brain Dempsey, Speaker Robert DeLeo and the House of Representatives for their support of quality nursing home care. 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 March 2017. This new file is meant to replace the updated LEIE database file available for download last month. Individuals and entities that have been reinstated to the federal health care programs are not included in this file. https://oig.hhs.gov/exclusions/exclusions_list.asp The updated files are posted on the OIG’s

During National Nursing Home Week® (NNHW), May 14 to 20, 2017, skilled nursing care centers will unite under the theme, “The Spirit of America.” This theme underscores the bond between staff, volunteers and residents that capture the American spirit. Click here to download the 2017 Planning Guide and Product Catalog! To order 2017 NNHW products, visit the AHCA publications website here! Established by the American Health Care Association (AHCA) in 1967 and always beginning on Mother’s Day, NNHW provides an

Mass Senior Care is pleased to announce a partnership with The Massachusetts Coalition for the Prevention of Medical Errors on a learning collaborative to support facilities in developing, enhancing and sustaining resident and/or family councils. High- functioning resident and family councils in partnership with staff can serve to foster person-centered care by creating processes to proactively identify and address concerns, and move toward new possibilities in quality of care and quality of resident life. Our goal is to establish the

As a condition of licensure all long term care facilities are required to submit annual data on the healthcare personnel influenza vaccination. Failure to submit the required influenza data may result in a statement of deficiency against the facility to which the facility will be required to submit a plan of correction subject to enforcement action as warranted. Compliance with this regulatory requirement will also be assessed during surveys currently conducted by DPH. Detailed instructions for completing the DPH 2016-2017

The Saling ALS Residence of Leonard Florence Center for Living The Saling ALS Residence of Leonard Florence Center for Living in Chelsea was recently featured on Fox News. The residence is dedicated to caring for individuals living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease. Located on the second floor, the Saling ALS residence is equipped with the latest computer-operated technology to allow individuals with ALS the most amount of independence possible. Steve Sailing, a resident

The Massachusetts Senior Care Foundation's annual scholarship program assists long term care staff in meeting their personal and professional goals through furthering their education. Since 1985, the Foundation has awarded $2.7 million in scholarships to nearly 1,600 "Foundation Scholars" across Massachusetts. The Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2017 scholarship awards. Scholarships of up to $2000 will be awarded to selected applicants to help cover direct, out of pocket expenses for tuition, fees, books and supplies during the 2017

Under the current SFY 2018 direct care add on program, each nursing facility will be required to electronically submit data to EOHHS using a Nursing Facility Direct Care Add-on application. The Interim Filing is due on April 30 thand the Final Filing is due on September 30 th. To be able to access the electronic Direct Care Compliance Form worksheet on the state’s website, EOHHS is requiring each nursing facility to first designate a contact person who will submit data

On Monday, April 3, 2017, Bill Bogdanovich, Mass Senior Care Chairman and members representing skilled nursing facilities and rest homes testified in response to numerous concerns regarding the Department of Public Health's (DPH) regulatory proposal to both (1) eliminate the grandfathering provision for long term care facilities constructed prior to 1968 and (2) reduce the number of beds per room to no more than two. Mass Senior Care and members spoke to the potential obstacles of achieving compliance due to

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health, in collaboration with the Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association, Healthcentric Advisors/New England QIN-QIO, Massachusetts Senior Care Association, and the Massachusetts Coalition for the Prevention of Medical Errors is pleased to offer a one day antimicrobial stewardship program on May 3 rd 2017 from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. The meeting will be held at the Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association, Burlington Massachusetts. The target audience includes: Health care professionals including physicians, pharmacists, nurses, quality

During National Nursing Home Week® (NNHW), May 14 to 20, 2017, skilled nursing care centers will unite under the theme, “The Spirit of America.” This theme underscores the bond between staff, volunteers and residents that capture the American spirit. Click here to download the 2017 Planning Guide and Product Catalog! To order 2017 NNHW products, visit the AHCA publications website here! Established by the American Health Care Association (AHCA) in 1967 and always beginning on Mother’s Day, NNHW provides an

The Massachusetts Senior Care Foundation's annual scholarship program assists long term care staff in meeting their personal and professional goals through furthering their education. Since 1985, the Foundation has awarded $2.7 million in scholarships to nearly 1,600 "Foundation Scholars" across Massachusetts. The Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2017 scholarship awards. Scholarships of up to $2000 will be awarded to selected applicants to help cover direct, out of pocket expenses for tuition, fees, books and supplies during the 2017

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) MLN will host a NPC for the Emergency Preparedness Requirements for Medicare & Medicaid Participating Providers and Suppliers Final Rule on Thursday, April 27, 2017 from 2:30pm-3:30pm ET. The call will include a review of provisions and focus on Training and Testing Requirements. To register or for more information, visit MLN Connects® Event Registration. Space may be limited, so please register early.

On March 24, 2017, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued Survey and Certification Memorandum 17-21 to provide information to assist providers and suppliers in meeting the Training and Testing requirements of the new Emergency Preparedness Final Rule that was published on September 16, 2016 (81 FR 63860) and became effective on November 15, 2016. The Emergency Preparedness Requirements for Medicare and Medicaid Participating Providers and Suppliers Final Rule became effective on November 15, 2016 with an implementation

Mass Senior Care is pleased to announce a partnership with The Massachusetts Coalition for the Prevention of Medical Errors on a learning collaborative to support facilities in developing, enhancing and sustaining resident and/or family councils. High- functioning resident and family councils in partnership with staff can serve to foster person-centered care by creating processes to proactively identify and address concerns, and move toward new possibilities in quality of care and quality of resident life. Our goal is to establish the

Mass Senior Care’s Clinical Quality Committee and Regulatory & Survey Committee meetings have been rescheduled for Wednesday, April 12 th due to recent inclement weather. Facility members are invited to participate in these committees. The meetings will be held at the Mass Senior Care office in Waltham, please contact Jennifer Chen at jchen@maseniorcare.org if you are interested in attending. Rescheduled Meetings Clinical Quality Committee (Formerly “Clinical Leaders” Workgroup) Wednesday, April 12 th, 10am – 12pm Regulatory and Survey Committee Wednesday

On Tuesday evening, March 21st, in Maloney Hall at UMass, Lowell campus, Massachusetts Senior Care’s Director of Government Relations, Lauren Corcoran, offered oral testimony to nine Senators and the Senate President, as part of the Senate’s Commonwealth Conversations 2017 series.

Last week's Mass Senior Care Spring Conference & Trade Show brought together a sold-out crowd of over 600 long-term care professionals from across the state. Mass Senior Care Association Chairman Bill Bogdanovich opened the morning session, introducing the Association’s new President Tara Gregorio who began her term January 1, 2017. Gregorio previously served as the Association’s Senior Vice President and was responsible for legislative advocacy and government relations. During her remarks, Gregorio thanked the sponsors and exhibitors for their continued

Honoring Choices is working with our Partners to invite every consumer and care provider across the Commonwealth to take part in an open dialogue about MOLST ( Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment). Their goal is to work together to build a MOLST process that is responsive to each individual’s changing health needs and choices throughout their health care journey and at the end of life. Honoring Choices and the Mass Medical Society will host a program MOLST: Meeting the Challenge

During National Nursing Home Week® (NNHW), May 14 to 20, 2017, skilled nursing care centers will unite under the theme, “The Spirit of America.” This theme underscores the bond between staff, volunteers and residents that capture the American spirit. Click here to download the 2017 Planning Guide and Product Catalog! To order 2017 NNHW products, visit the AHCA publications website here! Established by the American Health Care Association (AHCA) in 1967 and always beginning on Mother’s Day, NNHW provides an

We are saddened to learn of the death of Murray Altsher, co-founder of Landa & Altsher. Murray was active in the long term care profession – building, renovating and revitalizing nursing homes throughout New England. Landa & Altsher, a longtime Associate Member of Mass Senior Care Association, later merged with CliftonLarsonAllen, one of the nation’s top 10 certified public accounting and consulting firms. We extend our deepest condolences to the Altsher family.

Mass Senior Care’s Clinical Quality Committee and Regulatory & Survey Committee meetings have been rescheduled for Wednesday, April 12 th due to this week’s inclement weather. Facility members are invited to participate in these committees. The meetings will be held at the Mass Senior Care office in Waltham, please contact Jennifer Chen at jchen@maseniorcare.org if you are interested in attending. Rescheduled Meetings Clinical Quality Committee (Formerly “Clinical Leaders” Workgroup) Wednesday, April 12 th, 10am – 12pm Regulatory and Survey Committee

The MassMAP Annual Regional Education Workshops will be held at various facilities across Massachusetts this April. The focus for these workshops is to bring each region together in their respective areas to improve each facility’s overall capability to prepare for, respond to and recover from a disaster. Click here for details on those sessions and to sign up today. This program is for MassMAP members only and all members must be up to date with MassMAP Membership Dues in order

House Republicans in the House Budget Committee today voted to approve the ‘American Health Care Act’ bill, which would repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. The bill passed by a vote of 19-17 on a nearly party-line vote, but 3 Republicans on the panel voted against passage. The bill now moves to the full House, where House leadership hopes to bring it up for a vote later this month. The defection of the three Republican Committee panel members is

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 February 2017. This new file is meant to replace the updated LEIE database file available for download last month. Individuals and entities that have been reinstated to the federal health care programs are not included in this file. The updated files are posted on the OIG’s website

On March 2, 2017 the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued Survey and Certification Memorandum 17-20-NF providing an update on the 2017 Special Focus Facility (SFF) Program. Total SFF slots and candidates for each State: The number of designated slots and candidates for FY 2017 will not change from those effective since May 1, 2014. Initial selection notice: The State Survey Agency (SA) must notify the provider in writing of their SFF selection and conduct a meeting (either

CMS will host the next National Partnership to Improve Dementia Care and QAPI call on March 21 from 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm. This call will focus on Creating a Culture of Person-Directed Dementia Care project grant award. The Lake Superior Quality Innovation Network will share information about the new QAPI Written Plan How-To Guide that can assist long-term care providers with performance improvement efforts. Additionally, CMS experts share updates on the progress of the National Partnership to Improve Dementia

The Massachusetts Senior Care Foundation's annual scholarship program assists long term care staff in meeting their personal and professional goals through furthering their education. Since 1985, the Foundation has awarded $2.7 million in scholarships to nearly 1,600 "Foundation Scholars" across Massachusetts. The Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2017 scholarship awards. Scholarships of up to $2000 will be awarded to selected applicants to help cover direct, out of pocket expenses for tuition, fees, books and supplies during the 2017

Mass Senior Care Association seeks members to join newly established and existing policy committees. These committees provide unique ways for Mass Senior Care members to involve themselves in specialized areas of interest and expertise as well as learn from fellow colleagues and advance public policy affecting the long term care community. Committee participation is for facility members only. Please view descriptions of each committee by clicking here. If you are interested in participating, please complete the form using the following

On February 28, 2017 the Executive Office of Elder Affairs State Ombudsman sent a letter to all Massachusetts Nursing Homes further clarifying the F203 §483.15(c) (3) Notice before transfer. This information is consistent with the Requirements of Participation FAQs that Mass Senior Care has provided to our members. Please contact Helen Magliozzi, Director of Regulatory Affairs if you have any questions.

Earlier this week, House Republicans introduced their long-awaited plan to Repeal and Replace the Affordable Care Act. The bill would eliminate the mandate for individuals to purchase health insurance and replace it with a new system that provides tax credits to encourage individuals to purchase insurance in the marketplace. Under the current system, Medicaid is an entitlement program with an open-ended commitment that the federal government will pay its share for individuals who qualify for benefits. Under the House bill

More than 50 administrators, staff, residents and family members attended a recent legislative gathering hosted by BaneCare Management at Bay Path Skilled Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. Senator Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth) and Representative John Cutler (D-Duxbury) spent time with residents and family members and participated in a Q&A session led by Bay Path Administrator Marianne Welch-Martinez. Both Senator O’Connor and Representative Cutler stated their support for adequate investment in the Commonwealth’s nursing homes, particularly in regard to staffing . Rich Bane

In regard to Managed Care Organization (MCO) billing issues, MassHealth has asked Mass Senior Care to communicate to members information the agency issued last June. Below please find the information MassHealth sent to nursing facilities in June 2016. MassHealth in June 2016 week issued separate letters to MCO Key Contacts and Nursing Facility Key Contacts in regard to policy and billing issues regarding MCO coverage of skilled nursing services. Please click here for a copy of both MassHealth letters. Immediately

Mass Senior Care is pleased to welcome our new Associate Members. 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. EarthSafe Chemical Alternatives, of Braintree, MA, develops powerful yet safe, non-toxic and biodegradable solutions for industry including infection

The majority of patients in LTC settings fall each year and the costs related to medical care and human suffering are prohibitive. The team at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Partners HealthCare developed the Fall TIPS (Tailoring Interventions for Patient Safety) program for use in acute care hospitals and demonstrated a 25% reduction in falls. They are looking for skilled nursing facilities to participate in a fall prevention project that aims to collaborate with skilled nursing staff and patients to

The Massachusetts Senior Care Foundation's annual scholarship program assists long term care staff in meeting their personal and professional goals through furthering their education. Since 1985, the Foundation has awarded $2.7 million in scholarships to nearly 1,600 "Foundation Scholars" across Massachusetts. The Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2017 scholarship awards. Scholarships of up to $2000 will be awarded to selected applicants to help cover direct, out of pocket expenses for tuition, fees, books and supplies during the 2017

The MassMAP Annual Regional Education Workshops will be held at various facilities across Massachusetts this April. The focus for these workshops is to bring each region together in their respective areas to improve each facility’s overall capability to prepare for, respond to and recover from a disaster. Click here for details on those sessions and to sign up today. This program is for MassMAP members only and all members must be up to date with MassMAP Membership Dues in order

Mass Senior Care Association seeks members to join newly established and existing policy committees. These committees provide unique ways for Mass Senior Care members to involve themselves in specialized areas of interest and expertise as well as learn from fellow colleagues and advance public policy affecting the long term care community. Committee participation is for facility members only. Please view descriptions of each committee by clicking here. If you are interested in participating, please complete the form using the following

Mass Senior Care Associate Member Russell Phillips & Associates has provided the following update on the 2012 edition of the Life Safety Code. After years in the making, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) made it official - effective July 2016 CMS adopted the 2012 edition of the Life Safety Code® (NFPA 101), replacing the 2000 edition. This change brought with it many new and changed requirements and, in general, your buildings needed to be in compliance with

The Massachusetts Senior Care Association is pleased to announce we will be offering our Associate Members sponsorship opportunities through our annual trade shows and popular education and seminar events. Our annual Trade Shows and Education Seminars attracts industry leaders and decision makers in long term and post-acute care. Reach key contacts who are actively seeking the latest innovations in healthcare technologies, services, and solutions. Connect face-to-face with decision makers, ranging from regional multi-facility owners, independent owners, clinical leaders and operations

Please join us at our 2017 Spring Conference & Trade Show, READY OR NOT HERE THEY COME: THE REALITY OF READMISSION PENALTIES on March 23 rd at the Boxboro Regency Hotel & Conference Center (formerly the Holiday Inn Boxborough). This program will feature dynamic and informative experts in the field of avoidable rehospitalizations who will share their knowledge and provide best practice information. Administrators, nurse leaders, and other key staff should plan to attend this important conference. A total of

Dodge Park Rest Home held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, January 23rd, introducing its new state-of-the art Oasis facility in Worcester. “The Oasis facility is specifically designed around the needs of individuals with memory loss and cognitive disabilities. It is the only rest home in the region with a dementia care special unit," stated co-owner Micha Shalev. The project recently completed Phase I, which will accommodate 50 residents while Phase II will accommodate an additional 32 individuals when completed

Senior Care Association is pleased to announce our renewed partnership arrangement with the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living Gero Nurse Prep Course. This program is specifically designed for RNs working in long-term care and provides comprehensive on-line training leading to board certification in gerontological nursing. Gero Nurse Prep graduates have a 96 percent success rate on the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) certification exam the first time they take the test. Research conducted by AHCA/NCAL in 2016

The Department of Public Health has announced an update on its Construction Site Plan Reviews. Effective with plans submitted on or after March 1, 2017, any project that involves patient care areas, and with an estimated project construction cost of less than $2,000,000, will qualify for Self-Certification review, with the exception of hospice inpatient facilities and long term care facilities originally designed and constructed in accordance with the 1968 or 1972 edition of DPH construction standards. For eligible nursing facilities

In response to members' questions, Mass Senior Care has added clarification on the FAQs distributed to members on January 30, 2017. The FAQs now contain further clarification on the following requirements: 1. Reporting abuse, neglect, exploitation or mistreatment, including injuries of unknown source and misappropriation of resident property, and 2. Sending Copies of Transfers and Discharges to the State Ombudsman. Please contact Helen Magliozzi, MSCA Director of Regulatory Affairs with any questions. 2.6.17 - FAQs Clarification Version 1.1 1.30.17 -

Mass Senior Care Association seeks members to join newly established and existing policy committees. These committees provide unique ways for Mass Senior Care members to involve themselves in specialized areas of interest and expertise as well as learn from fellow colleagues and advance public policy affecting the long term care community. Committee participation is for facility members only. Please view descriptions of each committee by clicking here. If you are interested in participating, please complete the form using the following

Please join us at our 2017 Spring Conference & Trade Show, READY OR NOT HERE THEY COME: THE REALITY OF READMISSION PENALTIES on March 23 rd at the Boxboro Regency Hotel & Conference Center (formerly the Holiday Inn Boxborough). This program will feature dynamic and informative experts in the field of avoidable rehospitalizations who will share their knowledge and provide best practice information. Administrators, nurse leaders, and other key staff should plan to attend this important conference. A total of