The supplemental budget signed into law by Governor Maura Healey also includes a provision extending for another year through March 31, 2025 the COVID-19 pandemic policy allowing Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA)-certified Assisted Living Residences (ALRs) to provide limited skilled nursing care, retain residents who require skilled care for more than 90 consecutive days, waives the EOEA ALR staffing requirements provided that an ALR ensures that it has sufficient staffing at all times to meet the needs of the residents, and waives training requirements as long as the ALR procures staff with adequate experience and provides on-the-job training to safely perform their duties as set out in the EOEA guidance issued on April 2, 2020.
For limited skilled nursing services to be provided, these services must be provided in accordance with valid medical orders and by nurses holding a valid nursing license permitting them to perform the services. The skilled care to be provided may include, but is not necessarily limited to, the application or replacement of simple non-sterile dressings, the application of eye drops, the application of ointments, the management of oxygen on a regular and continuing basis, and injections.
EOEA records indicate that approximately 9 ALRs out of the 271 certified ALRs provided limited skilled nursing care in 2023.