The draft Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Item Sets version (v)1.20.1v3-Section_R_removed and Item Matrix v1.20.1v3-Section_R_removed are now available in the Downloads section on the Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) Manual page. The MDS Item Sets v1.20.1 will be effective beginning October 1, 2025.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced in a State Medicaid Director letter increased federal oversight in regard to state use of federal Medicaid dollars to cover health care for individuals who are in the country illegally.

Join AHCA/NCAL in Las Vegas, NV for their annual Convention & Expo! Delivering Solutions 25 emphasizes AHCA/NCAL’s commitment to improving the quality of life for residents in long term care and assisted living facilities.

Mass Senior Care is proud to announce that Stephanie Bruno, MS, LNHA, the Executive Director at Alliance Health at Rosewood, has been selected by the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) as a future leader in long term and post-acute care. Stephanie will participate in the nineteenth annual “Future Leaders of Long Term Care (LTC) in America” program hosted by AHCA/NCAL, which provides year-long training and mentorship for professionals in long term and post-acute care.

• FY 2026 Budget Conference Committee Appointed • MAVRIC Launch – June 2

• CMS Increased Oversight - Federal Medicaid Funding for Illegal Immigrants • Proposed Federal Financial Aide Cuts Raise Concerns for Massachusetts • UMass Lowell Launches Fully On-Line RN to BS Degree Program

• Nursing Facility Temporary Nursing Service (TNS) Agency Usage Data Trend • REMINDER: Expanded Suitability Review and Management Companies

Don't miss out on these important education programs!

On May 13th, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted a Federal Register notice of termination of the designation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghanistan. The termination is effective July 14, 2025. Absent court intervention, after July 14, 2025, nationals of Afghanistan who have been granted TPS under Afghanistan’s designation will no longer have TPS or work authorizations.