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).