CMS granted DPH's request for an extension of the 1135 waiver of the requirements contained in 42 CFR §483.35(d) Training and Certification of Nurse Aides for Massachusetts SNF/NFs, and on September 26. 2022, CMS released an update to QSO Memo QSO-22-25-CLIA​​ which rescinds enforcement discretion for the use of SARS-CoV-2 tests not FDA approved for use among asymptomatic individuals outside of the test’s instructions for use.

MassHealth has published a corrected version of All Provider Bulletin 354.

As providers prepare​ for the November 14 Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) deadline to submit staffing hours for July 1 – September 30, 2022, they should keep the following three things in mind. ​Providers should submit their data early and review the staffing reports that are available in CASPER to verify the accuracy and completeness of their submission. If errors are found, providers should correct the data prior to the final submission deadline. Providers must submit the number of hours each

Here is what other providers are saying about their experience.

On September 26, 2022, DPH filed a state-specific waiver request with CMS to extend the deadline for long-term care facilities in Massachusetts to come into compliance with the nurse aide training and certification requirements until December 31, 2022.

Wishing all of our colleagues who celebrate Rosh Hashanah a year ahead filled with many blessings, good health and happiness.

Join the Advanced Cybersecurity Center (ACSC), Massachusetts eHealth Institute (MeHI), and the MassCyberCenter on October 13 for our monthly health care provider cybersecurity call. As always, we will be joined by representatives of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Massachusetts State Police and Commonwealth Fusion Center who will provide updates on recent cyber threats and trends. This call takes place during 2022 Massachusetts Cybersecurity Month and will include a discussion on cybersecurity threat sharing moderated by the ACSC.

Mass Senior Care will be hosting two virtual workshops to address the changes to the MDS that will become effective October 2023. Presenter for both workshops will be Maureen McCarthy, President and CEO of Celtic Consulting, LLC.