Mass Senior Care is reminding members that the full June LTC Medicaid payment will be made on the normal payment schedule, Massachusetts State Court Issued a narrow temporary restraining order in regard to involuntary transfer of residents resulting from DPH’s implementation of de-densification requirement, the Berkshire Eagle published an op-ed today by Tara Gregorio, President of Massachusetts Senior Care Association calling for the Legislature and Governor Baker to approve and fund $238 million for a vital workforce investment proposal.

Today, the DPH released revised guidance on Antigen Rapid Point of Care COVID-19 Testing for Long-Term Care (LTC) Facilities, skilled nursing facilities that participate in the Skilled Nursing Facility Quality Reporting Program (QRP) must have the weekly health care personnel COVID-19 vaccination summary data entered into the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) by May 16, 2022​ for the 2021 Quarter 4 (October 1 – December 31, 2021), and as noted in the CMS FAQs for In-Person Visitation Aids, Civil Money Penalty (CMP) Reinvestment funds are available to certified nursing facilities to add portable fans and portable room air cleaners with high-efficiency (HEPA H-13 or H-14) filters to increase and improve air quality in nursing homes.

MassHealth requires that nursing facilities and chronic disease and rehabilitation inpatient hospitals account for the balances of personal needs allowance (PNA) account funds.

CMS will be holding a webinar on May 25th at 2:00pm on the “Culture Change in Long Term Care.

Hamel-Lydon Chapel & Cremation Service of Massachusetts, an Associate Member of Mass Senior Care Association, appreciates the special care and dedication that frontline healthcare workers provide to patients on a regular basis. We understand that the same compassion is required when we serve families and their loved ones under our professional care.

Nominations for the 2022 ACHA/NCAL awards programs are now open! AHCA/NCAL members are strongly encouraged to nominate those in their community who go above and beyond to provide exceptional service in the long term care profession.

The Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) updated its comprehensive quality strategy that reflects MassHealth’s quality goals and objectives, quality management framework and agency-wide quality activities. The quality strategy incorporates CMS guidance utilizing the updated Quality Strategy Toolkit, and also maintains adherence to the regulatory managed care rule requirements.

Amidst the flurry of activities happening in skilled nursing facilities this week, it was heartwarming to see the smiles on residents’ faces as they enjoyed a variety of events celebrating National Skilled Nursing Care Week (NSNCW).

The Senate Ways and Means (SWM) Committee this week released its FY 2023 budget recommendation totaling $49.7 billion, including $75 million for nursing facility direct care staff and patient quality supports to continue investments. The $75 million in Medicaid funding would be distributed as a rate add on for direct care staffing costs ($56.25 million) and for a supplemental payment to promote quality improvement ($18.75 million).