The revised Nursing Home Five-Star Quality Rating System: Technical Users’ Guide is now available. The revised guide includes changes implemented in July 2024 made to the Staffing Domain star calculations, PDPM Nursing Case-Mix Indexes by Nursing CMG, Ranges for Point Values for Staffing Measures and cut-points for the hospitalization and ED visit quality measures.

The revised Appendix PP State Operations Manual Appendix PP - Guidance to Surveyors for Long Term Care Facilities is now available. The manual revision includes updates to the requirements and interpretive guidance for F 838 Facility Assessment per the Minimum Staffing Standards for Long-Term Care Facilities and Medicaid Institutional Payment Transparency Reporting Final Rule.

The final Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) User’s Manual version (v)1.19.1 is now available in the Downloads section on CMS’ MDS 3.0 RAI Manual webpage. It will be effective beginning October 01, 2024.

At yesterday’s Department of Public Health meeting the Public Health Council (PHC) responded to DPH data on the 2023-2024 Healthcare Personnel COVID-19 and Influenza Vaccination in Health Care Facilities. Nursing home vaccination rates lagged other health care providers in the States, which prompted concern from several PHC members arguing that the rates are unjustifiable and disturbing for health care providers, signaling additional action is possible.

On Monday, August 12, residents from MSCA member facilities, Alliance Health at Marina Bay, and Alliance Health at Maples were treated to a dream flight aboard an open-air, two-seater World War II plane! Six veterans had the opportunity to relive their flying days – it was an exciting and emotional experience for everyone involved.

Member Update: Medicare Provider Enrollment Site Visit Contractor Activity

Member Update: Test Kits for COVID-19 Outbreaks; 2023-2024 Nursing Home Health Care Personnel Vaccination Rates Lag Compared to other Health Care Entities; CMS Publishes 2025 Rule to Propose Expanded Nursing Home Reporting in NHSN

Member Update: COVID-19 Vaccine Availability; REMINDER: MassHealth Announces Important Change in LTC Eligibility Verification Timelines – Will Return to 30 Days Beginning September 2024

We look forward to seeing you at our November 14th Annual Meeting & Trade Show, where you will have opportunities to participate in educational sessions, network with peers, engage with exhibitors to learn about the latest products and services, and earn CEUs. MSCA is thrilled to host this year’s event at the elegantly restored, historic Wellsworth Hotel in Southbridge, MA!