Register now for today’s AHCA webinar on best practices for vaccine mandate, on Tuesday, August 24th, Mass Senior Care is hosting a webinar, Ask the Experts: Legal Update on the Massachusetts Nursing Home Staff Vaccination Mandate, which will cover the recent public health order, related DPH guidance, specified exemptions, potential accommodations, as well as tips and strategies for maintaining documentation and demonstrating compliance, and a reminder that under the American Rescue Plan, certain employers are entitled to tax credits for providing paid leave to employees who take time off related to COVID-19 vaccinations.

Marcum will be hosting a virtual two-part 2021 Long-Term Care Symposium on September 13-14, 2021. Click to get more information and registration.

MSCA Remembers Robert Neil Sibulkin, Former Owner of Clark Manor Nursing Home We are saddened to learn of the passing of Robert Neil Sibulkin. Robert previously owned and operated Clark Manor Nursing Home in Worcester, Massachusetts. Throughout his life, he volunteered and served on many committees wherever he lived. Please click here for information.

Nine Massachusetts skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers serviced by Marquis Health Consulting Services are collecting much-needed supplies for victims of the recent earthquake in Haiti, many of whom were left homeless and bereft. Items, including acetaminophen, gauze, syringes, bandages, bacitracin, cough medicine, flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, clothing, and shoes. Learn more at the drop off locations.

Cambridge-based Biobot Analytics has developed wastewater monitoring and testing for SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. The test which documents the amount of virus in the wastewater can provide an early warning of potential surges in Covid cases.

Over 50 member long term care providers joined the week-long Massachusetts Virtual Job Fair through the MassHire system. The Baker administration and MassHire Career Centers hosted the virtual job fair to connect jobseekers and employers. The virtual job fair consisted of two general job fairs and three industry-specific job fairs.

Mass Senior Care Association is looking forward to our first in-person event – the 2021 Leadership Convention at Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club in Brewster on Cape Cod. Please join us at this premier conference destination that offers a unique forum to exchange ideas, share experiences, earn CEUs and network with long term care professionals. Steven Littlehale is the featured speaker and will present on CMS Five-Star Success: Enhancing Quality Improvement and the Resident Experience.

As efforts continue to increase staff vaccination rates in long term care, AHCA/NCAL has created new materials to help support long term care providers. Three new handouts cover common questions raised by staff members when considering whether to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

CMS officials have announced that all nursing home staff must be vaccinated against Covid-19 as a condition of participation in the Medicare and Medicaid program. Additional details are expected to be announced.