Secretary of Health and Human Services renewed the ongoing federal Public Health Emergency effective July 20, 2021, DPH released updated guidance on the implementation of the Order of the Commissioner of Public Health regarding Control of COVID-19 in Long-Term Care Facilities, additional measures to prevent Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) transmission in long-term care facilities in Barnstable County, and temporary licenses granted to nurses during the COVID-19 public health emergency will expire on September 15, 2021.

EOHHS/UMASS issues Direct Care Cost Quotient (DCC-Q) final filing notice to providers: July 30th Deadline, and information on DPH Weekly COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Bulletin.

AHCA will be having Part 2 of their Food and Nutrition Survey webinar on August 12th. This presentation identifies top citations in food and nutrition services including recent F880 Infection Control tags. As states open up annual surveys, this presentation gives you the tools to be ready. Registration is only available to AHCA/NCAL members.

Governor Charlie Baker is currently reviewing the FY 2022 budget recommendation. Please urge Governor Baker to sign into law two important nursing facility provisions in Medicaid Line Item 4000-0601 which would set Medicaid nursing facility rates using more current 2019 costs and provide an rate add-on for nursing facilities caring for over 75% of Medicaid residents. Take Action Now!

Register for Mass Senior Care's upcoming DNS Strategies for Success: Building Nursing Leadership series and the Living Life to the End with Dignity, Respect and Understanding series for long term care staff. Don't miss these programs!

The Legislature yesterday adopted its FY 2022 budget recommendation and Mass Senior Care is pleased to report that the Legislature has recommended appropriating additional funding to set Medicaid nursing facility rates using calendar year 2019 costs and to provide an additional rate add on for facilities with a disproportionate share of Medicaid residents totaling over 75%.

On July 12, 2021 the DPH released an updated memorandum on Control of COVID-19 in Long-Term Care Facilities.

DPH released clinical guidance regarding management of COVID-19 recovered individuals in long-term care facilities, non-acute hospitals and other congregate facilities who test positive again more than 3 months after their original symptom onset or original positive test, CMS released minor updates to is Medicare Accelerated and Advance Payment FAQs, and a reminder about the DPH Monthly Call.

On May 28, 2021, the Commonwealth enacted a COVID-19 Emergency Paid Sick Leave law, and the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing has scheduled a virtual hearing on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at 11:00am.