Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas on May 22nd announced a new 18-month designation of Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). This new TPS designation enables Haitian nationals (and individuals without nationality who last resided in Haiti) currently residing in the United States as of May 21, 2021 to file initial applications for TPS, so long as they meet eligibility requirements.

The Legislature has enacted and sent to Governor Baker a bill to address the issue of higher than anticipated solvency assessments in the first quarter of calendar year 2021. The state Department of Unemployment Assistance last month notified employers that the deadline for first quarter unemployment insurance payments had been delayed from April 30th to June 1st, to allow the Administration and legislature time to address the issue of higher than anticipated solvency assessments in the first quarter.

Registration is now open for AHCA's 72nd AHCA/NCAL Convention & Expo which takes place from October 10-13 at the National Harbor outside Washington, DC. Visit AHCAconvention.org for a special message and invitation from AHCA/NCAL President & CEO Mark Parkinson.

Mass Senior Care Association continues to work with our member long term care facilities to increase COVID-19 vaccination rates among residents and staff. To assist members with talking to long term care staff, residents, and family members about the importance of getting a COVID-19 vaccine, Mass Senior Care is sharing updated and new resources as part of our ongoing campaign “Arming Ourselves Against COVID-19”.

Last chance to register for Mass Senior Care's MDS 3.0 for PDPM: Confidence in Coding webinar on June 3rd.

The next meeting of the MSCA OUD Task Force is scheduled for Monday, June 14, 2021 from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm. This meeting is for Mass Senior Care provider members only. Registration is required.

Mass Senior Care is working with MassHealth on transportation issues related to the termination of ambulance contracts and also continues to work with our member long term care facilities to increase COVID-19 vaccination rates among residents and staff.

Today DPH announced updated guidance allowing LTC facilities to request BinaxNOW test kits from DPH through August 2021 and the next weekly DPH call with providers is scheduled for Wednesday, May 26 at 11:00 a.m.

Members are informed on DPH update to Caring for Long-Term Care Residents During the COVID-19 Emergency, COVID-19 vaccine safety message from CDC, requesting PPE from DPH, a pause in the distribution of Bamlanivimab/etesevimab and NHSN vaccine module training.

A memo on the Legislature sending Governor Baker a bill to address (1) DUA Solvency Assessments and (2) COVID-19 Emergency Paid Sick Leave Program.