Register for a virtual session on how to support the emotional well-being of staff, and learn valuable tools for nursing facility leaders to provide continued support to staff in a post-COVID-19 environment. There are four sessions available beginning on March 30, 2021. Don't miss this important education program.

​​​​​​​CMS will host a webinar on Tuesday, March 30, 2021, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. to educate providers about to the Annual Payment Update (APU) process to achieve full APU. This webinar will cover the relationship between the APU and the SNF Quality Reporting Program, associated data submission requirements, and the reconsideration process for providers who are identified as being noncompliant. Register today or request a webinar recording.

The AHCA/NCAL Infection Control Certificate Program is designed for skilled nursing and assisted living staff to provide targeted eLearning modules as well as digital competencies. This program includes a toolkit to help you publicize your commitment to staff education on infection control. Your staff, your residents, and their families will feel more confident and at ease when you make this program available for your frontline workers. Learn more and register for a demo today!

A notification about the most recent county positivity rate for Barnstable County is at 5.59% and the PPE.Exchange marketplace is offering an opportunity to place a group order to access wholesale prices direct from the manufacturer.

An update on Massachusetts Department of Public Health Guidance Reopen Approach for Health Care Providers Phase 4: New Normal effective March 22, 2021, replaces and supersedes all prior reopening guidance for acute care hospitals and other health care providers.

This memorandum discusses the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) National Emphasis Program (NEP) to ensure employees in high-hazard industries are protected from contracting COVID-19, a Boston Globe story touting vaccine success in nursing homes and a reminder: Medicare Accelerated and Advance Payment (AAP) Repayment.

An update on DPH clarification on quarantine and vaccinated new admissions and readmissions and information on MSCA virtual sessions on supporting the emotional well-being of staff.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) last week issued a report analyzing CMS’ use of nursing home staffing data. The OIG report credited CMS with taking important steps to inform consumers on nursing home staffing but offered the following recommendations to better inform consumers and improve nursing home oversight.

National Partnership to Improve Dementia Care and Quality Assurance Performance Improvement will host a call for long-term care providers on Dementia-related psychosis on Tuesday, March 23 from 1:30 to 3 pm ET.