Stories of our long term care heroes are more important than ever to share. Mass Senior Care is requesting caregiver stories of our long term care heroes which will be featured in the Mass Senior Care E-News Update and highlighted in weekly communication with lawmakers. We are interested in interviewing long term care staff of all positions that have a story to share about working in nursing facilities or long term care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

On March 12th, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health released updated guidance on visitation conditions, communal dining, and congregate activities. Residents and staff are grateful for the opportunity to share activities and meals together; the following photos are from the member facility’s Facebook page.

CMS has released a graphic to further explain the expanded visitation options in nursing facilities titled Mom’s vaccinated: when can I visit her in the nursing home?

Mass Senior Care reminds nursing facilities that the DPH has resumed annual recertification surveys. Nursing facilities should review their survey readiness protocols and procedures.

The State Senate is deliberating on the COVID-19 recovery bill today, following initial passage in the House of Representatives last week. The bill would (1) freeze unemployment insurance rates for 2 years and avoid planned rate increases for 2021 and 2022, (2) provide for state tax exemption on any forgiven loans that small businesses received last year through the federal Paycheck Protection Program and (3) establish a new emergency COVID-19 paid leave program with up to one week of coverage (40 hours for FTE).

The Senate Finance Committee yesterday held a public hearing on the impact of COVID-19 on nursing homes, with a broad range of witnesses from academia, government agencies (GAO) and advocacy organizations (SEIU, AARP, Ombudsman) and AHCA. Testimony and Senate questions focused primarily on the adequacy of staffing levels, ownership structure and data transparency.

A memo discussing the Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA) release of revised guidance for ALRs.

A notice to members that the updated Surveillance Testing Guidance released by DPH on March 12, 2021 includes the requirement that individuals more than 6 months from the date of original infection be included in surveillance testing, Mass Senior Care is offering members a free informational session regarding details about CNA training opportunities and the next weekly DPH call with providers is scheduled for Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at 11:00 a.m.

An announcement to members that AHCA/NCAL will host a webinar on Tuesday, March 16 at 2PM Eastern to brief members on a co-branded AHCA/NCAL and LeadingAge reform proposal and a reminder about nursing home residents, medicaid, and stimulus checks.​

Today, DPH released updated guidance on four previous guidance documents. Click below for further details.