On July 2, DPH released a memo on Candida auris and Carbapenemase-producing Organism Surveillance Activity in the Commonwealth.

On Wednesday, June 26th, CMS posted an unpublished version of the Proposed Rule: Calendar Year 2025 Home Health Prospective Payment System Rate Update; Home Health Quality Reporting Program Requirements; etc. to the Federal Register.

AHCA/NCAL has been laser-focused on defeating the minimum staffing rule. In June, more than 600 AHCA/NCAL members went to DC for Congressional Briefing and visited more than 275 Congressional offices advocating against the minimum staffing rule. It is important lean into this advocacy momentum and continue the fight through facility & community tours.

Member Update: EOHHS Issues Request for Applications (RFA) for Nursing Facility Specialized Behavioral Unit; 2024 DCC-Q Online Portal Now Available for Data Entry; Nursing Home Compare Changes Take Effect July 31st

Member Updates: EOHHS through UMASS Issues RY24 DCC-Q FINAL Filing Update; Temporary Protected Status Extended for Haitian Immigrants; July 2024 Health Care Provider Cybersecurity Call

Member Update: House of Representatives Passes Economic Development Bond Bill: Includes $50 Million Authorization for Nursing Facility Capital Loan Program; US Supreme Court Reverses Chevron Decision: Curtails Federal Regulatory Agencies’ Ability to Interpret Laws

Mass Senior Care will once again be offering AHCA/NCAL Quality Award workshops to help members better understand how to complete the application from beginning to end with coaching support along the way from expert trainers. If you are considering applying for one of the three Quality Awards, we highly recommend that you register for a workshop.

The DPH and Mass Senior Care continue to encourage nursing facilities to vaccinate residents and staff with the most up to date COVID-19 vaccine.