DPH released updated guidance increasing the duration of indoor visits, visitor testing, allowing indoor group activities, so long as safety measures are followed as outlined in the memo, and updates to compassionate care visitation including examples of what might be considered compassionate care. In addition, the DPH has made it clear that long term care facilities may not implement policies for out-of-state visitors traveling to Massachusetts to visit long-term care facility residents that are more restrictive than guidelines described in Governor Baker’s Travel Order.

We invite you to join an upcoming webinar, “Protect Your Power Source: Ensuring Diesel Fuel Reliability” on November 17, 2020, from 10:00 am – 11:30 am. Michelle Hilger, Diesel Fuel Services Manager at Powers Guaranteed Services, will discuss the importance of ongoing fuel maintenance for long-term stored fuel, the proposed changes coming for 2022 NFPA 110 regarding diesel fuel and best practices for fuel maintenance in New England. Facilities and maintenance staff are encouraged to attend this timely webinar as we prepare for the coming winter session.

Marcum, Mass Senior Care’s 2020 Educational Partner, is presenting a complimentary two-part webinar series on November 10th and November 17th. If your organization has received Provider Relief Fund (PRF) payments, you have likely visited the PRF Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page of the HHS.gov website. If you have not visited that page for the last few days, now is the time to visit again.

Mass Senior Care is pleased to welcome new members to our Association. Our Associate Members have demonstrated their commitment to the senior care provider community by joining Mass Senior Care and participating as exhibitors and sponsors for events and educational conferences. Mass Senior Care members are encouraged to contact Associate Members when they are in need of long term care products and services. You can find all of our Associate Members listed on our website, www.maseniorcare.org/preferred-vendors.

Reviews county positivity rates and staff testing for COVID-19 and reminds members the next DPH weekly call with providers is scheduled for Wednesday, November 4, 2020 at 11:00 a.m.

Provides information on the DPH scheduled public hearing on the proposed licensure regulations on Monday, November 9, 2020, renewal of expired and expiring licenses as well as HHS updates to Provider Relief Fund FAQs.

As a reminder, the deadline to submit your Intent to Apply (ITA) for a 2021 National Quality Award is Thursday, November 12 by 8 pm ET. Submit your ITA payment by logging in to the Quality Award Portal. We encourage members to log in to the Portal before the deadline to avoid any delays in setting up your user account. Late payments will not be accepted.

Earlier this week, U.S. News issued its 2021 Nursing Home Ratings. It includes separate ratings for short-term rehabilitation care and long-term chronic care.