Skilled nursing facilities are now required to report point-of-care (POC) test results performed under their CLIA waiver to the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) system.

MassHealth Nursing Facility Bulletin 150 delineates the requirements for participation for the new targeted Isolation Space Program, which replaces the original program which ended on September 30th. In order for MassHealth to approve a provider as a qualified nursing facility eligible to operate an isolation space under the new program, a nursing facility administrator or other appropriate representative must attest to the criteria specified in the Bulletin which is included as Appendix A, and must submit the executed form via

MassHealth Bulletin 154: Updated Room Density Reporting and Planning for Nursing Facilities clarified the process that facilities should follow when they are attesting to ‘exceptional circumstances’ when they file the CHIA online reporting form and attestation

Given the increased threats of cybersecurity incidents targeting U.S. hospitals and healthcare information systems, a joint cybersecurity advisory (Alert AA20-302A) has been issued by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This advisory describes the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) used by cybercriminals against targets in the Healthcare and Public Health Sector (HPH) to infect systems with Ryuk ransomware for financial gain.

Updates on HHS announcement of the first round of the $2 billion COVID-19 Infection Control incentive-based payments to nursing homes, DPH memo authorizing its testing vendor, the American Red Cross (ARC), to resume Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) testing on or about December 1, 2020, and the CDC releasement of new information on testing in nursing homes through the frequently asked questions website.

An update on MassHealth Bulletin 154: Updated Room Density Reporting and Planning for Nursing Facilities, the next weekly DPH call with providers and the next CMS COVID-19 call with Nursing Homes.

Announcements regarding the CMS development of an application template for requests for the use of Civil Money Penalty (CMP) Reinvestment funds to provide nursing homes with in-person visitation aids and donated hand sanitizers are available for pick-up on Thursday.

Shares information about the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) changes to the reporting requirements and expanded types of providers who could apply for Provider Relief Funds and the updated HHS NHSN Reporting Requirements.

Members are updated on de-densification summary and timeline for (1) MassHealth Room Density Reporting and (2) DPH proposed NF licensure changes, DPH list of references and resources for flu campaign; DPH Weekly Public Health Report move to Thursday release and infection control resources for Mass. LTC facilities.