The memo discusses an important CMS announcement today at 4:30 PM Eastern and provides reminders about the weekly DPH and CMS COVID-19 Calls.

The update highlights CMS Antigen Point of Care Testing Devices and invites Mass Senior Care Association members to register for a Financial Report webinar.

Addresses Enrollment Open for National Nursing Home COVID-19 Safety Program, NHSN Updates Instructions and Adds Testing Questions and the CMS-CDC Fundamentals Webinar Series.

Mass Senior Care Association invites members to join us and CLA for a timely, complimentary webinar on Monday, August 24, 2020 from 11:00 am to 12:00pm. The goal of this presentation is to prepare members for CHIA’s Final Financial Report and Federal single-audit requirements.

As part of CMS recently announced $5 billion investment package for skilled nursing facility, $250 million of this funding will be allocated for the National Nursing Home COVID-19 Safety Program led by Project ECHO. The MSCA/HSL Command Center is participating in this CMS funded initiative by establishing local learning hubs. Nursing facilities interested in participating can enroll by completing the enclosed participation form.

Provides clarification on the Update July Surveillance Testing “Pending” Results by Friday and a correction that there is no need to re-submit in the RedCap portal.

Discusses information regarding Update Surveillance Testing “Pending” Results by Friday - Required for EOHHS Payments, CMS to Return to Normal Survey Process and the DPH Weekly Call Reminder.

This memo includes COVID-19 updates on August Update for Surveillance Testing Guidance; Changes to REDCap Portal; DPH Updates Visitation Guidance and Important Reports to Review.