In this memo we are providing you with updates on: MassHealth Monthly Supplemental Payment; Reminders: Weekly DPH and CMS Calls; Complimentary Webinar: Federal Funding Assistance for COVID-19 Response and Recovery; and Update on National Skilled Nursing Care Week

On Monday, April 20th, Mass Senior Care hosted "Crisis Communications for LTC Providers During COVID-19" webinar for Mass Senior Care provider members. Handouts include Crisis Communications Tips for Members; Sample Press Statement.

In this memo we are providing you with updates on: CMS Issues New Recommendations for Guidelines For Opening Up America Again; Upcoming Requirements for Notification of Confirmed COVID-19 or PUI Among Residents and Staff in Nursing Homes; Commonwealth Magazine Media Coverage; Nebulizing Guidance

In this memo we are providing you with updates on: Boston Globe Op-Ed Calls for Immediate Action to Protect Nursing Facility Staff and Residents; CDC Updated Criteria for Return to Work; Governor Baker Signs Into Law Liability Protections for Health Care Workers and Facilities; Mass Senior Care Offers Crisis Communications Webinar – April 20th

In this memo we are providing you with updates on: Governor Baker Announces Crisis Management Help for Long Term Care Facilities Updates to Provider Relief Fund Website Long-Term Care Staffing Portal Offers $1,000 Sign on Bonus Mass Senior Care and MIT Partner to Support Nursing Facility Residents, Families and Staff Recommendations to Facilitate the Transfer of Deceased Residents from Nursing Homes Recommendations for When a Resident Wants to Leave the Building Guidance on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) practices in Assisted Living Facilities

“Thank you for taking such wonderful care of my mom!” “The staff at my dad’s facility are the best!” These testimonials are just two of the sentiments expressed in the many hundreds of letters, cards, signs, gifts and social media posts family members have shared to let staff know just how much they value the extraordinary care they are providing to their loved ones during this most challenging public health crisis. We continue to be awed by the selfless acts of kindness and compassion, not to mention personal sacrifices, staff perform every day in an effort to keep residents safe, healthy and connected to their loved ones.

To address staffing challenges in nursing facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Commonwealth last week stood up a Long-Term Care Staffing Portal. Today, the Command Center announced a $1,000 signing bonus to all individuals that register through the LTC Staffing Portal to work for a certain amount of time in a nursing home.

The Joint Committee on Elder Affairs held a virtual hearing today to hear testimony on House Bill 4635, An Act Relative to Long Term Care Facility and Elder Housing COVID-19 Reporting. Mass Senior Care provided written testimony supporting the legislation. The legislation filed by Elder Affairs House Chairwoman Ruth Balser would require nursing facilities, assisted living residences, rest homes and elder housing to report to local department of health or to DPH the number of known COVID-19 positive cases and mortalities in the facility.

The US Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (OIG) has released its updated list which reflects all OIG exclusions and reinstatement actions up to, and including, those taken in March 2020.