PLEASE ASK GOVERNOR BAKER TO SIGN INTO LAW MEDICAID LINE ITEM 4000-0641, WHICH WOULD PROVIDE CRITICALLY NEEDED FUNDING FOR QUALITY NURSING HOME CARE Governor Baker's telephone number is 617-725-4005. Background: Governor Charlie Baker is currently reviewing the Legislature's FY 2019 Budget, which includes $12.8 million in new spending for nursing home care. The Governor has until Saturday, July 28th to either sign, veto or return with amendment portions of the budget. Action: Please call Governor Charlie Baker's office TODAY to

Yesterday, legislative leaders agreed on a FY 2019 spending proposal, which includes $12.8 million in new spending on nursing home care and a MSCA-sponsored requirement that the Governor develop a hardship waiver program for the EMAC Supplement.

This week, CommonWealth Magazine published an op-ed, " Nursing home sector on verge of collapse" authored by Matt Salmon, CEO of SALMON Health & Retirement and Chairman of the Massachusetts Senior Care Association. In response to the current financial conditions of long term care facilities, Salmon calls on the state and federal government to make meaningful investments to stabilize the skilled nursing facility sector. "Greater investment is needed immediately to prevent further erosion of the state's nursing home system. We

Massachusetts Senior Care Association is pleased to offer Associate Members sponsorship opportunities and exhibitor booths for the upcoming 2018 Annual Meeting & Trade Show on Thursday, November 8th at the DCU Center in Worcester. This year's featured speakers are U.S. Congressman Richard Neal and Governor Mark Parkinson, President & CEO of American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL). Don't miss this opportunity – these sponsorships can promote your business, increase awareness of your products and services, and help

Two Mass Senior Care member facilities are being recognized with a 2018 Silver – Achievement in Quality Award by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL). The award is the second of three distinctions possible through the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program, which honors long term and post-acute care providers that have demonstrated their commitment to improving the quality of care for seniors

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released a revised version of QSO-17-30 that clarifies expectations for providers, accrediting organizations, and surveyors on requirements to reduce Legionella risk in health care center's water systems. This memorandum replaces S&C-17-30 released on June 2, 2017, and revised on June 9, 2017. The memo indicates that facilities must have water management plans and documentation that ensure each center: Conducts a facility risk assessment related to Legionella and other opportunistic waterborne pathogens