CMS issued a notice acknowledging that access to the reporting of the annual National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) Influenza Vaccination among Healthcare Personnel data was not available for a short time on the original due date of May 15th and, therefore, has extended the deadline for reporting this information to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention NHSN to today, Friday, May 23, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET.

The Joint Committee on Aging and Independence on May 12th held a public hearing on a series of bills related to home and community-based services, Assisted Living Residences and Continuing Care Retirement Communities. Tara Gregorio, President of Mass Senior Care, filed written testimony to the Committee on two bills of particular importance to the nursing facility provider community.

Governor Healey introduced an updated five-year plan to make Massachusetts more age- and dementia-friendly. Called ReiMAgine Aging 2030: The Massachusetts Plan, the plan looks at the needs of the state’s aging population and the challenges they face.

Earlier this week, Governor Maura Healey posted a new public dashboard displaying the total amount of federal funding cuts to Massachusetts state agencies. To date, $362 million in direct funding to the Commonwealth has been cut, including over $100 million for various Department of Public Health (DPH) prevention programs as well as disaster prevention aid.

Join AHCA/NCAL in Las Vegas, NV for their annual Convention & Expo! Delivering Solutions 25 emphasizes AHCA/NCAL’s commitment to improving the quality of life for residents in long term care and assisted living facilities. Early bird registration ends on June 17th.

Administrative, clinical, and operations staff from nursing facilities across Massachusetts gathered at the DCU Center in Worcester on May 14th for Mass Senior Care Association’s (MSCA) 2025 Spring Conference & Trade Show. The event offered a day of insight, education and networking, anchored by a keynote from Clif Porter, President and CEO of the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL).

• House Passes Budget Reconciliation Bill • FDA Will Limit Covid Vaccines • CMS Rolls Out Aggressive Strategy: Medicare Advantage (MA) Plan Audits • Skilled Nursing Facilities: Identify & Prevent Improper Part D Payments for Drugs • UMass’s Preceptor Academy Hosting Webinar • Informal Dispute Resolution Meeting

• IRF/LTCH/SNF QRP CDC Data Submission Deadline Extended to Friday, May 23, 2025

• Supreme Court Allows Trump Administration to End TPS for Venezuelans • Governor Healey Posts Public Dashboard - Direct Federal Funding Cuts • ReiMAgine Aging 2030: The Massachusetts Plan • REMINDER: Expanded Suitability Review and Management Companies

• Governor Signs Into Law Supplemental Budget Bill • MassHealth PNA Annual Accounting • EOHHS Administrative Bulletin