House Republicans in the House Budget Committee today voted to approve the ‘American Health Care Act’ bill, which would repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. The bill passed by a vote of 19-17 on a nearly party-line vote, but 3 Republicans on the panel voted against passage. The bill now moves to the full House, where House leadership hopes to bring it up for a vote later this month. The defection of the three Republican Committee panel members is

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 February 2017. This new file is meant to replace the updated LEIE database file available for download last month. Individuals and entities that have been reinstated to the federal health care programs are not included in this file. The updated files are posted on the OIG’s website

On March 2, 2017 the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued Survey and Certification Memorandum 17-20-NF providing an update on the 2017 Special Focus Facility (SFF) Program. Total SFF slots and candidates for each State: The number of designated slots and candidates for FY 2017 will not change from those effective since May 1, 2014. Initial selection notice: The State Survey Agency (SA) must notify the provider in writing of their SFF selection and conduct a meeting (either

CMS will host the next National Partnership to Improve Dementia Care and QAPI call on March 21 from 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm. This call will focus on Creating a Culture of Person-Directed Dementia Care project grant award. The Lake Superior Quality Innovation Network will share information about the new QAPI Written Plan How-To Guide that can assist long-term care providers with performance improvement efforts. Additionally, CMS experts share updates on the progress of the National Partnership to Improve Dementia

The Massachusetts Senior Care Foundation's annual scholarship program assists long term care staff in meeting their personal and professional goals through furthering their education. Since 1985, the Foundation has awarded $2.7 million in scholarships to nearly 1,600 "Foundation Scholars" across Massachusetts. The Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2017 scholarship awards. Scholarships of up to $2000 will be awarded to selected applicants to help cover direct, out of pocket expenses for tuition, fees, books and supplies during the 2017

Mass Senior Care Association seeks members to join newly established and existing policy committees. These committees provide unique ways for Mass Senior Care members to involve themselves in specialized areas of interest and expertise as well as learn from fellow colleagues and advance public policy affecting the long term care community. Committee participation is for facility members only. Please view descriptions of each committee by clicking here. If you are interested in participating, please complete the form using the following

On February 28, 2017 the Executive Office of Elder Affairs State Ombudsman sent a letter to all Massachusetts Nursing Homes further clarifying the F203 §483.15(c) (3) Notice before transfer. This information is consistent with the Requirements of Participation FAQs that Mass Senior Care has provided to our members. Please contact Helen Magliozzi, Director of Regulatory Affairs if you have any questions.

Earlier this week, House Republicans introduced their long-awaited plan to Repeal and Replace the Affordable Care Act. The bill would eliminate the mandate for individuals to purchase health insurance and replace it with a new system that provides tax credits to encourage individuals to purchase insurance in the marketplace. Under the current system, Medicaid is an entitlement program with an open-ended commitment that the federal government will pay its share for individuals who qualify for benefits. Under the House bill

More than 50 administrators, staff, residents and family members attended a recent legislative gathering hosted by BaneCare Management at Bay Path Skilled Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. Senator Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth) and Representative John Cutler (D-Duxbury) spent time with residents and family members and participated in a Q&A session led by Bay Path Administrator Marianne Welch-Martinez. Both Senator O’Connor and Representative Cutler stated their support for adequate investment in the Commonwealth’s nursing homes, particularly in regard to staffing . Rich Bane

In regard to Managed Care Organization (MCO) billing issues, MassHealth has asked Mass Senior Care to communicate to members information the agency issued last June. Below please find the information MassHealth sent to nursing facilities in June 2016. MassHealth in June 2016 week issued separate letters to MCO Key Contacts and Nursing Facility Key Contacts in regard to policy and billing issues regarding MCO coverage of skilled nursing services. Please click here for a copy of both MassHealth letters. Immediately