On May 18th, the U.S. Senate Special Committee issued a new report, titled “Uninspected and Neglected,” detailing the results of a year-long investigation into the capacity of state survey agencies to oversee health and safety standards at the Nation’s 15,000 nursing homes.

With the theme of Cultivating Kindness, nursing facilities across the state found creative and fun ways to celebrate National Skilled Nursing Home Week (May 14-20), including box car races, Elvis impersonators, hosting tea parties, planting gardens and donating to local food pantries.

Member Updates: Informal Dispute Resolution Meeting; DPH Issues Naloxone Advisory

National Nurses Week is underway May 6-12, 2023, with a theme of “You Make a Difference.” MSCA extends our heartfelt appreciation to all nurses who have dedicated their career and talents to ensure the residents of MA nursing facilities receive the highest quality care. We salute each of you and look forward to the many celebrations as nurses are honored for the difference they make in the lives of residents, family members and coworkers. As part of National Nurses Week

Established by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), in partnership with CMS, the COE-NF offers Certified Medicare and Medicaid Nursing Facility Staff a centralized resource hub with easy access to trainings, technical assistance and additional resources, at no cost.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) issued the “Temporary Extension of COVID-19 Telemedicine Flexibilities for Prescription of Controlled Medications” – a temporary rule that extends telemedicine flexibilities adopted during the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE).

The Senate Ways and Means (SWM) Committee today released its FY 2024 budget recommendation totaling $55.8 billion. The Committee’s recommendation, similar to the House’s final budget recommendation, includes MSCA’s funding request of $277 million over the current FY 2023 Medicaid nursing facility budget appropriation.

The CDC is discontinuing the COVID-19 Community Transmission map with the end of the PHE on May 11th. To better align with these updated CDC recommendations, CMS announced the expiration of QSO-20-38-NH (COVID-19 Testing) effective May 11th and the revision of QSO-20-39-NH (Visitation) effective May 8th. The Joint Committee on Health Care Financing will be holding a public hearing on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. DPH will be holding a conference call for long-term care facilities on Wednesday, May 10th. Limited registrations remaining for May 17th Spring Conference & Trade Show.