E-News Update Articles

ASPR (HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response) has released a new toolkit on COVID-19 Considerations for Long-Term Care Facilities.

A memo on testing for nursing homes in EMS Regions 3 & 4

The MA e-MOLST Web Portal offers health care providers and seriously ill, high risk and frail adults an effective communication approach to engage in proactive planning conversations and document patient care choices. The Ma e-MOLST Web Portal, is a joint initiative of the MA Coalition for Serious Illness Care, Ariadne Labs and Honoring Choices MA.

Updates on CMS release of information to help states, nursing facilities, and other providers better understand the sources of Medicare and Medicaid coverage and payment for COVID-19 testing and the HHS release of Provider Relief Fund Reporting Guidance.

Discusses information on HHS update on Provider Relief Fund for $2 billion VBP program, updates to CMS county data for COVID-19 weekly testing and updated methodology and provides a reminder about the DPH weekly call.

A notice on MassHealth COVID-19 filing reminder, DPH guidance for anterior nares (nasal swab) specimen collection by unlicensed healthcare personnel, CMS rescinding proposed MFAR Rule, and the final chance to register for this week’s webinars.

This memo discusses CMS visitation guidance for nursing homes, CMS clarification on data release schedule for county positivity rates, the Dementia Care Call and the HHS announcement regarding the method for distribution of $2 billion Provider Relief Fund.

Healthcentric Advisors QIO collaborative and NHSN group is available to help nursing homes ensure their NHSN data is entered accurately to avoid CMPs. In conferring rights to your NHSN data to the QIO, the QIO will generate a “preview” report on Thursday after 12pm for all homes that join.

The Department of Family and Medical Leave (DFML) wants to make sure you are aware of two important PFML changes: 1. The website has been updated mass.gov/pfml with new information, please visit it frequently. 2. The PFML contact center opened. Whether you have questions about timelines, general eligibility, or where to find resources on mass.gov – call 833-344-7365, assistance is available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

Mass Senior Care Association is transitioning to virtual education sessions and is pleased to offer programming on three relevant topics during the month of September.

On September 16, 2020, CMS received the final report and recommendations from the Coronavirus Commission on Safety and Quality in Nursing Homes (the Commission).

Mass Senior Care is pleased to welcome new members to our Association. Our Associate Members have demonstrated their commitment to the senior care provider community by joining Mass Senior Care and participating as exhibitors and sponsors for events and educational conferences. Mass Senior Care members are encouraged to contact Associate Members when they are in need of long term care products and services.

This year’s MassMAP Annual Education Program will be held virtually October 6-8, 2020. The education sessions will run from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm on all three dates. Virtual table top exercises will occur each afternoon from 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm. (Participants need only attend one afternoon table top session). To access and register for the 2020 MAP Virtual Education Conference Webex sessions click here. This program is for MassMAP members only.

Discusses DPH September Update for Caring for Long-Term Care Residents during the COVID-19 Emergency and revised Quarantine and Isolation Precautions signs, testing for nursing homes in EMS Region 3 and shares information on September webinars.

Last Thursday, the Baker Administration and the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) released the Nursing Facility Accountability and Supports Package 2.0 which includes up to $142 million for quality nursing home care, covering (1) a new integrated rate structure for the Rate Year 2021 rate and beyond, and (2) targeted COVID-19 Supplemental Funding. The EOHHS proposal builds upon prior Accountability and Supports programs designed to promote and ensure high quality nursing home care.

Save $200 When You Register a Second AHCA/NCAL Member. Offer expires on September 18, 2020 at 11:59 PM, ET.

The Final Filing webform for the Nursing Facility COVID-19 Supplemental Payment is online and available for filing. The site may be accessed at: http://www.uenter.org/NF. The Final Financial Report must be filed by September 30th to account for the manner in which the MassHealth COVID-19 Supplemental Initial Payment for the Up to 50% Program was spent, which provided up to $130 million. EOHHS will consider the entire amount of the Final Payment unspent if the facility fails to submit the final report timely and it will recoup all funds.

Provides updates to visitation conditions, communal dining and congregate activities in long-term care facilities during the COVID-19 outbreak, a DPH weekly call reminder, and an invitation to register for webinars to help prepare for COVID-19 surge.

Informs members about AHCA/NCAL investigation of reported false positives in COVID-19 testing: survey and resources, DPH isolation and quarantine caution signs, and the update to Paid Leave of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.

A reminder to members that the CMS COVID-19 Focused Surveys now include requirements for F886 Testing of Nursing Home Staff and Residents and information on a CMS COVID-19 Public Reporting Tip Sheet.

EOHHS today issued an email note indicating the Final Filing webform for the Nursing Facility COVID-19 Supplemental Payment is now online and available for filing.

Mass Senior Care Association is transitioning to virtual education sessions and is pleased to offer programming on three relevant topics during the month of September.

If you are a private pay or Medicaid-certified assisted living/memory care community, ensure that you apply for the HHS Phase 2 General Distribution round of Provider Relief Funds. HHS announced last week that private pay AL operators are eligible to apply. Non-SNF Medicaid providers are also eligible. ​Note that the deadline for the application is this Sunday, September 13 and we do not expect this deadline to be extended. Like other providers applying for Phase 2 funding, eligible assisted living

An invitation to join AHCA webinar today on CMS COVID-19 Performance Payment Program and the CMS National Nursing Home COVID-19 Call tonight.

Shares link to AHCA webinar recording, discusses CMS new county COVID-19 positive test rates and reminds members about DPH and CMS calls.

The focus of today's memo is on HHS $2 billion quality incentive program for nursing homes, CMS new county COVID-19 test positivity rates, and offers an additional option for COVID-19 testing.

Mass Senior Care’s original PDPM 6 Months Later: The Massachusetts Experience in person seminar was cancelled due to COVID-19.

The Massachusetts Senior Care Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2020/2021 awards. The scholarships will assist long term care staff in meeting their personal and professional goals through furthering their education. Scholarships from $500 to $2,000 will be awarded to selected applicants to cover direct, out of pocket expenses for tuition, fees, books, and supplies incurred during the period July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021. Applicants must be currently employed by a Massachusetts Senior Care Association member nursing

The Center for Health Information and Analysis (CHIA) today informed nursing facilities that the due date for the 2019 HCF-1 (nursing facility), the new REA-CR (the realty company) and the MGT-CR (management company/central office) cost reports deployed on June 29, 2020 are now due on Wednesday, September 30, 2020.

The Crisis Counseling Program (CCP) is funded by the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) and managed in partnership between the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health and Riverside Trauma Center, a program of Riverside Community Care.

Provides updates on HHS Funding Allocation for Private Pay Assisted Living, Rapid COVID-19 Antigen Tests to be Delivered to ALRs, CDC Updates on NHSN Module to Include POC Testing Questions, CDC Considerations for Use of SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Testing in Nursing Homes

This update reminds members that CMS' new COVID-19 testing requirements are effective tomorrow, September 2, 2020, discusses DHHS updated guidance on the Infection Control Provider Relief Fund Distribution, the AHCA recorded webinar on testing requirements and provides a reminder about the next DPH weekly call.

EOHHS today issued an email note indicating the Final Filing webform for the Nursing Facility COVID-19 Supplemental Payment will be online and available the week of September 7. In the email, EOHHS included an (1) Accounting Form EXCEL Template, (2) Updated COVID 19 Supplemental Funding Final Filing Form Instructions and (3) Updated Draft Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

Provides information on DPH updates to LTC surveillance testing guidance, CMS launch of a national training program, CMS issue of Two QSO memos on staff testing and CLIA reporting requirements and the AHCA member webinar tomorrow on CMS testing requirements.

Discusses CMS new reporting and testing requirements as well as the release of new infection control and training programs for nursing homes.

The memo discusses an important CMS announcement today at 4:30 PM Eastern and provides reminders about the weekly DPH and CMS COVID-19 Calls.

Mass Senior Care hosted a webinar on August 24, 2020 titled, Preparing for CHIA’s Final Financial Report and Federal Single-Audit Requirements. To help nursing facilities combat COVID-19, the state and federal government have provided a number of new funding resources. The new funding comes with different accounting reporting and regulations that will impact financial presentation of these items. The goal of this presentation is to walk through those funding sources as well as reporting changes focused on the following areas

The update highlights CMS Antigen Point of Care Testing Devices and invites Mass Senior Care Association members to register for a Financial Report webinar.

As part of CMS recently announced $5 billion investment package for skilled nursing facility, $250 million of this funding will be allocated for the National Nursing Home COVID-19 Safety Program led by Project ECHO. The MSCA/HSL Command Center is participating in this CMS funded initiative by establishing local learning hubs. Nursing facilities interested in participating can enroll by completing the enclosed participation form.

Mass Senior Care Association invites members to join us and CLA for a timely, complimentary webinar on Monday, August 24, 2020 from 11:00 am to 12:00pm. The goal of this presentation is to prepare members for CHIA’s Final Financial Report and Federal single-audit requirements.

Addresses Enrollment Open for National Nursing Home COVID-19 Safety Program, NHSN Updates Instructions and Adds Testing Questions and the CMS-CDC Fundamentals Webinar Series.

Provides clarification on the Update July Surveillance Testing “Pending” Results by Friday and a correction that there is no need to re-submit in the RedCap portal.

Discusses information regarding Update Surveillance Testing “Pending” Results by Friday - Required for EOHHS Payments, CMS to Return to Normal Survey Process and the DPH Weekly Call Reminder.

This memo includes COVID-19 updates on August Update for Surveillance Testing Guidance; Changes to REDCap Portal; DPH Updates Visitation Guidance and Important Reports to Review.

CMS has indicated that the use of the renewed Advance Beneficiary Notice of Noncoverage (ABN), Form CMS-R-131 form with the expiration date of 06/30/2023 will be mandatory on 8/31/2020. However, CMS just announced that due to COVID-19 concerns, CMS has extended the deadline for use of the renewed ABN, Form CMS-R-131 (exp. 6/30/2023).

The Massachusetts Senior Care Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2020/2021 awards. The scholarships will assist long term care staff in meeting their personal and professional goals through furthering their education. Apply for a Foundation scholarship today!

Over the course of the past several months, Mass Senior Care has been the recipient of donated items from both Amazon and Gillette, including Amazon Fire Tablets and Gillette Treo Razors. If your facility is interested in receiving either a tablet or a supply of the razors, please send an email to lnguyen@maseniorcare.org.

The CDC will provide updates to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations for the 2020-2021 influenza vaccination season. Topics will include the Standards for Adult Immunization Practice, flu vaccination planning, general vaccination guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic, and guidance for large vaccination clinics held in satellite, temporary, or off-site locations.

Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Provider Preview Reports have been updated and are now available. The data contained within the Preview Reports is based on quality data submitted by SNFs between Q1 2019 – Q4 2019 and Q4 2017 and Q3 2019. The data reflects what will be published on Nursing Home Compare during the October 2020 refresh of the website. Providers have until August 30, 2020 to review their performance data.

The National Quality Award Program is pleased to announce that the 2021 application packets are now available online. Please visit the Bronze, Silver, or Gold application pages to download your respective award level application materials and to learn how your center should begin preparing.