Member Resources

The ahcancalED Infection Preventionist Specialized Training (IPCO) is on sale through October 31, 2020. Registrants can save $50 off the regular registration price this month by using promo code IPCO2020 when they register.

Long term care facility (LTCF) users who wish to gain full access to the NHSN surveillance modules, various analytic tools, and data reports must complete the enhanced security clearance known as Secure Access Management Services (SAMS) Level 3. Centers who are only reporting to the COVID-19 module in NHSN likely only have a Level 1 security clearance. Users who complete the identify verification process will be migrated from Level 1 to Level 3 SAMS access and will be issued a SAMS grid care for a more secure NHSN user experience.

In 2019, the Department of Public Health (DPH) funded an initiative to reduce challenges to the continuity of care for individuals who receive medication for opioid use disorders (MOUD) at opioid treatment programs and are residents in long-term care facilities. A LTC toolkit was developed that describes physical and psychological symptoms of addiction and treatment modalities, resources, strategies for caring for residents with a history of OUD, and transitions of care.

The AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program is pleased to announce the approval of an automatic one-year extension for recipients in their third year of renewal. The Program is making this extension in order to be supportive of members during these challenging times and offering them the opportunity to maintain their active status even if they are not able to apply in 2021.

As part of its overall 2021 nursing home rate and restructuring package, EOHHS today announced via a DPH memo that, effective immediately, the Determination of Need Program (DoN) Program will accept applications for new long-term care beds if the proposed project meets all of the following five criteria.

In an October 4th op-ed for Inside Sources, Tara Gregorio, President of the Massachusetts Senior Care Association and Mark Parkinson, President & CEO of the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living write "For long-term care professionals, COVID-19 has been especially challenging."

The Executive Office of Health and Human Services earlier this week issued the proposed 2021 Medicaid rate regulation that will invest significant funds in Rate Year 2021 (RY 2021), ranging up to $145 million for quality nursing home care covering (1) a new integrated rate structure for the RY 2021 rate and beyond, and (2) targeted COVID-19 Supplemental Funding.

Provides a follow-up to DPH’s memo October 5th on Point of Care Testing Devices for Nursing Homes and discusses CMS issuing S&C to State Survey Agencies on compliance with residents’ rights related to voting.

Members are provided information on the National Public Health Emergency renewed – COVID-19 waivers extension; mandatory flu vaccination of long-term care personnel, DPH lifting Determination of Need (DoN) moratorium on LTC beds for projects that meet certain criteria, the DPH weekly call, and HHS posting an application form to apply for Phase 3 Provider Relief Fund resources.

October 5, 2020 COVID-19 update with corrected DPH Guidance Memo

The DPH Bureau of Health Care Safety and Quality released guidelines on the use of Point of Care testing devices in nursing facilities, in addition, DPH and EOEA released updates to LTC Surveillance Testing and reimbursement for ALR staff testing.

Keeps members informed about continued biweekly testing for nursing homes in EMS Regions 3 and 4, HHS announcement on a new opportunity to apply for Provider Relief Fund resources, modifications to the Medicare Accelerated and Advance Payments under 2021 Continuing Appropriations Act and the upcoming Webinars.

CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) will release a new Point of Care (POC) Laboratory Reporting Pathway within the NHSN LTC COVID-19 Module on October 15, 2020. The new Pathway will enable CMS-certified nursing homes, and other long-term care facilities, to meet the Department of Health and Human Services’ requirement to report SARS-CoV-2 point-of-care antigen test data, and other on-site COVID-19 laboratory testing data, to appropriate federal and state health authorities.

When a student at a local high school recently tested positive for COVID-19, Bill Bogdanovich, President and CEO of Broad Reach Healthcare in Chatham and President of the Mass Senior Care Foundation, quickly mobilized to help support a testing clinic in town.

The Department of Health, Division of Health Care Quality, Facility Licensure and Certification has provided the following updated contacts for the Regional Managers. Nursing homes are encouraged to reach out to the Regional Manager in their area for questions related to any DPH survey.

We are saddened to learn of the passing of Stephen Esdale, a former MSCA Board Member and past Board Chairman for the American College of Health Care Administrators. Stephen began his career as a nursing home administrator and served as the Vice President of the nursing home division of the Flatley Company for many years.

As we prepare for a potential resurgence of COVID-19 this fall and winter, it is critically important for all long-term care workers to protect themselves from becoming sick with the flu by getting the flu vaccine. As we well know, staff in long-term care facilities are at an increased risk of acquiring the flu and annual flu vaccination of both residents and staff are essential to preventing outbreaks.

Announcements on AHCA/NCAL hosting an “office hour" to answer questions about the new Department of Labor coronavirus leave requirements, influenza vaccination data reporting webinars and upcoming Mass Senior Care Association MDS and QAPI webinar series .

Discusses CDC recent announcement of a new POC Laboratory Reporting Pathway; ECHO National Nursing Home COVID-19 Webinar on Coronavirus Testing, 1 Day Remaining to File Final Filing for the MassHealth COVID-19 Supplemental Payment; DPH Weekly Call Reminder .

The Massachusetts DPH Bureau of Health Care Safety and Quality has updated the memo on Anterior Nares (Nasal Swab) Specimen Collection by Unlicensed Healthcare Personnel.

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

EOHHS has issued a reminder that the Final Filing for the Nursing Facility COVID-19 Supplemental Payment is due no later than September 30, 2020, 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.

On September 23, 2020, Mary McKenna, the Massachusetts State Long-Term Care Ombudsman announced her retirement. Mary has been the State Long Term Care Ombudsman for almost 30 years and has worked with the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program since 1982 at the local, national and state level.

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.

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.

AHCA is pleased to offer the 71st Annual AHCA/NCAL Virtual Convention & Expo experience. The virtual convention will offer all of the activities you are used to: CE-approved education, top-rated session and keynote speakers, a virtual exhibit hall, networking, and even a bit of fun.

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.

Ensuring that long term care residents can exercise their constitutional right to vote is of utmost importance. Long term care providers should do everything possible to ensure residents can get the information and materials they need to participate in the election, while also staying safe from COVID-19.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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