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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Memorandum To: Mass Senior Care Members From: Tara M. Gregorio, President Re: COVID-19 Updates: DPH Releases Updated Testing Guidance; National CMS/CDC Nursing Home COVID-19 Training Date: August 13, 2020 DPH Releases Updated Testing Guidance On August 7, the DPH released updated Testing Guidance. The updated guidance includes recommendations on the use of antigen testing as well as revisions to testing of previously positive individuals cleared from isolation. National CMS/CDC Nursing Home COVID-19 Training Topic: Transparency: Resident and Family Notification, Department

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!