CMS issues PBJ Information for software developers, vendors and providers and has an updated errata V2.00.2 posted for the PBJ Data Submission Specifications V2.00.0 and is now available. One item has been added to the errata to incorporate edit -4018 which is a new special character restriction for the Employee ID field. During the January downtime weekend of 01/22/2017 Employee IDs that contain invalid special characters shall be automatically updated to a character that is allowed by edit -4018 and

Mass Senior Care Association is reinstating quarterly meetings for the Human Resources Group, as detailed in the 2017 HR Group Meeting Schedule. Please contact Carolyn Blanks directly if there are specific topics and/or speakers you would like to see featured at future meetings. Mass Senior Care members may be also be interested in a free upcoming one-hour webinar on February 2 nd, “Marijuana in the Workplace:Navigating Potential Potholes” presented by Attorney David Wilson of the employment law firm Hirsch Roberts

The Department of Public Health has issued Circular Letter DHCQ 17-1-667 Seasonal Influenza Vaccination of Healthcare Personnel at Massachusetts Adult Day Health Programs, Non- Ambulatory Surgical Center Clinics, Nursing Homes and Rest Homes for the 2016-2017 Influenza Season. This Circular Letter provides a link to detailed guidance addressing the steps required for the identified providers to submit annual Health Care Personnel Influenza Vaccination Data DPH by April 15, 2017.

Mass Senior Care worked with legislators to file 14 bills for the 2017-2018 legislative session intended to promote quality nursing home care. Legislation filed includes: (1) the Nursing Home Stabilization Bill filed by Representative Tom Golden and Senator Harriette Chandler and (2) Nursing Home Quality Jobs Initiative filed by Representative John Lawn and Senator Marc Pacheco. These two proposed legislative bills would require the state to provide adequate Medicaid funding by updating Medicaid rates using more current costs; requiring a

On January 25, 2017 Governor Baker released his state fiscal year (SFY 2018) budget recommendation, totaling $40.5 billion. The Governor’s recommendation includes a continuation of the current $35.5 million nursing facility direct care wage add on, included as a separate line item at 4000-0641. The Governor’s budget recommendation would also: (1) Allow EOHHS to use base year costs in CY 2007 or any subsequent year to set Medicaid nursing home rates (Outside Section 73); (2) Maintain the user fee assessment

Nicole Cimea’s passion for nursing began as a nine year old child in Haiti when she assisted her mother in the care of her grandfather when the family didn’t have the money to take him to the local clinic. Nicole was responsible for helping him with bathing and meals, a personal experience she credits with having a lasting impact on her life and launching her desire to become a nurse. Upon graduating from high school in Haiti, Nicole moved to

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has issued a revised Skilled Nursing Facility Prospective Payment System Booklet. It includes information on: Elements of the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Prospective Payment System SNF Quality Reporting Program SNF Value-Based Purchasing Program Source: CMS

The award-winning, evidence-based Bathing Without a Battle training on person-centered bathing for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias is now accessible online free of charge. The interactive training provides 2½ hours of free continuing education credit for nurses and 2 hours of free credit for nursing assistants. Students who plan to enter long-term care or geriatric home care are also encouraged to participate in the online training. Training can be accessed through the website www.bathing withoutabattle.unc.edu. Once registered, users

Mass Senior Care Association is reinstating quarterly meetings for the Human Resources Group, as detailed in the 2017 HR Group Meeting Schedule. Please contact Carolyn Blanks directly if there are specific topics and/or speakers you would like to see featured at future meetings. Mass Senior Care members may be also be interested in a free upcoming one-hour webinar on February 2 nd, “Marijuana in the Workplace:Navigating Potential Potholes” presented by Attorney David Wilson of the employment law firm Hirsch Roberts

Limited Space is available for this meeting - please RSVP today! Mass Senior Care will convene a meeting on Tuesday, January 24th from 10am to 12pm at the Mass Senior Care Office in Waltham for long term care facility members potentially affected by DPH’s proposal to eliminate a licensure ‘grandfathering’ provision for facilities constructed on or prior to March 19, 1968. At the meeting, Mass Senior Care President Tara Gregorio and Director of Regulatory Affairs Helen Magliozzi will provide an