E-News Update Articles

The US Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (OIG) has released its updated list which reflects all OIG exclusions and reinstatement actions up to, and including, those taken in April 2020.

Memorandum To: Mass Senior Care Members From: Tara M. Gregorio, President Re: COVID-19 Updates: Deadline for Baseline Testing; Waiver of Paid Feeding Assistant Training Date: May 14, 2020 Deadline Approaching for Nursing Facility Baseline Testing Requirement Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services yesterday emailed to nursing facilities the message below regarding the May 25th baseline testing requirement for residents and staff, indicating that facilities wishing to pursue testing through state-directed methods (COVID Command Center Congregate Care Mobile Testing

Memorandum To: Mass Senior Care Members From: Tara M. Gregorio, President Re: COVID-19 Updates: Signing Bonuses for NF Staff; Waiver of Timeframe for CNA Training; Managing PPE Webinar; EOHHS Webinar on Friday Date: May 13, 2020 MassHealth Issues Nursing Facility Bulletin 147 - Signing Bonuses for Nursing Facility Staff MassHealth has issued Nursing Facility Bulletin 147, Signing Bonuses for Nursing Facility Staff. This Bulletin describes the procedures for securing the $1,000 state-sponsored signing bonuses for individuals providers directly hire on

Memorandum To: Mass Senior Care Members From: Tara Gregorio, President RE: Workforce Survey; Temporary Nursing Services and Staff Recruitment Toolkit Date: May 12, 2020 MSCA Workforce Survey – Due Thursday, May 12th MSCA is keenly aware that COVID-19 has exacerbated pre-existing challenges in fully staffing facilities. Through enhanced Medicaid reimbursements during the surge period, the commonwealth is providing monthly supplemental payments to help address new costs associated with higher PPE, new infection control protocols and higher staffing wages to address

Memorandum To: Mass Senior Care Members From: Tara Gregorio, President RE: REMINDER: First Weekly Reporting Filing Due TODAY (Monday, May 11) – CHIA Portal Date: May 11, 2020 As part of the MassHealth Phase 2 Funding for COVID-19 which provides up to an additional $130 million (50% increase) in monthly funding for May and June, nursing facilities are required to submit weekly reports to the Center for Health Information and Analysis (CHIA) to monitor measures related to staffing levels, COVID-19

Memorandum To: Mass Senior Care Members From: Tara Gregorio, President RE: MassHealth Issues Testing Policy Documents; Guidance on Nursing Facility Infection Control Competency Checklist Date: May 9, 2020 MassHealth Issues (1) NF Bulletin 146/Baseline Testing Requirements and (2) FAQ related to Accountability for MassHealth Supplemental Funding MassHealth has issued 2 documents: (1) providing guidance on baseline testing requirements for residents and staff and (2) answering questions via an FAQ for accountability provisions related to the MassHealth supplemental funding during the

Memorandum To: Mass Senior Care Members From: Tara Gregorio, President Date: May 8, 2020 MassHealth Issues Weekly Report Data Submission Guide: Mandatory Weekly Reporting for Phase 2 MassHealth Funding: First Filing Due on Monday, May 11 MassHealth today issued instructions on the Weekly Reporting (1) filing method and (2) data elements to be reported, as part of the MassHealth Phase 2 Funding for COVID-19 which provides up to an additional $130 million (50% increase) in monthly funding for May and

Memorandum To: Mass Senior Care Members From: Tara Gregorio, President Re: COVID-19 Updates: CMS Update on Reporting Requirements; NHSN Long-Term Care Facility COVID-19 Module Date: May 7, 2020 CMS Releases Memo on Interim Final Rule Updating Requirements for Reporting and Notification of Confirmed and Suspected COVID-19 Cases Among Residents and Staff in Nursing Homes On May 6, 2020, CMS released a QSO memo addressing the Interim Final Rule requiring nursing homes to report to NHSN on COVID-19 as well as

This week clinical audits have begun for nursing facilities statewide. As discussed on the webinar last week, nursing facilities are being assessed on 5 core competencies included in the Infection Control Competency Checklist. Mass Senior Care in collaboration with Hebrew SeniorLife will host a webinar on Friday, May 8, 2020 to provide a comprehensive overview of the core competencies related to cohorting and PPE as well as practical implementation tips and resources.

The Department of Public Health has announced it is making funding available to nursing homes and rest homes to purchase communicative technology. We encourage you to complete the application which is due Monday, May 11th. If you need assistance with equipment and pricing information, please contact Ann Marie Antolini at Mass Senior Care Association.

The Interim final rule from CMS last night also delays implementation of new MDS items for SNF QRP. This delay will enable SNFs to continue using the current version of the MDS 3.0 v1.17.1. CMS will require SNFs to collect data on the transfer of health information measures and SPADES data on October 1 of the 1st of the year that is at least two full fiscal years after the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency.

In response to Mass Senior Care’s advocacy, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker and Executive Office of Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders last week announced a second round of funding, up to $130 million for nursing facilities to support COVID-19 response efforts over the next two months. This funding will support staffing costs, infection control and personal protective equipment (PPE). In addition to increased financial support, the Administration has required baseline testing for staff and residents of nursing facilities.

CDC has launched a new mini webinar training series for frontline long-term care and nursing home staff. This series of 5 short webinars reviews basic infection prevention steps including: proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and facemasks, how and when to perform hand hygiene, how and when to clean surfaces, and the need to check residents and staff daily for symptoms of COVID-19.

Mass Senior Care has learned the Executive Office of Health & Human Services (EOHHS) is planning to provide further testing guidance later this week. EOHHS has indicated that to meet this requirement, baseline testing will now be defined as 90% of residents being tested and 90% of employed staff who were tested on or after April 8th.

During National Nurses’ Week, Mass Senior Care want to thank you all for the extraordinary work you do each and every day and know that our number one priority is to provide you with the support and resources necessary to keep our facility staff safe and our residents well cared for.

This week clinical audits have begun for nursing facilities statewide. As discussed on the webinar last week, nursing facilities are being assessed on 5 core competencies included in the Infection Control Competency Checklist.

To further assist nursing facilities in meeting the May 25th requirement to conduct baseline COVID-19 testing on residents and staff, below is a summary of testing options. While the Executive Office of Health & Human Services (EOHHS) will provide further testing guidance in the next day, EOHHS has indicated that to meet this requirement baseline will be defined as 90% of residents being tested and 90% of employed staff who were tested on or after April 8th.

Memorandum To: Mass Senior Care Members From: Tara Gregorio, President Re: COVID-19 Updates: Communicative Technology for Long Term Care Facilities; Webinar to Review Cohorting and PPE; DPH Weekly Call Reminder; CMS COVID-19 Stakeholder Engagement Call Date: May 6, 2020 Communicative Technology for LTCFs - Application for Funding The Department of Public Health has announced that it is making funding available to nursing homes and rest homes to purchase communicative technology. Please note that there are different requirements and corresponding documents

Memorandum To: Mass Senior Care Members From: Tara Gregorio, President Re: COVID-19 Updates: New Effective Date for Reporting Requirements; CDC Webinars on New Covid-19 Module; FEMA PPE Shipments Date: May 3, 2020 New Reporting Requirements for Nursing Homes Effective May 1 In Update #56, we communicated about CMS release of an interim final rule with comment period which revises § 483.80, establishing explicit reporting requirements for long-term care (LTC) facilities to report information related to COVID-19 cases among facility residents

Memorandum To: Mass Senior Care Members From: Tara Gregorio, President Re: Baseline Testing of Nursing Home Residents and Staff - Complete Enclosed Survey Date: May 2, 2020 As a condition of the Commonwealth’s Phase 2 $130 million investment in nursing facility care, all nursing facilities must adhere to a number of criteria including core infection control competencies, data reporting and baseline COVID-19 testing. Facilities are required to perform baseline testing by May 25, 2020. The Executive Office of Health &

Memorandum To: Mass Senior Care Members From: Tara Gregorio, President Re: COVID-19 Updates: Mandatory Weekly Report; CMS Blanket Regulatory Waivers; CDC Updates Date: May 1, 2020 Mandatory Weekly Reporting for Phase 2 MassHealth Funding Begins on Monday, May 11 th As part of the MassHealth Phase 2 Funding for COVID-19 which provides up to an additional $130 million (50% increase) in monthly funding for May and June, all nursing facility providers are required to report certain metrics related to staffing

On Thursday, June 11th, the NASW-MA Chapter is hosting a virtual conference focused on the social work crisis response to serving older adults in residential care.

Jodi Ouimette, Administrator at Williamstown Common Nursing & Rehabilitation Center shared her story of courage and hope from the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Interviewed by Congressman Joe Kennedy III, Jodi discussed how her and the staff came together to protect residents and honor their lives during these challenging times.

Earlier this week, Monster.com, in collaboration with Mass Senior Care Association and the MIT COVID-19 Alliance, launched the Home to Help Senior Care Initiative, bringing 1,200 long term care job postings on the career site, at no cost, to members. Each member nursing facility will have four job postings including Resident Care Assistants, CNAs, LPNs and RNs, which offers a $1,000 state-sponsored signing bonus to individuals beginning work in long-term care facilities by May 15th.

There are two upcoming webinar series from Mass Senior Care Associate Members, HealthPRO Heritage and Marcum. Clinical reimbursement experts at HealthPRO Heritage presents a three-part webinar series focused on strategies and solutions to assure cash flow and to compliantly optimize revenue during the current COVID-19 and PDPM challenges. Experts from Marcum will provide a webinar on stimulus funding applicable to the healthcare industry in their Coronavirus and the Healthcare Industry webinar series.

Mass Senior Care in collaboration with Hebrew SeniorLife will host a webinar on Thursday, April 30, 2020 from 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm to provide a comprehensive overview of the Infection Control Competency Checklist and as well as the opportunity for questions and answers either within the time of the webinar or thereafter.

Today, Monster.com in collaboration with Mass Senior Care Association and the MIT COVID-19 Alliance has launched the Home to Help Senior Care Initiative, bringing 1,200 long term care job postings on the career site, at no cost, to members. Each member nursing facility will have four job postings including Resident Care Assistants, CNAs, LPNs and RNs, which offers a $1,000 state-sponsored signing bonus to individuals beginning work in long-term care facilities by May 15th.

MassHealth has issued Nursing Facility Bulletin 145 regarding the Infection Control Competencies and Expectations for Nursing Facilities to qualify for the Phase 2 Medicaid supplemental payments totaling up to 50%. As noted yesterday, this second round of funding provides up to $130 million (additional 50%) for two months for nursing homes that attest and meet specific accountability requirements that are consistent with CMS, CDC and DPH infection control guidance. Specifically, facilities are required to file an attestation on or before April 30th in regard to the 28-point Infection Control checklist.

Memorandum To: Mass Senior Care Members From: Tara Gregorio, President Re: COVID-19 Updates: DPH Updates Guidance on Caring for LTC Residents; Webinar Reminder; Reporting Requirement Extensions Date: April 29, 2020 DPH Updates Guidance on Caring for Long-Term Residents during the COVID-19 Emergency The DPH released updated guidance on Caring for Long-Term Residents during the COVID-19 Emergency. Important updates include: Residents should be asked about COVID-19 symptoms and must have their temperatures checked a minimum of two times per day. Limiting

Today's memo includes COVID-19 updates on Medicaid supplemental payments; Infection Control Competency Checklist; CMS Updates and DPH Weekly Call Reminder

Memorandum To: Mass Senior Care Members From: Tara Gregorio, President Re: Webinar on Medicaid Supplemental Payments: Phase 2, Up To An Additional 50% Increase Date: April 28, 2020 As a follow-up to Governor Baker Administration’s announcement yesterday on Phase 2 of Medicaid Supplemental Payments, EOHHS will host a webinar at 8 pm tonight to review documents, expectations and compliance timelines. You can join the webinar: Over the phone: +1-866-692-3580; 647212342# Over the internet: https://statema.webex.com/join/whitney.moyer ​​You do not need to register

As a follow-up to Governor Baker Administration’s announcement yesterday on Phase 2 of Medicaid Supplemental Payments, EOHHS will host a webinar at 8 pm tonight to review documents, expectations and compliance timelines.

Mass Senior Care provided members with an update on Medicaid Supplemental Payments which would provide significant additional funding for nursing homes to address the COVID-19 pandemic surge.

Mass Senior Care hosted a webinar, Federal Funding Assistance for COVID-19 Response and Recovery, on April 27, 2020. Featuring experts from Hagerty Consulting, this webinar will review the federal funding opportunities for disaster relief programs. Federal funding programs may provide an opportunity for some organizations to better respond to and recover from the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, but they are complex and often lack clarity. Proactive, strategic, and expert management of eligible activities, costs, and documentation requirements may help promote successful

Massachusetts Senior Care Association has partnered with MIT’s COVID-19 Policy Alliance to stand up a Long Term Care Coordinating Center to assist member facilities during this crisis. Mass Senior Care staff have been working closely with MIT’s COVID-19 Policy Alliance – a team of MIT Sloan School of Management faculty and experts, led by Professors Kate Kellogg, Simon Johnson and Retsef Levi.

Maximizing the use of technology has been critical to keeping long term care residents and staff educated about COVID-19 and connected to their loved ones and communities. Mass Senior Care Association is pleased to share its online video library and we encourage you to view and share the videos described below.

Last week, Barry and Mary Giller of Milford, MA, a husband and wife duo, were the first patients discharged from Beaumont Rehab and Skilled Nursing Center in Worcester after fully recovering from COVID-19.

Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey launched a new website, www.FrontlineMA.org to provide health care workers and first responders in Massachusetts with key resources. The website in collaboration with HubSpot and IDEO, is in response to the urgent need for centralized information for frontline workers including safe housing, hotels, self-care, and emergency child care services.

Mass Senior Care will be offering a complimentary webinar, "Federal Funding Assistance for COVID-19 Response and Recovery" on Monday, April 27th from 4:00-5:00 pm. Featuring experts from Hagerty Consulting, this webinar will review the federal funding opportunities for disaster relief programs.

Food = Gratitude Project, a campaign initiated by the Massachusetts Health Council, brings meals to staff working in long term care facilities, community health centers and YMCA child care centers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Last week, the Food=Gratitude Project delivered meals to The Boston Home in Dorchester and next week will be partnering with Christopher House in Worcester.

In this memo we are providing you with updates on: MassHealth Monthly Supplemental Payment; Reminders: Weekly DPH and CMS Calls; Complimentary Webinar: Federal Funding Assistance for COVID-19 Response and Recovery; and Update on National Skilled Nursing Care Week

In this memo we are providing you with updates on: Additional Provider Relief Funds Distributed; Command Center Halts Self-Test Kits for Nursing Homes, Rest Homes and Assisted Living Residences; Update on Pending Requirement for National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) Reporting; Updated: Steps to Limit COVID-19 Spread and Outbreaks in Long Term Care; and Resource for Staff to Embrace Social Distancing

On Monday, April 20th, Mass Senior Care hosted "Crisis Communications for LTC Providers During COVID-19" webinar for Mass Senior Care provider members. Handouts include Crisis Communications Tips for Members; Sample Press Statement.

In this memo we are providing you with updates on: CMS Issues New Recommendations for Guidelines For Opening Up America Again; Upcoming Requirements for Notification of Confirmed COVID-19 or PUI Among Residents and Staff in Nursing Homes; Commonwealth Magazine Media Coverage; Nebulizing Guidance

In this memo we are providing you with updates on: Boston Globe Op-Ed Calls for Immediate Action to Protect Nursing Facility Staff and Residents; CDC Updated Criteria for Return to Work; Governor Baker Signs Into Law Liability Protections for Health Care Workers and Facilities; Mass Senior Care Offers Crisis Communications Webinar – April 20th

This call series is an opportunity to hear physicians and other clinical leaders share their experiences, best practices, strategies, and insights related to COVID-19. Lessons from The Front Lines calls are held weekly on Fridays at 12:30 PM.

In this memo we are providing you with updates on: Governor Baker Announces Crisis Management Help for Long Term Care Facilities Updates to Provider Relief Fund Website Long-Term Care Staffing Portal Offers $1,000 Sign on Bonus Mass Senior Care and MIT Partner to Support Nursing Facility Residents, Families and Staff Recommendations to Facilitate the Transfer of Deceased Residents from Nursing Homes Recommendations for When a Resident Wants to Leave the Building Guidance on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) practices in Assisted Living Facilities

The Joint Committee on Elder Affairs held a virtual hearing today to hear testimony on House Bill 4635, An Act Relative to Long Term Care Facility and Elder Housing COVID-19 Reporting. Mass Senior Care provided written testimony supporting the legislation. The legislation filed by Elder Affairs House Chairwoman Ruth Balser would require nursing facilities, assisted living residences, rest homes and elder housing to report to local department of health or to DPH the number of known COVID-19 positive cases and mortalities in the facility.

The US Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (OIG) has released its updated list which reflects all OIG exclusions and reinstatement actions up to, and including, those taken in March 2020.

Yesterday, EOHHS Secretary Marylou Sudders responded in a letter to MSCA’s urgent request for assistance, outlining the steps the Administration has taken to date to support nursing homes during the COVID-19 public health emergency.