E-News Update Articles

In response to the Trump Administration’s decision to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians living in the United States, Mass Senior Care was recently featured in an article published in Kaiser Health News and The Washington Post, “ As Trump targets immigrants, elderly and others brace to lose caregivers.” Tara Gregorio, Association President say the repeal of the TPS designation will further exacerbate workforce shortage concerns facing skilled nursing facilities who provide quality care to frail and disabled residents

On March 16, 2018, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a Medicare Learning Network (MLN) Matters article that announced several technical changes to the Medicare Eligibility and Entitlement, Benefit Policy, and Claims Processing manuals that impact skilled nursing facility (SNF) services. CMS states the “…changes are intended only to correct various minor technical errors and omissions…to clarify the existing content and no policy, or systems changes are anticipated.” The implementation and effective date for these changes is

MassHealth requires that nursing facilities and chronic disease and rehabilitation inpatient hospitals account for the balances of personal needs allowance (PNA) account funds. MassHealth has issued its annual LTC Bulletin for the accounting of balances of personal needs allowances (PNA) for residents in LTC facilities. For 2017, if a provider does not submit the PNA form by Monday, April 30, 2018, or if the filing is incomplete and not reconciled to the bank statement, the provider may be subject to

Honoring Choices Massachusetts is a consumer oriented non-profit organization focused on the rights of every adult to direct their health care choices and make a plan to receive the best possible care that honors their values and choices, all through their lives. Every adult can access free information and tools on the Honoring Choices website to make his/her own health care plan.

Please note Mass Senior Care’s Greater Boston regional membership meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 4, 2018 from 10:00am - 12:00pm at Mass Senior Care’s office (800 South Street, Suite 280, Waltham, MA 02453 - Click for directions). The original meeting on March 13th was rescheduled due to weather. As part of Mass Senior Care's ongoing membership engagement efforts, the Association has held regional membership meetings throughout the state. The regional meetings offer a great opportunity for members to

Commonwealth Corporation has released a case study on the Care Transitions Education Project (CTEP) developed and administered by Mass Senior Care Association to equip frontline nurses with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to lead and improve care transitions and reduce costs. The project was overseen and received funding from the Commonwealth Corporation through the Health Care Workforce Transformation Fund, which supports training programs that address workforce skill needs iden­tified by health care providers to improve patient care and reduce

A revised Provider Compliance Tips for Skilled Nursing Facility Services Fact Sheet for Skilled Nursing Facility Services is not available. The revised Fact Sheet includes information on reason for denials, how to prevent claims denials and documentation requirements.

The Supportive Planning and Operation Team (SPOT) Initiative is a collaborative effort to support nursing home teams to develop effective quality assurance and performance improvement (QAPI) programs. Effective quality assurance and performance improvement (QAPI) programs can prevent adverse events, promote safety and quality, and reduce risks to residents and caregivers. With funding from Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services, The Bureau of Health Care Safety and Quality (BHCSQ) of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (BHCSQ) launched the Initiative in

Beginning in April, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will be mailing all Medicare beneficiaries new Medicare cards that remove their social security numbers. The change is intended to prevent fraud and identity theft. CMS will be mailing the new cards in waves between April and June 2018, with more details on the timing here. CMS has created an informational page for providers explaining what they need to do to get ready. Source: AHCA

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will adjust Medicare payments to providers based on how well they manage hospital readmissions performance through its SNF Value Based Purchasing (VBP) program starting on October 1, 2018. The calendar year 2017 performance window used to measure the SNF VBP Readmission Measure (RM) rates for the first year of the program has now passed. While the data has already been collected, the SNF RM rates have not been finalized. Providers have until

On July 1, 2018, Massachusetts’ Pay Equity Law, Chapter 177 of the Acts of 2016, will take effect. The statute amends the Massachusetts Equal Pay Act (MEPA) to stipulate that no employer can discriminate in any way on the basis of gender in the payment of wage, or pay any person a salary or wage rate less than the rates paid to its employees of a different gender for comparable work, defined as work that requires substantially similar skill, effort

MassHealth has issued All Provider Bulleting 275, March 2018,listing the Eligibility Verification System (EVS) restrictive message codes and text for MassHealth managed care health plans effective March 1, 2018. Providers accessing EVS through the Provider Online Service Center (POSC) to verify the eligibility of a MassHealth managed care member before providing medical services will receive one or more of the restrictive messages listed in the bulletin. Appendix Y of all MassHealth provider manuals is being updated to include the complete

Effective January 1, 2018 Massachusetts has implemented a temporary two-year law that applies to employers with more than five employees in Massachusetts who are non-disabled and either obtain health insurance from MassHealth (excluding the premium assistance program) or receive subsidized coverage through the Massachusetts ConnectorCare program. In regard to the Employer Medical Assistance Contribution Supplement (EMAC Supplement), the Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) will determine this potential assessment and add this amount to the employer’s Unemployment Insurance (UI) liability statement

The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, which goes into effect on April 1, 2018, prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, such as lactation or the need to express breast milk for a nursing child. It also describes employers’ obligations to employees that are pregnant or lactating and the protections these employees are entitled to receive. Generally, employers may not treat employees or job applicants less favorably than other employees based on pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions and

Last week, U.S. Congressman Richard Neal visited Hillcrest Commons in Pittsfield to obtain information on the benefits of group and concurrent therapy treatments. A bill in Congress could expand treatments for nursing facilities. Tara Gregorio, President of Massachusetts Senior Care Association explains, "There is pending legislation in Washington that would allow for greater therapy services for people to access their Medicare benefit. Instead of one-on-one therapy, it allows for residents to come together to do group or concurrent therapies. They

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has now released the Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ) data for the first, second, and third quarters of calendar year 2017 to the public through public use files (PUFs). The PUFs can be accessed online and are posted here. Additionally, CMS has stated it will release risk adjusted measures on the average hours per resident day by nursing job categories this spring. CMS will also incorporate these measures into your Five-Star Ratings. The exact

Due to the anticipated winter storm impacting our region Wednesday into Thursday, the Mass Senior Care Association Spring Conference & Trade Show scheduled for Thursday, March 22 nd has been rescheduled to Tuesday, May 8, 2018 at the Boxboro Regency Hotel & Conference Center. After careful consideration with our Board of Directors and facility members, we have determined it would be extremely difficult (if not impossible) for staff to attend the event during a winter storm.

The American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) announced its new goals for quality measurement in the coming three years. The new targets continue to build on the successes achieved over the last six years. For Skilled Nursing Care Centers the goals are aligned with top priorities for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) as well as Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) priorities, and with federal mandates that link financial outcomes to quality

After a 15-month process, the final revisions to 105 CMR 150.000 Standards for Long Term Care Facilities were approved by the Public Health Council on March 6, 2018, and will take effect on March 23, 2018. We are pleased to report that as a result of on-going member advocacy, the final regulations maintain the construction grandfathering provision for long term care facilities built prior to March 19, 1968. The Department’s original proposal would have put over 130 facilities at risk

The Board of Registration in Nursing released an update on the training requirement on Sexual and Domestic Violence Prevention for nurses prior to the renewal of licensure. DPH’s Division of Sexual and Domestic Violence Prevention and Services continues its work in developing an e-Learning tool that will be housed on DPH’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Integration Initiatives web page. Once the e-learning tool is completed, the Board will issue a new update and post information regarding it on the Board’s

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will adjust Medicare payments to providers based on how well they manage hospital readmissions performance through its SNF Value Based Purchasing (VBP) program starting on October 1, 2018. The calendar year 2017 performance window used to measure the SNF VBP Readmission Measure (RM) rates for the first year of the program has now passed. While the data has already been collected, the SNF RM rates have not been finalized. Providers have until

Is your organization seeking high-quality, professional individuals to be a part of your team? Expand your exposure through Mass Senior Care’s website, https://www.maseniorcare.org/careers/job-search. Job postings are available to member facilities only. Please login to Mass Senior Care’s website in order to post open positions at your facility. CNA job postings can be posted at no charge! For all other job postings, the purchase of a job subscription package is necessary to complete the posting process. If you have any questions

Earlier this week Mass Senior Care sent to nursing facility administrators a request to complete a direct care staff (RN, LPN, CNA) workforce survey.

The MassMAP Annual Regional Education Workshops will be held at various facilities across Massachusetts in May. The focus for these workshops is to bring each region together in their respective areas to improve each facility's overall capability to prepare for, respond to and recover from a disaster. Please click here for details and to sign up today. This program is for MassMAP members only and all members must be up to date with MassMAP Membership Dues in order to participate.

MassHealth has asked Mass Senior Care Association to send to membership a reminder message about billing procedures for MassHealth members receiving services as skilled nursing facilities. MassHealth-contracted Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) and Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) are required to cover 100 days of services, for all levels of care, at a skilled nursing facility, per Contract Year for each enrollee. For enrollees under or at this 100 day limit, skilled nursing facility providers should bill the ACO or MCO listed

Based on data from 21 completed** standard health surveys the average number of deficiencies cited for Massachusetts nursing homes is 7.8 under the new survey process and new requirements of participation. The top five cited deficiencies include:

MassHealth has requested that we share information regarding a series of WEBEX meetings in March to provide updates on the implementation of its Payment and Care Delivery Innovation (PCDI) program, which took effect on March 1st.

MassHealth has issued additional information in regard to the transition to its new integrated care networks including ACOs and MCOs effective March 1. Continuity of Care – MassHealth has issued a Continuity of Care FAQ in regard to the ACO transition. This document addresses questions that have been raised in regard to the transition. The FAQ will also be posted on MassHealth's website.

The National Partnership to Improve Dementia Care and Quality Assurance Performance Improvement will host a call on Tuesday, March 20 from 1:30 to 3:00 pm ET. During this call, gain insight on the phase two changes for person-centered care planning and discharge planning. Also, learn about the new Alzheimer's Association Dementia Care Practice Recommendations. Additionally, CMS will share updates on the progress of the National Partnership to Improve Dementia Care in Nursing Homes. A question and answer session will follow

Yesterday, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) changed the survey domain methodology of the Five-Star rating system. In the previous methodology, CMS used a center's most recent three survey cycles in calculating the survey rating. Moving forward, citations from the first cycle will contribute 60% toward a center's survey rating and will include the most recent standard survey prior to November 28, 2017, as well as any complaint surveys from November 28, 2016, to November 27, 2017.

Register Now for the 23rd Annual Massachusetts Adult Immunization Conference. The conference is scheduled for Tuesday, April 10, 2018 from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel, Marlborough, MA. For more information about the conference visit the 2018 Conference website at: http://maic.jsi.com/2018-massachusetts-adult-immunization-conference/

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health would like to remind all licensed adult day health programs, non-ambulatory surgical center clinics, nursing homes, and rest homes that the deadline for the mandatory reporting of healthcare personnel influenza data is April 15, 2018 at 5:00 pm.

As part of Mass Senior Care’s ongoing membership engagement efforts, the Association has scheduled regional membership meetings throughout the state. The regional meetings offer a great opportunity for members to network and discuss critical local issues with their colleagues and Mass Senior Care staff. Mass Senior Care will provide an update on the Association’s 2018 priorities and information on relevant topics including reimbursement, regulatory compliance and workforce. Regional meetings are open to staff at Mass Senior Care member facilities and corporate offices only.

MassHealth yesterday issued a memo - "Continuity of Care–Supporting Member Transitions to New MassHealth Plan Options" - outlining the transition of nearly one million beneficiaries into new integrated care networks including ACOs, MCOs, which takes effects next Thursday, March 1st.

We have posted on the Mass Senior Care Members Only website October 1, 2017 nursing facility census data, based on updated MassHealth survey information.

On February 14, 2018, the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing released three Advisory Rulings.

Is your organization seeking high-quality, professional individuals to be a part of your team? Expand your exposure through Mass Senior Care's website, https://www.maseniorcare.org/careers/job-search. Job postings are available to member facilities only.

Mass Senior Care is pleased to welcome our new members to the 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. You can also find all of our Associate Members on our website, www.maseniorcare.org/preferred-vendors. . Associate Members

On February 9, 2018, President Trump signed a two-year budget deal that includes a provision to permanently repeal the Medicare Part B therapy caps, a longstanding priority of the post-acute care provider community.

CMS has posted a revised SNF Advanced Beneficiary Notice (ABN) form along with instructions here. The SNF ABN is addressed in the interpretive guidelines for F582. CMS previously stated that it would allow providers a 90-day transition time to the use of this new form and during that time would not cite providers for using the old forms. However, SNFs should transition to using the new form as soon as possible.

On January 26, 2018, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released updated frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the Long Term Care Regulations, Survey Process, and Training requirements.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health would like to remind all licensed adult day health programs, non-ambulatory surgical center clinics, nursing homes, and rest homes of the deadline for the mandatory reporting of healthcare personnel influenza data. The reporting deadline is April 15, 2018 at 5:00 pm.

Join colleagues from across the state at our 2018 Spring Conference & Trade Show on Thursday, March 22nd at the Boxboro Regency. This year's theme, "Out of the Box Thinking: Strategies for Strengthening Our Workforce" will feature experts in the field of labor and workforce development who will share their knowledge and provide best practices which can be immediately implemented at your facility.

As part of our ongoing efforts to support recruitment and retention of frontline staff for member providers across the Commonwealth, Massachusetts Senior Care Association and Massachusetts Senior Care Foundation jointly released a Request for Expression of Interest for a Workforce Development Consultant to identify effective recruitment and retention strategies within and outside of the long term care sector that could be adapted to boost staff recruitment and retention in Massachusetts.

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 January 2018.

As part of the Massachusetts Senior Care Association's continued effort to update members on MassHealth's five-year 1115 ACO/MCO waiver, we are writing to share with you an important memorandum.

The Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) has indicated that the 2018 Direct Care Staff Payment Interim Compliance Webform is live on EOHHS’s web portal.

A calculation error has been identified for the three assessment-based quality measures reported on the SNF QRP Facility- and Resident-Level QM report and the SNF QRP Review and Correct reports (NQF #0678, NQF #0674, and NQF #2631).

Earlier this week the House of Representatives passed a funding bill to avert a government shutdown. The bill included a provision to permanently repeal the Medicare Part B outpatient therapy caps.

South Cove Manor at Quincy Point has announced the appointment of William Graves as President and CEO, effective March 1, 2018.