OSHA has extended the effective date of the anti-retaliation provision in its final rule, Improve Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses until Dec. 1, 2016. This is an additional extension from the original August date, which was then extended until Nov. 1, 2016. This is one provision of the OSHA rule, which requires nursing centers, assisted living communities, and other employers to electronically submit workplace injuries and illnesses as well as post anti-retaliation protections for workers who report work-related injuries or illnesses. Source: OSHA

In memorandum S&C: 17-03-NH, dated October 24, 2016, CMS announced that it is developing an online training program for Regional Offices (RO), State Survey Agencies (SA), providers, and other stakeholders on the new federal Nursing Home Regulations. This online training will include information about Phase 1 of the regulations and will be available to all parties starting November 18, 2016. All long term care (LTC) surveyors are required to complete this training in order to be able to conduct any

CMS will host the next National Partnership to Improve Dementia Care and QAPI MLN Connects® Call on Tuesday, December 6 from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm ET. During this call, participants will learn about the reform of requirements for long-term care facilities, highlighting the Behavioral Health Services & Pharmacy Services sections. A Tennessee nursing home will also discuss innovative approaches that they implemented to dramatically reduce the use of antipsychotic medications. Additionally, CMS subject matter experts will share updates on

Please mark your calendars to participate in a webinar regarding Substance Use Disorders (SUD) in nursing homes presented by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Bureau of Health Care Safety and Quality. During this webinar, staff from the Bureau’s Division of Health Care Facility Licensure and Certification will share guidance with nursing homes on the topic of SUD in nursing homes. This presentation will assist nursing homes in understanding a facility’s role in regard to treatment and safety, and what

Mass Senior Care Association in collaboration with Home Care Alliance of Massachusetts, developed the PATH (Post-Acute Transition Home) Tool to ensure discharges between care settings have warm handoffs, pertinent clinical information and the most comprehensive picture of the patient in real time. This tool is designed for nursing facilities to use when discharging patients to the home health setting and would ideally decrease unnecessary hospital readmissions. PLEASE NOTE: THIS WEBINAR IS FOR MASS SENIOR CARE NURSING FACILITY MEMBERS ONLY. To

We are very pleased that Governor Charlie Baker will deliver opening remarks at our November 10th Annual Meeting at the DCU Center in Worcester. Following Governor Baker, David Seltz, Executive Director of the Health Policy Commission, will present Impact of the Opioid Epidemic on the Health Care System in Massachusetts. Join colleagues from across the state for a thought-provoking session on how to transform a "one-size-fits-all" nursing facility into a quality living environment for all individuals, including those with complex