Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information and Resources

Mass Senior Care Association Offers Resources and Support to Help You Protect Your Long Term Care Community

Long term care facilities practice quality infection control procedures every day however, the coronavirus (COVID-19) has heightened the focus on infection prevention and control. Mass Senior Care Association is providing resources and support to assist long term care facilities with issues surrounding COVID-19. Please check this dedicated page daily as we provide updates on this rapidly evolving healthcare challenge.

Most current information

• Mass Senior Care Updates  
  • COVID-19 Updates: MassHealth Surveillance Testing Payments; Temperature Checks of Individuals Entering the Facility (August 17, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Antigen Test Expiry Date Extensions; Register Now for LTC Infection Prevention & Control Webinar Series; MSCA/MSCF Launch Workforce Innovations Collaborative (August 11, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates: DPH Monthly Long-Term Care Provider Call – August 10, 2022; Register Now for Important Infection Control and Survey Requirements Webinars (August 4, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates: EOHHS Extends Nursing Facility Capital Improvement and Innovation Project RFA Deadline to August 29^th; MassHealth Payments for COVID-19 Workforce Supplemental for July through September (August 3, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates: EOHHS Booster Letter to Providers; DPH Contracts with Additional Vendor for Nurse Aide Testing; CMS Issues FY 23 Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Prospective Payment System (PPS) Final Rule; CMS Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF)/Long Term Care (LTC) Open Door Forum; Final Chance to Register for This Thursday’s Webinar (August 2, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates: NHSN Updates Therapeutics Pathway; CMS Updates Nursing Home Rating System with Staffing and Turnover Data; CNA Feedback Needed: Long Term Care Career Advancement Survey; Register Now for Important Education Programs (July 28, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates: NHSN Clarifies Definition of Up-to-Date Vaccination in COVID-19 Vaccination Modules; MassHealth Supplemental Payments; Nursing Facility 2022 DCC-Q Final Filing; New Education Programs on 5 Star, Infection Control and Survey Requirements (July 25, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Update: MassHealth Issues Billing Code Guidance on Two Items (July 22, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates – Afternoon Edition: Senate Ways & Means Committee Issues Economic Development Bill; MassHealth Posts Q&A on RFA for NF Capital Improvement and Innovation Project Program (July 18, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates: FY23 Conference Committee Budget Includes $115 Million in Nursing Facility Vital Investments; HHS Extends Public Health Emergency Through October 15 (July 18, 2022)
  • House Passes Omnibus Economic Development Bill – Includes $165 Million for Vital Workforce Investments for Nursing Facilities (July 15, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates: EOHHS Issues Updated Instructions on 2022 DCC-Q Final Filing; Update to Control of COVID-19 in Long-Term Care Facilities; Reminder on Admission and Quarantine Policy for New Admissions; National Stakeholder Call with CMS Administrator on July 19 (July 14, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Update: Direct Care Cost Quotient (DCC-Q) Electronic Filing Portal is Live (July 13, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates: MassHealth Payments; Massachusetts Senate Passes Early Education and Child Care Bill; EOHHS Responds to MSCA Transportation Concerns (July 12, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates: FY23 Budget Update; CMS Issues Guidance on Five-Star Staffing Measures (July 8, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Mass Senior Care Offers Resources for Surveillance Testing; DPH Monthly LTC Provider Call (July 7, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates: EOHHS to Invest Additional Funding for a Temporary 3-Month COVID-19 Supplemental Workforce Payments – July 2022 through September 2022; 2022 DCC-Q Final Filing Reporting is Due on July 30^th (July 1, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Update: Issue with DPH NHSN Data Extraction (June 30, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Surveillance Testing Documentation; MassHealth Robotics Processing Automation (RPA) Policy (Jun 28, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Update on Nurse Aide Testing Requirements; Register for CDC Webinar: Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection in the Healthcare Setting (June 24, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates: MassHealth Nursing Facility Communication on MMQ Assessments; Reminder - Surveillance Testing & CHIA Reporting; Medicare Sequester Reduction to Return to 2% on July 1st (June 23, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Update: CMS Releases Memo on Staff Vaccination Requirement Compliance and NHSN Changes Definition of Up to Date (June 16, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Update: Temporary Nursing Licenses Extended until December 31, 2022 (June 15, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Updates to DPH Guidance on Surveillance Testing and MassHealth Payment Methodology for Staff Surveillance Testing in Nursing Facilities & Updates to DPH Guidance on Caring for Residents (June 10, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Revisions to CMS Guidance on Emergency Preparedness Disaster Exercise Guidance; Reminder: Nursing Home Administrators CEU Requirement for June 30, 2022; Final Chance to Register for Tomorrow’s C. Auris Webinar (June 8, 2022)
  • Correct Link for ARPA Grant Opportunity (June 6, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Essential Employee Premium Pay Distribution; CMS Clarification of In-Service Training Waiver Requirement; ARPA Grant Opportunity; DPH Monthly Conference Call for LTC Facilities; Register Now for C. Auris Webinar (June 6, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates: NHSN Revisions to COVID-19 Module Pathways; DPH Issues Memo on Compliance with Resident Bedroom 2-Bed Maximum Requirement if Hardship Waiver Request is Denied; DPH Monthly Conference Call for LTC Facilities; MassHealth to Host Training Webinars on How to Schedule Enhanced Wheelchair (ECC) Transportation; Register Now for Important Education Webinar on Emerging Threat of C. auris in LTC Facilities (June 3, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Reminder: Administer 2^nd COVID-19 Vaccine Booster to all Residents and Staff; Register Now for Free Webinar on Emerging Threat of Candida auris; MassHealth Provider Requests for Transportation (PT-1) FAQs (May 31, 2022)
    COVID-19 Update: Massachusetts Resident Care Assistant Training Course (May 27, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Apply for CMP Funds for In-Person Visitation Aids Now; Notification of Reduction in Licensed Beds (May 20, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates: HHS-OIG Launches Review of Nursing Home PRF Spending and Infection Control Practices; Register Now for Next Week’s Putting Patients First Webinar (May 18, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates: MassHealth June Payment; De-densification Update; Berkshire Eagle Publishes Op-Ed: Respect and Protect Nursing Home Caregiver Wages (May 17, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Revised Guidance on Antigen Rapid Point of Care COVID-19 Testing; NHSN Deadline for COVID-19 Vaccination Data Approaching; Reminder: Application Template for Request of CMP Funds for In-Person Visitation Aids (May 13, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Therapeutic Letter to Providers; Register Now for Putting Patients First Webinar (May 12, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Update: Nurse Aide Testing Requirements and On-Site Observation and Work Credit for Nurse Aide Training (May 10, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Vaccine Booster Shots Lag at LTC Facilities; DPH Monthly Call Reminder; Register Now for Putting Patients First Webinar (May 5, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates: MassHealth COVID-19 Supplemental Payments Timeline; Register Now for Putting Patients First Webinar (May 4, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates: PBJ Coding: Resident Care Assistants (RCAs); Hire Now Program – Documentation Clarification; Application Template for Request of CMP Funds for In-Person Visitation Aids (April 28, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Clinical Guidance on Therapeutics for COVID-19; National Nursing Home Stakeholder Call –Wednesday, April 27; REMINDER- Residents Should Receive 2nd COVID-19 Booster Shot as Soon as Eligible (April 27, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Monthly ICAR Assessments; CMS Skilled Nursing Facilities/Long Term Care Open Door Forum; MassHealth Webex Transportation Update – May 5, 2022 at 1 PM (April 25, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Administration of the second COVID-19 booster vaccine to LTCF residents; AHCA Webinar on Tips for Commenting to CMS on FY 2023 SNF Proposed Payment Rule (April 20, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Availability of COVID-19 Treatments; Reminder: Residents Should Receive 2nd COVID-19 Booster Shot as Soon as Eligible ( April 15, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Public Health Emergency Extended; Reminder - Residents Should Receive 2nd COVID-19 Booster Shot as Soon as Eligible (April 14, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Update: Update to Comprehensive PPE Guidance; Application Template for Request of CMP Funds for In-Person Visitation Aids; and REMINDER- Residents Should Receive 2nd COVID-19 Booster Shot as Soon as Eligible (April 13, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Update: Second Booster Administration for Eligible LTCF Residents and Staff (April 12, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Update: Influenza Vaccination Reporting in HCFRS; Register Now for Wednesday’s Webinar on the HireNOW Employer Grant Program; DPH Monthly Call is Wednesday (April 11, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Reminder - Residents should receive 2^nd COVID-19 Booster Shot as Soon as Eligible; Updated Clinical Guidance for COVID-19 Therapeutics; Register Now for “HireNOW” Webinar (April 8, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates: CMS Announces Phasing Out of 1135 Waivers; Register Now for Member Webinar on HireNOW Program; DPH Monthly Call Reminder (April 7, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Update: Second Boosters Strongly Encouraged for Residents in LTC Facilities (April 5, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Antigen Rapid Point of Care COVID-19 Testing for LTC Facility Visitors; Updates on Treatments for COVID-19; “HireNow” Hiring and Training Employer Grant Program and Healthcare Personnel (HCP) Influenza Data Submission Deadline April 15, 2022 - REMINDER (April 4, 2022)
  • Governor Baker Signs Supplemental Budget Bill - Includes Continued Authorization of Nursing Graduate Students to Practice Nursing Amendment (April 2, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Update: Legislature Sends To Governor Baker Supplemental Budget Bill - Includes Continued Authorization of Nursing Graduate Students to Practice Nursing Amendment (April 1, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates: FDA Authorizes a 2^nd Booster of Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine for Certain Individuals; MassHealth Issues FAQ on Nonemergency Wheelchair Van Transportation Services Changes (March 30, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Update: Updated Long-Term Care Facility COVID-19 Personnel Vaccination Requirement and Updated Clinical Guidance for COVID-19 Therapeutic (March 28, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Update: Updated Antigen Rapid POC Guidance; Register Now for DPH Webinar on “Fundamentals of Cleaning and Disinfection” (March 24, 2022)
  • Baker-Polito Administration Launches “HireNow” Hiring and Training Employer Grant Program (March 23, 2022)
  • MassHealth Nonemergency Wheelchair Transportation Program Changes – Training Material Posted on Website (March 18, 2022)
  • Provider Relief Fund Reporting Period 2 Deadline March 31 (March 17, 2022)
  • CHIA Releases Annual Report on Massachusetts Health Care System Performance; Reminder - MEMA & DPH Excess PPE Program; Register Now for the March 16th MassHealth Webinar on Nonemergency Wheelchair Transportation Program (March 14, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates: CMS Updates Nursing Home Testing and Visitation Guidance; Use of Graduate Nurses and Temporary Licenses and Reciprocity (March 10, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Update: MassHealth Issues Official Announcement Extending the Nursing Facility Extended Supplemental Payments for 3 More Months; Register Now for Tomorrow's National Nursing Home Stakeholder Call; OSHA Announces COVID-19 Focused Inspection Initiative in Health Care (March 9, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Updated Comprehensive PPE Guidance; CMS Issues Guidance to States On Returning to Routine Operations After the Eventual End of the COVID-19 PHE; Final Chance to Register for Tomorrow’s Webinar; MassHealth to Host Important Training Webinar on Nonemergency Wheelchair Transportation; DPH Monthly Call Reminder; REDCap Upgrade Scheduled Friday, March 11 (March 8, 2022)
  • EOHHS to Invest Additional $29.3 million for 3-Month Continuation of COVID-19 Supplemental Workforce Payments – April 2022 through June 2022 (March 4, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates: AHCA Releases Report Highlighting Unprecedented Economic Crisis in Nursing Homes; AHCA/NCAL to Host Post-State of the Union Member Webinar; CMS Nursing Home Stakeholder Call March 10^th; Register Now for Two Important MassHealth Webinars (March 3, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates: President Biden Introduces Plan to Protect Seniors and People with Disabilities; Massachusetts COVID-19 Emergency Paid Sick Leave Ending; Register Now for Two Important MassHealth Webinars; MEMA & DPH Excess PPE Program (March 1, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates: MassHealth Issues Update on Nonemergency Wheelchair Transportation; Reminder: Interim Direct Care Cost-Quotient (DCC-Q) Filing Deadline is March 1^st; HRSA to Make More than $560 Million in Phase 4 PRF Payments (February 25, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Reminder – Booster Vaccine Mandate Deadline is 2/28/2022; Reporting Seasonal Influenza Vaccination of Healthcare Personnel; Dementia Special Care Unit (DSCU) Disclosures due March 1^st; DMH Creates New PASRR Portal (February 23, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Reminder – Booster Vaccine Mandate Deadline is 2/28/2022 (February 17, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Governor Baker Signs Into Law Supplemental Budget Bill; Register Now for Important HRSA Updates and Technical Assistance Session on Thursday; ARP Rural and Phase 4 Payment Reconsideration; EOHHS Announces Forthcoming Online PASRR Portal Communication (February 14, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates: MHA and Mass Senior Care Form Post-Acute Care Transition Collaborative; MassHealth Releases $60 Million in Increased Funding for Nursing Facility Workforce (February 12, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Update: Temporary Staffing Agencies – Nurse Aide Training (February 9, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Baker Administration Announces Distribution Method for Essential Premium Pay Program for Low Income Workers; DPH Call Reminder (February 8, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Update: DPH Call Reminder (February 7, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Update: CMS Releases updated NH Visitation FAQs (February 4, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Evening Edition: Mass Senior Care Requests Extension of COVID-19 Supplemental Workforce Payments; Legislature Sends Supplemental Budget Bill to Governor Baker: Includes Nursing Facility Items (February 3, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Update: MassHealth Schedule to Issue COVID-19 Supplemental Payments and Reporting Requirements (February 3, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Update: New Registration Link for Today’s CMS National Nursing Home Stakeholder Call – All Attendees Need to Re-Register (February 2, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Register Now for February 2^nd National Nursing Home Stakeholder Call; Updated Clinical Guidance on Therapeutics for COVID-19 (January 31, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Updated Long-Term Care Admissions Freeze Guidance; CMS Releases Updated Guidance and Resources to Surveyors (January 28, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Update: Secretary Sudders Releases Letter to Families on Safe Visitation; CMS Requires all Surveyors to be Fully Vaccinated (January 27, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Revision to Update on Caring for LTC Residents during the COVID-19 Emergency; Department of Public Health - Remdesivir Update (January 26, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Update Afternoon Edition: Subsequent Revision to DPH Guidance (January 25, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates: DPH Call Reminder; Update to Caring for Long-Term Care Residents during the COVID-19 Response Guidance; Skilled Nursing Facility Short-Term Rehab Temporary Program; Updated Comprehensive PPE Guidance (January 25, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates: DPH Update to Chapter 93 Data Submission Portal; Free at-home COVID-19 tests (January 20, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Update: MassHealth Extends Pharmacy Coverage of Over-the-Counter Diagnostic Antigen Tests for SARS-CoV-2 (January 19, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Public Health Emergency Extended; DPH Call Reminder (January 18, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates: DPH Guidance on Additional Dose or Booster Requirement (January 14, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates Evening Edition: NHSN Reporting of Eligible Staff;MassHealth One-Time Incentive Payment for Staff Boosters - REMINDER (January 12, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Update: DPH Issues Attestation Form in Regard to ‘Good Faith’ Efforts to Meet April 30, 2022 Deadline for Compliance with Resident Bedroom 2-Bed Maximum Requirement (January 12, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Update: Governor Activates Additional MANG (January 11, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates: DPH Monthly Call Reminder; Long-Term Care Facilities Reporting of Influenza and Influenza-Like Illness; Updated CMS Nursing Home Visitation FAQs; CMS Adds Staffing Measures to Five Star; CDC Recommends Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Booster at 5 Months (January 10, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Attachment for Short Term Rehab Capacity; BinaxNOW Test Kits; MassHealth Issues Reminder: HST Brokerage Transportation for MassHealth members in Nursing Facilities (January 7, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates: New and Revised Guidance from the Department of Public Health (January 6, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Update: Nursing Home Forum on COVID-19 Boosters Recording Now Available; MassHealth Implements Temporary (1) Clinical Eligibility and (2) PASRR Flexibilities to Assist Patient Flow From Acute Inpatient Hospitals to NFs (January 4, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Update to Caring for LTC Residents during the COVID-19 Response and Healthcare Provider Disclosure Obligations (January 3, 2022)
  • COVID-19 Updates Afternoon Edition: Isolation and Quarantine Guidance for Health Care Personnel and COVID-19 Therapeutics (December 30, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Broad Institute Holiday Schedule; New CDC Guidance for Isolation and Quarantine -Not Applicable to Residents; CMS Releases Guidance on Vaccination Mandate; OSHA Withdraws Healthcare ETS - Update (December 30, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Strategies to Increase COVID-19 Booster Vaccination Rates and Address Hesitancy (December 30, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Long Term Care Stakeholder Town Hall; OSHA Withdraws Healthcare ETS, and HRSA Update on Phase 4 and ARP Rural Payments (December 28, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: CMS Issues New Visitation FAQs; CDC Updates Return to Work Criteria for Health Care Providers; Comprehensive Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Guidance; and DPH Issues Guidance on COVID-19 Therapeutics (December 24, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Update: AHCA Town Hall Recording and Booster Shot Materials (December 23, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Update: Baker-Polito Administration Provides COVID-19 Update on Mask Advisory and MANG (December 22, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Update: MassHealth Issues Bulletin on Coverage and Payment for COVID-19 Vaccines Administered by Nursing Facilities to MassHealth Members (December 21, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: mAb Product Update; Updated Resource Guide for ALRs for COVID Incident Reports (December 21, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Town Hall featuring HHS Official Admiral Rachel Levine; CHIA Extensions for Staff Surveillance Testing Reports (December 20, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: CMS Vaccine Mandate; Hospitals Reminded About Dispensing Medications to Discharged Patients (December 16, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: DPH Updates Guidance for Caring for the LTC Resident During COVID-19; BinaxNOW Test Kit Extension through 3/31/2022; Assisted Living Residence Skilled Care DPH Order and EOEA Guidance; Omicron and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine; Recording Available of CMS National Nursing Home Stakeholder Call (December 15, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Ongoing Research Documents Necessity of Booster Shots; Nursing Home Data for Booster Doses; HHS Announces Release of Phase 4 Provider Relief Fund Payments; Additional Guidance for Acute Care Hospitals to Address Staffing and Inpatient Capacity Challenges (December 14, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Reminder – Follow-up Q&A Session on Ventilation Strategies; MassHealth Transportation & Customer Web Portal (CWP) Training on December 16, 2021; Important HRSA Updates; Baker-Polito Administration Announces 2.1 Million At-Home COVID Tests for High-Need Communities (December 13, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Final Chance to Register for Zoom Meeting Addressing Critical Need to Increase Boosters (December 10, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Register Now for Zoom Meeting Addressing Critical Need to Increase Boosters; MassHealth One-Time Supplemental Payment to NFs for COVID-19 Booster/Third Vaccination Dose Supplemental Payment; Winter Holiday Ventilation Tips to Reduce Spread of COVID-19 Recording Now Available; Follow-up Live Q&A Session on December 15th (December 9,2021)
  • COVID-19 Update: Register Now for December 13^th Zoom Meeting on Increasing Staff Booster Uptake (December 8, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Prioritizing COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shots for Long Term Care Residents and Staff (December 6, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: December 8th DPH Monthly Call Reminder and DPH Webinar: Ventilation Strategies to Reduce Spread of COVID-19 (December 6, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: DPH Webinar: Ventilation Strategies to Reduce Spread of COVID-19; MassHealth Issues Billing Guidance on Weekend Admissions Rate Add On; Hospitals Reminded About Dispensing Medications to Discharged Patients; State Supported Monoclonal Antibody Treatment Sites in Massachusetts; EOEA and DPH Infection Control Webinar for Assisted Living Residences (December 3, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Update: MassHealth Announces Weekend Nursing Facilities Admission Rate Add-on (November 30, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: MassHealth Prior Authorization Suspension for Certain Services; Reminder – Public Health Order Related to Face Masks; and Recent COVID-19 Outbreaks in ALRs and Mandatory ALR Webinar (November 29, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Update: CMS Issues Waiver for F801 Food Service Director; Clarification on Visitors and Residents Dining Together (November 24, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: HRSA Releases ARP Rural Distribution Funding and Update on Phase 4 Distribution; Guidance Regarding Non-Essential, Non-Urgent Scheduled Procedures - Hospitals; Relaxation of Prior Authorization (November 23, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Update: Booster Shots for Nursing Facility Staff (November 23, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Update: DPH Releases Updates to Visitation Guidance (November 22, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Sec. Sudders’ Letter to Families of Long Term Care Residents on Celebrating Thanksgiving and Holidays and MassHealth FAQ Document: Treatment of Assets During Federal Public Health Emergency (November 19, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Updated Comprehensive Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Guidance; CMS & CDC Nursing Home Stakeholder Call on Tuesday, November 23^rd; Extension for Surveillance Testing Report due on Friday, November 26th (November 18, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Update: Commissioner of Public Health Extends Order Regarding Temporary Licenses & Reciprocity (November 16, 2021)
  • CMS Updates Nursing Home Visitation; Ambulance Services Update (November 15, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: COVID-19 Booster Dose Vaccination Guidance; EOHHS Posts on Its Website DCC-Q Report October 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021; Register Now for Mass Senior Care Annual Meeting (November 10, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: MassHealth Issues New and Revised Billing Guidance; CY 2022 Medicare Physician Payment Rule (November 9, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: DPH Administrative Reconsideration for State Fines; MassHealth Issues Bulletin on Brokerage Transportation for Medicaid NF Residents; Recording Available – Monoclonal Antibody Therapeutics; Register Now for Mass Senior Care’s 2021 Virtual Annual Meeting on Thursday, November 18^th (November 8, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: DPH Monthly Call on Wednesday, November 10^th; Register Now for Mass Senior Care’s Virtual Annual Meeting (November 5, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Remote Workers and the Vaccine Mandate; AHCA Hosting Webinar Tomorrow on CMS and OSHA Vaccine Mandates; Register Now for JVS Boston’s Economic Opportunity Forum (November 4, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Update: Template Letter for Administrative Reconsideration for State Vaccination Fines (November 1, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: House Adopts ARPA COVID-19 Recovery Funds; Updated Monoclonal Antibody Therapeutic Guidance for Healthcare Providers; Register Now for DPH Webinar on Monoclonal Antibody Therapeutics to Prevent and Mitigate COVID-19 in LTCF (October 30, 2021)
  • DPH Issues Guidance on ‘Good Faith’ Efforts to Meet April 30, 2022 Deadline for Compliance with Resident Bedroom 2-Bed Maximum Requirement; Reminder – Weekly Surveillance Testing (October 29, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: BinaxNOW Test Kit Extension, EEOC Releases Updated Guidance on COVID-19 Vaccination Mandates (October 28, 2021)
  • Reminder: DPH Fine Notices Related to Unvaccinated Staff; MassHealth PASRR Materials (October 27, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Update: DPH Fines Related to Unvaccinated Staff (October 22, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: CNA Training Provider Update; Register Now for Digital Strategies for Employee Recruitment Webinar (October 19, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: HHS Extends COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Through January 2022; Register Now for Digital Strategies for Employee Recruitment Webinar (October 18, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Update: Updates to the Considerations for Caring for COVID-19 Recovered Individuals Guidance; Rest Home Vaccination Reporting, and Register Now for Webinar: Leveraging Digital Strategies for Employee Recruitment In Long Term Care (October 15, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: NHSN Data Reporting Reminder; DPH Long-Term Care Provider Call, and MSCA-MedPro International Nurse Recruitment Partnership (October 12, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Update: Monoclonal Antibody Therapeutics Guidance (October 4, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Update: HRSA Phase 4 Provider Relief Fund Applications Webpage is Live and Updated FAQs Posted (September 29, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Legislature Sends Bill to Governor Baker Extending Emergency COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave to April 1, 2022;  HRSA Issues New Provider Relief Fund Phase 4 Guidance (September 28, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Update: COVID-19 Booster Dose Vaccination Guidance (September 27, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: DPH Releases Updated Guidance; DPH Clarifies Clinical Considerations for Unvaccinated Staff; Final Chance to Register for Workforce Development Webinar; MSCA-MedPro International Nurse Recruitment Partnership (September 24, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Register Now for Workforce Development Webinar; CMS Launches New Tool to Compare Nursing Home Vaccination Rates; AHCA Pre-Recorded Webinar on PRF Reporting Guidance; EOHHS Issues 2022 User Fee Update, Effective July 2021 (September 23, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Hospitals Designated at Tier 3 Due to COVID-19 Surge; LTC Booster Vaccination Updates; DPH Long Term Care Provider Call (September 20, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: ALR Emergency Regulations Filed; HRSA Releases Additional Phase 4 Provider Relief Fund Details (September 17, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Update: President Biden Expands Vaccination Requirements for Health Care Settings and DPH Announces a New CNA Testing Provider (September 10, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Update: DPH Monthly Call Reminder (September 3, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Vaccine Mandate and Exemptions; Resumption in Use and Distribution of Bamlanivimab and Etesevimab; Action Alert – Ask Governor Baker and State Lawmakers to Mandate Vaccines for All Healthcare and Eldercare Workers (August 31, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Update on Temporary Nursing Licenses and Reciprocity; Mass Senior Care Files Comments on OHSA Emergency Temporary Standards; Action Alert – Ask Governor Baker and State Lawmakers to Mandate Vaccines for All Healthcare and Eldercare Workers ( August 30, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Commissioner of Public Health Issues Order Regarding Temporary Licenses; FDA Alerts Health Care Providers to Stop Using Certain N95 Respirators; Action Alert – Ask Governor Baker and State Lawmakers to Mandate Vaccines for All Healthcare and Eldercare Workers (August 27, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Important Provider Relief Fund Reporting Reminder; Ask Governor Baker and State Lawmakers to Mandate Vaccines for All Healthcare and Eldercare Workers (August 26, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Ask Governor Baker and State Lawmakers to Mandate Vaccines for All Healthcare and Eldercare Workers; MassHealth Copayments Reminder; Reminder - National CMS & CDC Nursing Home Stakeholder Call Today at 4pm (August 25, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: FDA Grants Full Approval to Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine; National CMS & CDC Nursing Home Stakeholder Call – August 25th (August 23, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: COVID-19 Additional Dose Vaccination Guidance for Immunocompromised Individuals; Final Chance to Register for Mass Senior Care Webinar on Massachusetts Vaccination Mandate (August 20, 2021)
  • Mass Senior Care Calls for a Statewide Vaccine Mandate for All Health Care Workers (August 20, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Update: Governor Baker Issues COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate for State Workers (August 19, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Register For Today’s AHCA Webinar on Best Practices for Vaccine Mandate; Mass Senior Care to Host Webinar “Ask the Experts: Legal Update on Massachusetts NF Staff Vaccination Mandate; Tax Credits for Paid Leave Related to COVID-19 Vaccinations (August 19, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: CMS to Mandate COVID-19 Vaccination for all Nursing Home Employees; Testing and Vaccination Mandate Reminders (August 18, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: CHIA Updated Surveillance Testing Reporting Requirements; Rescission of Monoclonal Antibody Therapy Reporting to HCFRS; Register Now for Mass Senior Care Webinar on Vaccine Mandate (August 17, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates Afternoon Edition: Updated COVID-19 Guidance for Health Care Providers; and DPH Monthly Call Reminder (August 16, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: DPH Releases Updated Guidance on COVID-19 Personnel Vaccination Requirement and Comprehensive PPE; and Pro EMS Solutions Announces Price Reduction in COVID-19 Testing to $45 Per Test (August 16, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Public Health Council Approves Emergency Amendments to 105 CMR 150.000, Standards for Long-Term Care Facilities: (1) COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement and (2) Influenza; Register for MassHire Virtual Job Fair (August 12, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Update: Next DPH Call is Scheduled for August 18^th  (August 10, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Update: Additional States Announce LTC COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate; MSCA Supports a Statewide Vaccine Mandate for All Health Care Workers (August 10, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Update - Afternoon Edition: EOHHS Replaces Monthly Staff HPPD Reporting to CHIA with Quarterly PBJ Filings to CMS (August 9, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: NHSN Announces Changes to COVID-19 Vaccination Summary; IRS Updates FAQs on Paid Sick and Family Leave Tax Credits Under American Rescue Plan Act; Register Now for AHCA Webinar on Boosting Staff Vaccination Rates; MassHire Virtual Job Fair in August (August 9, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Update: DPH Issues Updated COVID-19 Guidance for Long Term Care Facilities (August 4, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Update: DPH Issues Mandatory Staff COVID-19 Vaccination Order – DPH Special Call on August 5 AT NOON (August 4, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: FDA Authorizes Expanded Use of REGEN-COV mAb (Regeneron); DPH Extends Enhanced Guidance for Barnstable County Long Term Care Facilities; DHS Announces Registration Process for Temporary Protected Status for Haiti; MassHealth Extends Deadline for PPA Adjustments and CMS SNF Open Door Forum Call This Thursday (August 3, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: DPH Issues Updated Vaccine Guidance; DPH Issues Advisory on Face Coverings and Cloth Masks; CMS Issues FFY 2022 Medicare SNF PPS Final Rule; MassHealth Issues Reminder on Medical Documentation for Completing MMQ (July 30, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: CDC Updates Guidance for Fully Vaccinated Individuals; Register for AHCA Webinar on Boosting Staff Vaccination Rates; MassHire Virtual Job Fair in August; Brandeis Study Seeks Input from Directors of Nursing (July 28, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Preparing for Wave 4: Vaccination, Testing and Staffing; Massachusetts COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Bulletin; and MassHire Virtual Job Fair in August (July 27, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Federal Public Health Emergency is Renewed; DPH Releases Updated Guidance on Control of COVID-19 In Long Term Care Facilities and Additional Measures to Prevent COVID-19 Transmission in LTC Facilities in Barnstable County; Temporary Nursing Licenses To Expire on September 15, 2021 (July 19, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Update: EOHHS/UMASS Issues DCC-Q Final Filing Notice to Providers: July 30th Deadline and DPH Weekly COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Bulletin (July 15, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Update: DPH Releases Updated Memo on Control of COVID-19 in Long Term Care Facilities (July 13, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Considerations for Caring for COVID-19 Recovered Residents; CMS Updates Medicare Accelerated and Advance Repayment FAQs; DPH Monthly Call This Wednesday (note new participant code) ( July 12, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: State is Now Accepting Applications for COVID-19 Sick Leave Program Reimbursement; MSCA To Testify on Nursing Facility Stabilization Bill and Nursing Facility Quality Jobs Initiative at July 20^th Legislative Hearing (July 9, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: DPH Shares Resources to Increase COVID-19 Vaccination; VaxBus Tour Mobile Clinics; and July 8th Healthcare Cybersecurity Call (July 6, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: MassHealth NF Eligibility Resources; Provider Relief Fund Reporting Portal is Now Open (July 2, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Reminder on Surveillance Testing Compliance; Reminder: Staff Use of Face Masks Still Required in Long-Term Care Facilities; Register Now for July 13^th OSHA ETS Webinar (July 1, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: COVID-19 Dashboard Report Moving from Weekly to Monthly Updates; MassHealth Issues Additional Guidance on COVID-related PPA (June 30, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: OSHA Emergency Temporary Standards Effective July 6; CMS Updates Emergency Preparedness Exercise Exemption; NHSN to Update Reporting Modules, and Mass Senior Care Shares CNA Training Opportunities (June 28, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Update: Updated DPH Guidance on Comprehensive PPE (June 25, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: CMS Updates Survey Tools; Additional MassHealth Guidance on COVID-related PPA (June 24, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: DPH Resource Conference Call is Now Monthly; Geriatrician from Hebrew Rehabilitation Center to Speak at AHCA/NCAL Virtual Vaccine Town Hall Today; KN95 Masks Available at No Charge (June 22, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Updated Guidance on Use and Allowable Wastage of COVID-19 Vaccine; EOHHS Issues Initial HCBS Spending Plan for Use of Federal American Rescue Plan Act Funding; DPH Updates Guidance on Determining Inadequate Staffing Factor; Important Update on Verbal Consent on MOLST Form; LTC Staffing Portal to Close by June 30^th; Reminder: AHCA/NCAL to Host Virtual Town Hall for Long Term Care Staff on COVID-19 Vaccine (June 21, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Update: DPH Issues Updated Guidance for Caring for Residents During the COVID-19 Response (June 18, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Update on Extension of Certain Public Health Orders; Massachusetts Travel Advisory Regarding People Who are Unvaccinated; AHCA Webinar on OSHA Emergency Temporary Standards Now Available (June 17, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Updates from DPH Weekly Call; MassHealth Response to COVID-19 Flexibilities; Mass. Launches Vaccine Lottery Program (June 16, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: DPH Releases Updated Guidance for LTC Facilities; Weekly DPH Call Reminder (June 15, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Public Health Orders Rescinded and Extended; Updated PRF Reporting Requirements; MassHealth Issues Additional Guidance COVID-related Patient Paid Adjustments (PPA) (June 14, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Senate Adopts Public Health Emergency Extension; Mandatory Reporting of Resident and Staff Vaccination; Rescinding of Reporting Requirements for Health Care Facilities; Reporting Eligible HCP to the CDC NHSN Vaccination Module; OSHA Release Emergency Temporary Standards for Healthcare Settings; Resident Care Assistants and the Lifting of the Public Health Emergency; MassHealth Issues Updated Transportation Program Guidance for Transportation of Dialysis Patients to Address Access Problem (June 11, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Update: Mass Senior Care Advocates for Extension of Certain Public Health Orders in Senate Bill; Massachusetts Public Health Council Grants COVID-19 Powers to DPH Commissioner; and CMS will Impose CMPs for Lack of Vaccination Reporting (June 10, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: DPH Provides Updated Vaccination Guidance; MassHealth Issues Bulletin Updating Monoclonal Antibody Treatment for COVID-19; Infection Control Learning Needs Assessment Survey; Dementia Care Town Hall Presentation; DPH Weekly Call Reminder (June 8, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: CHIA Updated Surveillance Testing Reporting – Streamlined Reporting Survey; New NIOSH Guidance on N-95 Respirators (June 2, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Governor Baker Signs Into Law a Bill Addressing Unemployment Insurance Rate Relief and COVID-19 Emergency Paid Sick Leave Program; DPH Weekly Call Reminder (June 1, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Update Afternoon Edition: EOHHS Issues Updated COVID-19 Ongoing Surveillance Testing Requirements (May 28, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Update: Clarification on COVID-19 Vaccine Education (May 28, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Dialysis Residents and Transportation; New COVID-19 Vaccine Resources (May 27, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: BinaxNOW Test Kit Update; DPH Weekly Call Reminder (May 25, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: DPH Releases Update to Caring for Long Term Care Residents During the Covid-19 Emergency; COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Message from CDC; Requesting PPE from DPH; Pause in the Distribution of Bamlanivimab/etesevimab; NHSN Vaccine Module Training (May 24, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: DUA Solvency and COVID-19 Emergency Paid Sick Leave Program (May 21, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: MassHealth Issues Follow Up PPA Guidance for COVID Period; Update on DUA Solvency Assessments and COVID-19 Emergency Paid Sick Leave Program (May 19, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: COVID Restrictions to be Lifted May 29th, DPH Weekly Call Reminder (May 18, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Clarification on DPH Comprehensive PPE Guidance (May 17, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Rescindment of Roster Reporting Requirement; Revised Comprehensive Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Guidance (May 13, 2021)
  • Mass Senior Care Shares Key Strategies to Increase COVID-19 Vaccination Rates and Address Hesitancy (May 13, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Interim Final Rule on COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements for LTCF and ICFs-IID; Updated BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card Product Expiry Dates; DPH Weekly Call Reminder (May 11,2021)
  • COVID-19 Update: REMINDER - CDC Updating and Simplifying NHSN Modules Webinar (May 10, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Update: CDC Updating and Simplifying NHSN Modules (May 6, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Updated Guidance on Surveillance Testing; May 10^th PPA Webinar; Attestation Due on May 11^th for Quarterly Staffing HPPD; Standardized COVID-19 Testing Recommendations Prior to Hospital Discharge (May 5, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Update: Reminder to Comply with DPH Visitation Guidance (May 3, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Update: MassHealth Patient Paid Amount Training Webinar Registration is Now Open (April 30, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: CHIA Update to Staffing Hours Application; County Positivity Rates (April 29, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: DPH Lifts Determination of Need (DoN) Moratorium on LTC Beds; DPH Notice In Regard to DoN Projects to Convert Resident Rooms with More Than 2 Beds – Conservation Project (April 28, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: MassHealth Issues to Nursing Facilities Notice on Patient Paid Adjustments (PPA); EOHHS Request for Information (RFI) on Enhanced HCBS Funding; Project ECHO Nursing Home Survey (April 26, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Importance of Vaccinating LTC Staff and Residents; and CHIA Message on LTC Surveillance Testing Reporting Compliance (April 23, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Public Health Emergency is Extended; County Positivity Rates for Barnstable & Dukes and Nantucket Counties (April 22, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Medicare FFS Claims: 2% Payment Adjustment (Sequestration) Suspended Through December 2021; Vaccination Options for Residents and Staff & Visitation FAQs; Update on CEU Requirements for Nursing Home Administrators; DPH Weekly Call Reminder (April 20, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Definition of COVID-19 Death in Long Term Care aligned with CDC NHSN Definition; County Positivity Rate for Barnstable & Dukes and Nantucket Counties; CMS Nursing Stakeholder Call; Governor Baker Delays First-Quarter 2021 Unemployment Insurance Payments (April 16, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Updated Monoclonal Antibody Therapy Guidance (April 14, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Pause in Use of J&J Vaccine; Weekly DPH Call Reminder (April 13, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Updated Vaccination Options for Long Term Care Residents and Staff; Register Now for Tomorrow’s CHIA Reporting Webinar; CMS 1135 Waiver for CNA Training Remains in Effect; American Rescue Plan – New and Expanded Health Insurance (April 12, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Register Now for CHIA Webinar on Updated Reporting; CMS Announces Changes to 1135 Waivers; CMS Issues Proposed FFY 2022 Medicare SNF PPS Rule; County Positivity Rate for Barnstable County (April 9, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Preparing for Provider Relief Fund Reporting; Register Now for Follow-up Webinar on OSHA COVID-19 National Emphasis Program; Revised Long-Term Care Survey Tools (April 8, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Update on CHIA Staffing Hours Reporting Requirements and Deadlines; DPH Weekly Call Reminder (April 6, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: CDC Updates on Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations; Please Complete MassHealth Survey on Nursing Facility Care Specialization & Medical Transportation; CMS Updates Guidance for Emergency Preparedness Regulations; and Repayment of COVID-19 Accelerated and Advance Payments Began on March 30, 2021 (April 5, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: CHIA HPPD Reporting Requirements Change to Monthly; DPH Updates Guidance on Non-Essential Personnel in LTC Facilities; EOHHS Issues Safe Celebration Information; MassHealth Updates Rates for COVID-19 Vaccine Administration; Reminder: DPH Has Resumed Annual Surveys; County Positivity Rate for Barnstable County (April 1, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Clarification on Data Collection for COVID-19 Vaccination Reporting; BinaxNOW Test Kit Update; Revised CDC Burn Rate Calculator; Achieving a Full APU Webinar is Full – Register to Receive Notification of Recorded Version; DPH Weekly Call Reminder (March 30, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: MassHealth Issues Bulletin Updating COVID-19 Ongoing Surveillance Testing Requirements for NFs; CDC V-Safe Monitoring for COVID-19 Vaccination Program (March 29, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: DPH Releases Guidance on COVID-19 Vaccination Reporting to NHSN; COVID-19 Vaccination Following the FPPP; Legislature Enacts COVID-19 Recovery Bill; CHIA Updates Surveillance Testing Data Format and Schedule; US Senate Bill Delays Medicare Sequestration Cuts (March 26, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: County Positivity Rate for Barnstable County and PPE Exchange Group Order (March 25, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: DPH Provides Guidance on Phase 4 Reopen Approach for Health Care Providers (March 24, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: OSHA COVID-19 NEP Webinar; Boston Globe Story Touts Vaccine Success in Nursing Homes; Reminder: Medicare Accelerated and Advance Payment (AAP) Repayment (March 22, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Clarification on Quarantine and Vaccinated New Admissions and Readmissions; Register Now for Virtual Sessions on “Supporting the Well-Being of Staff” (March 19, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Update: Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA) Releases Revised Guidance for ALRs (March 17, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Updated Surveillance Testing Guidance and Recovered Individuals; Register Now for CNA Training Opportunities Information Session; DPH Weekly Call Reminder (March 16, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: AHCA/NCAL to Host Reform Proposal Webinar on March 16 at 2PM Eastern; Reminder: Nursing Home Residents, Medicaid, and Stimulus Checks (March 15, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Update: DPH Updates Guidance Visitation Conditions, Communal Dining, and Congregate Activities, Quarantine of fully-vaccinated New Admissions & Readmissions, Surveillance Testing Frequency of Fully Vaccinated Staff and Staff and Resident Roster Reporting (March 12, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Recovery Bill Moving Through State Legislature (March 12, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: CMS Releases Revised Guidance on Nursing Home Visitation; Register Now for Today’s CMS National Nursing Home Stakeholder Call; Massachusetts Travel Restrictions Revised for Individuals Fully Vaccinated (March 11, 2021)
  • COVID19 Updates: Public Health Council Approves Proposed Revisions to 105 CMR 150.00 Standards for Long Term Care Facilities; Register Now for Trauma Informed Care Program (March 10, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: AHCA Expands COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign; Register Now for Trauma Informed Care & Support for Staff; Weekly DPH Call Reminder (March 9, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: AHCA Guidance on Accessing Vaccine Post LTC Pharmacy Partnership, MassHealth to End Isolation Space Program on March 31, 2021 (March 4, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: DPH to Resume Annual Surveys, BinaxNOW Expiration Date Update (March 4, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Support Group for Nurses Caring for COVID-19 Patients; Weekly DPH Call Reminder (March 2, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Update: New Nationwide Goal for LTC Staff Vaccinations (February 26, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: MassHealth Reminder on 3^rd Room Density Report Deadline; REMINDER: Seasonal Influenza Vaccination of Healthcare Personnel (February 25, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Update: DPH Releases Guidance on Vaccination Options for LTC Residents and Staff at Conclusion of Federal Pharmacy Partnership Program (February 24, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Updated Version of LTC Family Communication Letter; DCC-Q Filing Reminder; DPH Weekly Call Reminder; Request for Extended Repayment Schedule for Medicare AAP (February 23, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Medicare 3-Day Stay and Benefit Period Waivers Fact Sheet and FAQs – UPDATED; REMINDER: Direct Care Cost-Quotient Filing Is Due on March 1, 2021 (February 22, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: EOHHS Releases COVID-19 Prevention Protocols Post Vaccination; MassHealth; MassHealth Issues Transportation Provider Bulletin for Members to Vaccination Sites for COVID-19 Vaccine Administration (February 19, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Update: Reminder: Surveillance Testing Requirement; Update January Pending Surveillance Testing Results by February 28th (February 18, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Update: Medicare Accelerated and Advance Payment (AAP) Repayment (February 17, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: DPH Issues Memo on TNS; Updated COVID Diagnosis Codes; DPH Weekly Call Reminder (February 16, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: EOHHS Issues Administrative Bulletin on NF Direct Care Cost-Quotient; EOHHS Posts Recording of DCC-Q Webinar (February 11,2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Updated FAQ for DCC-Q; COVID-19 Vaccine Educational Videos Available in Multiple Languages (February 10, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: EOHHS Issues Initial FAQ for DCC-Q, Join MassHealth Webinar Tomorrow for More Information; Weekly DPH Call Reminder (February 9, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: First Dose of Vaccine at Final Clinic; DCC-Q Webinar and Deadline Extended to March 1st; Monoclonal Antibody Therapy – Member Video Implementation; MassHealth COVID-19 Billing Instructions (February 8, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: First Dose of Vaccine at Final Clinic; Monoclonal Antibody Therapy – Member Video Implementation; MassHealth COVID-19 Billing Instructions (February 6, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: COVID-19 Vaccine in LTCF Making a Difference and DCC-Q Extension and Webinar (February 5, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Update: Update to Testing and County Positivity Rates (February 4, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: MassHealth Adopts Emergency NF Rate Regulation, Updated Guidance on Visitation Conditions, Communal Dining and Congregate Activities (February 3, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: MassHealth Issues DCC-Q Form; DPH Weekly Call Reminder; Register for Important Ransomware Webinar (February 2, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Extension on BinaxNOW Kit Distribution; Infection Control Surveys Reveal Continued Diligence Needed on PPE and Hand Hygiene; Vaccination Resources Available in Multiple Languages (February 1, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Update on Release of DCC-Q Form; Update to Testing and County Positivity Rates; New 2021 Five-Star Ratings Released (January 28, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: NHSN Offers Weekly COVID-19 Vaccination Data Reporting; Reporting Possible Adverse Events Post-Vaccination to the CDC; FAQs for Chapter 93 Elder Facility Reporters; MassHealth Issues Family Assistance FAQ (January 27, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: HHS Likely to Extend Public Health Emergency Through Calendar Year 2021; December 2020 Surveillance Payment Reminder; Register Now for Educational Webinars; DPH Weekly Call Reminder (January 26, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: DPH Issues Updates for Discharged Residents Returning for Second COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing and County Positivity Rates (January 23, 2021) 
  • COVID-19 Updates: Reporting Possible Adverse Events Post-Vaccination; President Biden Issues National COVID-19 Response Plan; Executive Order Issued to Protect Worker Safety & Health; and PRF Reporting Registration Update (January 22, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Therapeutic Guidance for Long-term Care Facilities – Additional Resource; HHS Opens PRF Reporting Portal for Registration; MSCA Offers Workforce Resources; DPH Weekly Call Reminder; and CMS Responds to Follow-up Questions Related to New COVID-19 ICD-10 Codes and Coding Guidance (January 19, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Update: Provider Relief Fund Reporting Update (January 15, 2021) 
  • COVID-19 Update: County Positivity Rates >10% in 4 MA Counties (January 14, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Therapeutic Guidance for Long-term Care Facilities; CVS Consent Forms in Multiple Languages (January 13, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Mass Senior Care Publishes New CNA Training Guide; EOHHS Issues Discharge Resources and Guidelines for Hospitals; DPH Weekly Call Reminder (January 12, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: SBA Re-Opens Payroll Protection Program on January 11th; Register Now for Fireside Chat with CMS and CDC; MassHealth Updates LTC Eligibility Application Form (SACA-2) (January 11, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: AG Healey Issues Advisory on Stimulus Payment; Important Change to NHSN Point-of-Care Test Reporting Requirement; OSHA Required 2020 Injury and Illness Data Due March 2, and HHS Extends Public Health Emergency (January 8, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Reminder: CHIA Data Submissions Due Tomorrow and New Round of PPP Funding Available (January 7, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Join Today’s COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Session with CMS and CDC; CMS Releases Revised Criteria for Conducting Focused Infection Control Surveys and Survey FAQs; Update to Comprehensive PPE Guidance; Clarification on Reporting of BinaxNOW POC Test Results (January 6, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: MassHealth Issues Updated Nursing Facility Bulletin for New Targeted Isolation Space Program; Post Open Positions on the State’s COVID-19 Staffing Portal 3.0; Reminder: COVID-19 Staff Vaccination, and DPH Weekly Call Information (January 5, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: DPH Skilled Nursing Facilities Monoclonal Antibody Therapy Survey Due Tomorrow, and MassHealth Issues Nursing Facility Bulletin 158: UPDATED COVID-19 Ongoing Surveillance Testing Requirements for Nursing Facilities (January 4, 2021)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Please Respond to MSCA Vaccination Clinic Outreach; Reminder on Definition of Staff for Vaccination; BinaxNOW Rapid Point of Care COVID-19 Testing for Assisted Living Residences, and Register for Today’s COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Chat with AHCA, CMC and the CDC (December 30, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Watch Provider Video on COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic Experience; Updated BinaxNOW Guidance for LTC Facilities; EOHHS Adopts Final October 2020 Medicaid Rate Regulation With Modifications; HHS Updates the Provider Relief Fund FAQ, and DPH Weekly Call Reminder (December 29, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: MassHealth Reminder: 2^nd Room Density Report Due 12/31/2020; MassHealth Increases Supplemental Payment for the New Targeted Isolation Space Program; New DPH Webpage for COVID-19 Guidance for LTC Facilities; Healthcare License Renewals Extended; Additional CDC Resources on COVID-19 Vaccination, and Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet (December 28, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: DPH Issues Updated Guidance on Seasonal Influenza Vaccination of Healthcare Personnel and MassHealth Issues Eligibility Operations Memo (December 24, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: COVID-19 Vaccination Materials Now Available in Four Languages; Reminder to Update November Surveillance Testing Payments with CHIA, and Corrected Link for Assisted Living CLIA Waivers (December 23, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Congress Passes $900 Billion Stimulus Package; New Rate for Staff Surveillance Testing; CDC Releases Additional Guidance on COVID-19 Vaccination in Long-Term Care Facilities; OSHA Releases Resource for Understanding Compliance with OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Standard; County Positivity Rates >10% in Bristol & Nantucket Counties; MassHealth Issues Bulletin on Coverage and Payment for COVID-19 Vaccine Administration, Testing, and Monoclonal Antibody Product Infusion, and DPH Weekly Call Reminder (December 22, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Update: Reminder: Town Hall Meeting at 8 pm Tonight with EOHHS Secretary Marylou Sudders (December 21, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Reminder: Town Hall Meeting Tonight with EOHHS Secretary Marylou Sudders;CMS-CDC Nursing Home Stakeholder Call Scheduled for Tomorrow; Order BinaxNow Test Kits Now from DPH (December 21, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Confirmation of Verbal Consent from Walgreens and CVS; COVID-19 Town Hall Meeting for Nursing Home Workers; Emergency Use Authorization Fact Sheet for COVID-19 in Multiple Languages; Request BinaxNow Test Kits; COVID-19 Vaccine Presentation (December 18, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: DPH Releases Guidance on Considerations for HCP After COVID-19 Vaccination; Mass Senior Care Shares COVID-19 Vaccine Resources, and CHIA Reporting Extensions During the Holiday Season (December 17, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Clarification on Consents Required by CVS and Walgreens for COVID-19 Vaccine; CDC Recommendations on Post-Vaccine Considerations for Residents; DPH Offers Additional Tools and Resources; Provider Relief Fund FAQs for Vaccine Distribution (December 16, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Update: Pfizer EUA COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet; Obtaining CLIA Waivers for ALRs; AHCA to Host Vaccination Office Hours; DPH Weekly Call Reminder (December 14, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Update: COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic Deployment Toolkit (December 11, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Update: Secretary Sudders to Host Stakeholder Call on Vaccine Distribution Plan (December 11, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: DPH Releases Information on Vaccine Distribution; Update to Exposure & Return to Work Guidance; Reminder: BinaxNow Test Kits Available from DPH and Register for Tomorrow’s AHCA Vaccine Webinar (December 9, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates Evening Edition: Updates to Long-Term Care Guidance and Updated Resources for REDCap (December 8, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Webinar on Staff and Resident Roster Reporting to CHIA; DPH Weekly Call Reminder (December 8, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Register Now for AHCA Webinar on Vaccination Clinics; Update to Nursing Home Compare and 5 Star Rating System; Reminder: BinaxNow Test Kits Available from DPH; MHA to Offer 2^nd Opportunity to Bulk Purchase PPE (December 7, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Massachusetts COVID-19 Vaccine Program (MCVP); CDC Updates Strategies for Optimizing Facemask Supply (December 3, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: CDC Places LTC Residents at Highest Priority for COVID-19 Vaccine; HHS Releases September Quality Incentive Payment Amounts (December 2, 2020)
  • Reminder: September Surveillance Testing Payments and October Filing for EOHHS Payments (December 1, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Reminder: BinaxNow Test Kits Available from DPH; OSHA Resources; DPH Weekly Call Reminder (December 1, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Update: MassHealth Issued Updated COVID-19 Surveillance Testing Requirements (November 28, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Maintaining Infection Control Vigilance; CHIA Issues Notice of Holiday Extension for Submission of Staff Surveillance Testing and Nurse Staffing Data (November 25, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Updated Holiday Letter; Reminder: First CHIA HPPD Reporting Submission Is Due by Noon, Friday November 27^th; DPH Weekly Call Reminder (November 24, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates-Evening Edition: BinaxNOW Test Kits Available Through DPH, State Will Cover Testing Cost for Visitors and Symptomatic Residents and Staff; Updates to LTC Surveillance Testing (November 23, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Update: Resources for Dealing with the 2^nd Surge of COVID-19 (November 23, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Update: 2^nd MassHealth Webinar on HPPD Reporting (November 20, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: County Positivity Rates >5% in Three Counties; CMS Releases Alert Regarding Holidays; DPH Holiday Letter to LTC and Congregate Care Families; DPH Update on Enrollment in the Federal Pharmacy Partnership Program (November 19, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: DPH Update to November 13th Guidance and OSHA Releases Frequently Cited Standards (November 18, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: MassHealth Issues Updated Eligibility Operations Memo on Hospital Presumptive Eligibility; DPH Weekly Call Reminder; CMS COVID-19 Care Site-Specific Calls – Nursing Homes (November 17, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: DPH Issues Revised Guidance on Public Health Order; DPH Releases Updated Guidance on Caring for LTC Residents during COVID-19 Emergency; MassHealth Issues UPDATED Nursing Facility Bulletin for New Targeted Isolation Space Program; Nursing Home Budget Amendment Included in DPH Report; CMS Updates (November 13, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Update: MassHealth HPPD Webinar on November 13th (November 11, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Update: Date and Time Change for Weekly DPH Call (November 10, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Update: Guidance Regarding Reporting of Seasonal Influenza Vaccination of Healthcare Personnel (November 6, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Update: MassHealth Issues HPPD Reporting Bulletin; OSHA Respiratory Protection Guidance; DPH Order on Regarding Control of COVID-19 in LTCF (November 5, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Update: MassHealth Issues HPPD Reporting Bulletin; OSHA Respiratory Protection Guidance; DPH Order on Regarding Control of COVID-19 in LTCF (November 5, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: DPH Updates to Visitation Conditions, Communal Dining, and Congregate Activities in Long-Term Care Facilities (November 4, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: County Positivity Rates and Staff Testing for COVID-19; DPH Weekly Call Reminder (November 3, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: DPH Schedules Public Hearing on Proposed Licensure Regulations; Renewal of Expired and Expiring Licenses; HHS Updates Provider Relief Fund FAQs (October 30, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: HHS Issues First Distribution of Incentive-Based COVID-19 Relief Funds; Resumption of CNA Testing; CDC Releases New Information on Testing in Nursing Homes (October 28, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: MassHealth Updates De-Densification Bulletin – Exceptional Circumstances; DPH Weekly Call Reminder; CMS COVID-19 Care Site-Specific Calls – Nursing Homes (October 27, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Applications Now Available for CMP Funding for In-Person Visitation Aids; Donated Hand Sanitizer Available for Pick-up on Thursday (October 26, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: HHS Updates Provider Relief Fund Requirements and Expands Relief Fund Eligibility; Updated HHS NHSN Reporting Requirements (October 23, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: De-Densification Summary and Timeline; DPH Flu Resources; Weekly Public Health Report Moves to Thursday Release; Infection Control Resource Toolkit (October 22, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Extension of Deadline for Reporting Room Density in Nursing Facilities; Update on COVID-19 Surveillance Testing: CHIA Reporting (October 21, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Sign Up Now for the CDC Vaccine LTC Distribution Program; Weekly DPH Call Reminder; Register Now for HPPD Webinar (October 20, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Updated Guidance for Caring for COVID-19 Recovered Residents; Interim COVID-19 Vaccination Distribution Plan; Register Now for Important Workforce Webinar (October 19, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: EOHHS Posts 2021 Medicaid Rate File for Individual Facilities; MassHealth Isolation Space Program; and Flu Vaccination Distribution Plan (October 17, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: DPH Weekly Call Reminder; CMS COVID-19 Care Site-Specific Calls; Updated COVID-19 Public Reporting Tip Sheets (October 13, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: MassHealth Issues Nursing Facility Bulletin for New Targeted Isolation Space Program; CMS Releases Medicare Accelerated and Advance Payment Guidance; DPH HCFRS System Upgrade Scheduled for October 18, 2020; Register Now for Important Respiratory Protection Program Webinar (October 9, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: DPH Releases COVID19 Template-Appendix A; CMS Issues S&C to State Survey Agencies on Compliance with Residents’ Rights Related to Voting ( October 7, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: National Public Health Emergency Renewed – COVID-19 Waivers Extended; Mandatory Flu Vaccination of Long-Term Care Personnel; DPH Lifts Determination of Need (DoN) Moratorium on LTC Beds for Projects that Meet Certain Criteria; DPH Weekly Call Reminder; HHS Posts Application Form to Apply for Phase 3 Provider Relief Fund Resources (October 6, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Update: October 5, 2020 with Corrected DPH Guidance Memo (October 5, 2020) 
  • COVID-19 Updates: DPH Releases Guidelines on POC Testing Devices; DPH and EOEA Release Updates to LTC Surveillance Testing and Reimbursement for ALR Staff Testing (October 5, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Continued Biweekly Testing for Nursing Homes in EMS Regions 3 and 4; HHS Announces New Opportunity to Apply for Provider Relief Fund Resources; Modifications to the Medicare Accelerated and Advance Payments Under 2021 Continuing Appropriations Act; Register Now for Upcoming Webinars (October 2, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: AHCA Offers Presentation on new Department of Labor Coronavirus Leave Requirements; Influenza Vaccination Data Reporting Webinar; Register Now for MDS and QAPI Webinar Series (September 29, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: CDC Announces New POC Laboratory Reporting Pathway; Register Now for ECHO National Nursing Home COVID-19 Webinar on Coronavirus Testing; 1 Day Remaining to File Final Filing for the MassHealth COVID-19 Supplemental Payment; DPH Weekly Call Reminder  (September 29, 2020).
  • COVID-19 Update: DPH releases Update to Anterior Nares (Nasal Swab) Specimen Collection by Unlicensed Healthcare Personnel memo (September 25, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Update: Testing for Nursing Homes in EMS Regions 3 & 4 (September 24, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: CMS Offers Payment Details for COVID Testing in Nursing Centers; HHS Releases Provider Relief Fund Reporting Guidance (September 23, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: HHS Update on Provider Relief Fund for $2 Billion VBP Program; Updates to CMS County Data for COVID-19 Weekly Testing and Updated Methodology; DPH Weekly Call Reminder (September 22, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: MassHealth COVID-19 Filing Reminder; DPH Guidance for Anterior Nares (Nasal Swab) Specimen Collection by Unlicensed Healthcare Personnel; CMS Rescinds Proposed MFAR Rule; Final Chance to Register for This Week’s Webinars (September 21, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: CMS Releases Visitation Guidance for Nursing Homes; CMS Clarifies Data Release Schedule for County Positivity Rates; Dementia Care Call; HHS Announces Method for Distribution of $2 Billion Provider Relief Fund (September 18, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Updated DPH Guidance Released; Testing for Nursing Homes in EMS Region 3; Register Now for September Webinars (September 17, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: DPH Releases Updated Visitors’ Guidance; DPH Weekly Call Reminder; Register Now for Webinars to Help Prepare for COVID-19 Surge (September 15, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: AHCA/NCAL Investigates Reported False Positives in COVID-19 Testing: Survey and Resources; DPH Provides Isolation and Quarantine Caution Signs; Update to Paid Leave of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (September 14, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: CMS COVID-19 Focused Surveys; CMS Issues COVID-19 Public Reporting Tip Sheet ( September11, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Update: AHCA Webinar Recording; CMS Posts New County COVID-19 Positive Test Rates; DPH and CMS Call Reminders (September 8, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Update: AHCA Webinar Today on CMS COVID-19 Performance Payment Program; CMS Hosts National Nursing Home COVID-19 Call Tonight (September 8, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: HHS Announces $2 Billion Quality Incentive Program for Nursing Homes; CMS Posts New County COVID-19 Test Positivity Rates; Additional Option for COVID-19 Testing (September 4, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: HHS Approves Funding Allocation for Private Pay Assisted Living; Rapid COVID-19 Antigen Tests to be Delivered to ALRs; CDC Updates NHSN Module to Include POC Testing Questions; CDC Releases Considerations for Use of SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Testing in Nursing Homes (September 2, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: CMS New COVID-19 Testing Requirements Effective Tomorrow; DHHS Issues Infection Control Provider Relief Fund Updates; AHCA Recorded Webinar on Testing Requirements Now Available; DPH Weekly Call Reminder (September 1, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: DPH Updates LTC Surveillance Testing Guidance; CMS Launches National Training Program; CMS Issues Two QSO Memos on Staff Testing and CLIA Reporting Requirements; AHCA Member Webinar Tomorrow on CMS Testing Requirements (August 27, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Update: CMS Announces New Reporting and Testing Requirements & Infection Control and Training Program for Nursing Homes (August 26, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: CMS to Make Announcement Today at 4:30 PM Eastern on Stakeholder Call; Weekly DPH and CMS COVID-19 Call Reminders (August 25, 2020)
  • Webinar - Preparing for CHIA’s Final Financial Report and Federal Single-Audit Requirements (August 24, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: CMS Antigen Point of Care Testing Devices; Register for Financial Report Webinar (August 21, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Enrollment Open for National Nursing Home COVID-19 Safety Program; NHSN Updates Instructions and Adds Testing Questions; CMS-CDC Fundamentals Webinar Series (August 20, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Clarification – Update July Surveillance Testing “Pending” Results by Friday; Correction – No Need to Re-Submit in the RedCap Portal (August 19, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Update Surveillance Testing “Pending” Results by Friday; CMS to Return to Normal Survey Process; DPH Weekly Call Reminder (August 18, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: August Update for Surveillance Testing Guidance; Changes to REDCap Portal; DPH Updates Visitation Guidance; Important Reports to Review (August 17, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: DPH Releases Updated Testing Guidance; National CMS/CDC Nursing Home COVID-19 Training ( August 13, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Weekly Call Reminders (August 11, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: REDCap Reporting Deadline Today; HHS Provider Relief Funds for Nursing Homes; Nursing Facility Surveillance Testing Providers (August 10, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: PBJ Reporting: Staffing Data Can Include Hours Provided by State Clinical Swat Teams; REDCap Link for Survey and Additional Questions; New Participant Code for Tomorrow’s DPH Call (August 4, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: DPH Extends Deadline for Reporting of Historical Data; DPH Updates Memo on Defining Aerosol Generating Procedures and Recommended PPE; Reminder for Weekly DPH Call; HHS Announces Three New Approaches to Securing Funding (August 4, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: First Surveillance Testing Report Due Tomorrow; CHIA Voluntary Survey (July 30, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: DPH Releases Revised Guidance (July 30, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Legislature Approves 3-Month State Budget; Clarification on Outdoor Visitation ( July 29, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Updated FAQs on Baseline and Surveillance Testing and OIG Updates Workplans to Include Covid-19 in Nursing Homes ( July 29, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: DPH Reporting Deadline Extended to August 5^th; Free Testing Now Available in Eight Additional Communities; Weekly DPH Call Reminder (July 27, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Public Health Emergency Extended; CMS Releases FAQ for POC Testing Instrument; Governor Baker Issues Travel Order (July 27, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: HHS to Provide $5 Billion of Provider Relief Funds for Long Term Care Facilities (July 22, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: DHHS Releases Preliminary Reporting Guidance; Reporting Technical Issues with REDCap Reporting; NF Testing Providers; National CMS/CDC Nursing Home COVID-19 Training (July 22, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: CDC Updates; NHSN Updates Instructions for Completing Supplies and PPE Pathway; Temporary Technical Issues with Data Submission for Chapter 93 Reporting; Weekly DPH and CMS Call Reminders (July 21,2020)
  • Testing Partners; CHIA Testing Submission Due Today; Administrator CEU Requirement Waived; Business Compliance Webpage (July 20, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Baseline and Surveillance Testing Data Submission Platform – CHIA Webinar PPT (July 17, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Direct Care Add On Webform Now Available; Cases Above Average in Most MA Communities Targeted for Testing; Google Chrome Recommended for Red Cap Reporting (July 17,2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: CMS Call Today Regarding Point of Care Testing and Summary of Initiative  (July 15, 2020)
  • Register Now for CHIA Webinar on Baseline and Surveillance Testing Data Submission Platform; Correction on Guidance for Rest Home Surveillance Testing (July 15, 2020)
  • MassMAP Reporting Discontinued; POC Testing; MassHealth Extends NF Coverage for Family Assistance Members; Guidance on Rest Home Surveillance Testing; NHSN LTCF COVID-19 Module Updates; and DPH Weekly Call Reminder (July 14, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: EOHHS Issues Surveillance Testing FAQ and Request to Complete MSCA Survey Today (July 14, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Reminder to TNS Agencies; Testing of Persons with Suspect COVID-19 and Updated Comprehensive PPE Guidance (July 13, 2020)
  • EOHHS Administrative Bulletins Regarding Direct Care Add-On and Surveillance Testing (July 10, 2020)
  • EOHHS Message on Surveillance Testing and Governor Baker Announces Offer Free COVID-19 Testing in Select Municipalities (July 8, 2020)
  • Data Submission Reporting and User Guide; DPH and CMS Call Reminders (July 7, 2020)
  • NF Testing Resources; DPH Issues Updated Comprehensive PPE Guidance; Health Care Services; Weekly DPH and CMS Call Reminder (July 6, 2020)
  • Reminder: Weekly CHIA Reporting Filing Due TODAY (July 6, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Update: MassHealth Issues COVID-19 Baseline and Surveillance Testing Requirements for NFs (July 3, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Update: EOHHS Releases Guidance Regarding LTC Visitor Policies and Communal Dining (July 2, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Update: Updated Guidance Expected to be Released from EOHHS Regarding Outdoor Visitation, Outdoor Congregate Activities and Communal Dining (July 2, 2020)
  • EOHHS Announces Long Term Care Facility Surveillance Testing Program – Supplemental Funding to Cover Testing Costs (July 1, 2020)
  • Webinar - Are you ready for the COVID-19 Focus Survey? (July 1, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: New Filing Process for MassHealth NF Census; Register Now for National Nursing Home Learning Network Webinar (July 1, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Temporary Nursing Services Surge Rates Expire Today; COVID-19 Survey Activities (June 30, 2020)
  • COVID19 Updates: SNF Billing Guidance; Interim Financial Report Due Tomorrow (6/30); Update on PBJ Blanket Waiver; DPH Weekly Call Reminder (June 29,2020)
  • Webinar - Sustaining Successful Outcomes: From Audits to Action Plans to Performance Improvement (June 26, 2020)
  • COVID19 Updates: Interim Financial Report Due by June 30th; Register for Tomorrow's Infection Control Webinar (June 25, 2020)
  • COVID19 Updates: House Approves Surveillance Testing Amendment; Register Now for Friday’s Infection Control Webinar (June 24, 2020)
  • COVID19 Updates: Register Now for Friday’s Infection Control Webinar; Weekly Call Reminders; Updated CARES Act Provider Relief Fund FAQ (June 23, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: EOHHS Updates FAQs for Interim Financial Report; Register Now for this Week’s Infection Control Webinar (June 22, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Signing Bonuses for Eligible New Hires; MassHealth Limited Coverage Expanded; Infection Control Webinar; National CNA Week Op-Ed (June 19, 2020)
  • Webinar - Engaging Leadership: How to Hold Your Staff Accountable (June 19, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Interim Financial Report Excel Worksheet; MSCA Requests Continued COVID-19 Funding; Register Now for Tomorrow’s Infection Control Webinar (June 18, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: EOHHS Issues Interim Financial Report Template and FAQ; Register Now for Infection Control Webinar: Engaging Leadership: How to Hold Your Staff Accountable (June 17, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: NHSN Reporting Citations and CMPs Rescinded; CMS Nursing Home Webinar Now Open for Registration (June 16, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: PPE Webinar for Ancillary Staff; Interim Financial Report Reminder; Weekly Call Reminders (June 15, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Reminder on Use of COVID-19 Stimulus Funds (June 13, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Interim Financial Report Action Needed by June 19^th; CMS Issuing Citations Related to NHSN Reporting Requirements (June 11, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: CMS COVID-19 Focused Surveys; Last Day to Schedule National Guard for Testing (June 10, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: New COVID-19 Reporting Bill; Weekly Call Reminders (June 9, 2020)
  • CMS Posts Nursing Home COVID-19 Data and Inspections Results on Nursing Home Compare (June 5, 2020)
  • Webinar: Role of the PPE Coach (June 5, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: DPH Guidance on Training and Supervision Requirements for Nurse Aides and Feeding Assistants; Register for Tomorrow’s Webinar on the Role of the PPE Coach (June 4, 2020)
  • Webinar: Solution to Frontline Staffing Shortages: Resident Care Assistants (June 3, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Revised Notification Guidelines; Webinar Reminders; EOHHS Updated FAQs (June 3, 2020)
  • Tomorrow (June 3rd) is the deadline to file the Attestation for Medicare FFS Provider Relief Payment (June 2, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: June 1st CMS Memorandum; Register for Workforce Webinar; EOHHS Issues Administrative Bulletin on Baseline Testing Supplemental Payments; Updated Guidance on Proper Use of COVID-19 Waivers Claim Codes and Weekly DPH and CMS Call Reminders (June 2, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Evening Edition – New Guidance on In-Person Visitations; Update on National Guard Testing; Tablet Donation Survey (June 1, 2020)
  • REMINDERS: (1) CHIA Weekly Reporting Due TODAY - Monday, June 1^st, and (2) Video Conferencing for Residents (June 1, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Video Conferencing Reminder; MassHealth Clinical Audits; Clarification on PPE Guidance (May 29, 2020)
  • Webinar - Identified areas of non-compliance Massachusetts Nursing Home Infection Control Competency Checklist Audits (May 29, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Technology Requirement for Virtual Visits; Legislature Passes COVID-19 Reporting Bill (May 28, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: EOHHS Releases FAQ #3 on the Infection Control Competency Checklist; Register Now for Infection Control Webinar (May 27, 2020)
  • Register Now for Infection Control Competency Audit Webinar; Weekly Call Reminders; Deadline Extension for Provider Relief Funds; Clinical Audit Results Posted (May 26, 2020)
  • CHIA Weekly Reporting Due Monday, May 25th (May 24, 2020)
  • Baseline Testing – CHIA Web Portal is Live for NFs to File Attestation and Complete Data Points (May 22, 2020)
  • Federal COVID-19 Relief Funds; Updated PPE Guidance and Filing Deadline Reminder (May 22, 2020)
  • CMS Nursing Home Reopening Recommendations; Compliance Filing Deadline Reminders (May 20, 2020)
  • Webinar - Meeting Staff Baseline Testing: How to Prepare for Workforce Disruptions (May 20, 2020)
  • Updated MassHealth FAQ; Stimulus Checks; Reminders for DPH and CMS Calls (May 19, 2020)
  • MassHealth Phase 2 Supplemental Payments; Register for May 20^th Webinar on Managing Possible Workforce Disruptions; Occupational Exposure & Return to Work Guidance (May 18, 2020)
  • MassHealth Phase 2 Supplemental Payments Filing Deadlines and EOHHS Webinar PPT (May 17, 2020)
  • Updated Instructions for CHIA Nursing Facility Reporting Weekly Data – Next Weekly Report Due Monday, May 18 at 11:59 pm (May 16, 2020)
  • Preparing for Next Infection Control Competency Checklist Audit (May 16, 2020)
  • Webinar: Optimizing and Overseeing PPE in the Long Term Care Facility (May 15, 2020)
  • EOHHS Issues Administrative Bulletin 20-53 Specifying Calculation and Accountability Rules for MassHealth Phase 2 Funding for May and June (May 15, 2020)
  • Register for TWO Important Webinars Tomorrow; Deadline for Baseline Testing; Waiver of Paid Feeding Assistant Training (May 14, 2020)
  • Signing Bonuses for NF Staff; Waiver of Timeframe for CNA Training; Managing PPE Webinar; EOHHS Webinar on Friday (May 13, 2020)
  • Workforce Survey; Temporary Nursing Services and Staff Recruitment Toolkit (May 12, 2020)
  • Reminder: First Weekly Reporting Filing Due TODAY (Monday, May 11) – CHIA Portal (May 11, 2020)
  • MassHealth Issues Testing Policy Documents; Guidance on Nursing Facility Infection Control Competency Checklist (May 9, 2020)
  • MassHealth Issues Weekly Report Data Submission Guide: Mandatory Weekly Reporting for Phase 2 MassHealth Funding: First Filing Due on Monday, May 11 (May 8, 2020)
  • Webinar: Understanding the Cohorting and PPE Requirements of the Massachusetts Nursing Facility Infection Control Competency Checklist (May 8, 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; NHSN Long-Term Care Facility COVID-19 Module (May 7, 2020)
  • EOHHS To Set Nursing Facility Baseline Testing at 90% (May 7, 2020)
  • Update on Baseline Testing of Nursing Home Residents and Staff (May 6, 2020)
  • 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 (May 6, 2020)
  • New Effective Date for Reporting Requirements; CDC Webinars on New Covid-19 Module; FEMA PPE Shipments (May 3, 2020)
  • Baseline Testing of Nursing Home Residents and Staff - Complete Enclosed Survey (May 2, 2020)
  • Mandatory Weekly Report; CMS Blanket Regulatory Waivers; CDC Updates (May 1, 2020)
  • DPH Updates Guidance on Caring for LTC Residents; Webinar Reminder; Reporting Requirement Extensions (April 29, 2020)
  • Mass Senior Care Partners with Monster.com to Bring Job Seekers to Long Term Care (April 29, 2020)
  • Webinar - Massachusetts Nursing Facility Infection Control Competency Checklist Webinar (April 29, 2020)
  • Self-Attestation Required On or Before April 30th – Medicaid Supplemental Payments (April 29, 2020)
  • Webinar on Medicaid Supplemental Payments: Phase 2, Up To An Additional 50% Increase (April 28, 2020)
  • Medicaid Supplemental Payments; Infection Control Competency Checklist; CMS Updates and DPH Weekly Call Reminder (April 27, 2020)
  • Medicaid Supplemental Payments (April 27, 2020)
  • Federal Funding Assistance COVID-19 Response and Recovery Webinar (April 27, 2020)
  • 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 (April 22, 2020)
  • 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 (April 21, 2020)
  • 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 (April 20, 2020)
  • Crisis Communications for Long Term Care Providers During COVID-19 - Webinar and Handouts (April 20, 2020)
  • 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
  • Governor Baker Announces Crisis Management Help for LTCFs; Updates to Provider Relief Fund Website; LTC Staffing Portal Offers $1,000 Sign On Bonus; MSCA and MIT Partner to Support Nursing Facilities; Recommendations to Facilitate the Transfer of Deceased Residents from Nursing Homes; Recommendations for When a Resident Wants to Leave the Building and Guidance on PPE Practices in ALRs (April 16, 2020)
  • EOHHS Responds to MSCA Urgent Request for Assistance; Enhanced MassHealth Financing; Long Term Care Staffing Portal; Report Detailing Confirmed COVID-19 Cases by City/Town (April 16, 2020)
  • DPH Weekly Call Reminder; New OSHA Resources; New CMS Cohorting Guidance; Boston Hope Hospital and DCU Center Field Hospital; Update on CMS Revises COVID-19 FAQs on FFS Billing and AHCA Summary of Available Resources (April 14, 2020)
  • Updated Guidance for Testing; Mass Health Investments; Waiver of Certain Regulatory Requirements; Update on Long Term Care Staffing Portal; Extension on E-Kits; Guidance on the Role of Hospice Services in LTC (April 13, 2020)
  • Mass Senior Care Clarification on Training of Nurse Aides and Staff Testing (April 11, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Update: Testing in LTC Facilities; DPH Memo on Moving Loved One from LTC Facility; and PASRR Correction (April 9, 2020)
  • New Workforce Resources for Mass Senior Care Members (April 9, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: MassHealth Updates: Supplemental Payments, New Rules for Eligibility – Self Attestation; Today’s CMS Call; OSHA Updates, and a PBJ Update (April 8, 2020)
  • PPE Donations to Massachusetts Nursing Homes 
  • COVID-19 Updates: DoN Program Moratorium on New LTC Beds; DPH Weekly Call; Massachusetts Crisis Standards of Care Advisory Committee and New PPE Donation Website (April 7, 2020)
  • DPH Guidance on the Use of PPE, Caring for Residents with Presumed or Confirmed COVID-19 and Other Important Memos (April 6, 2020)
  • DPH Updates Testing Criteria for Suspected COVID-19, When COVID-19 Gets Into Your Facility, Updated Guidance on Cohorting Residents (April 5, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: CMS Issues New Recommendation to Nursing Homes and DPH Releases Guidance on Verbal Consent for MOLST and Revised Guidance for HCP with Known Exposure to COVID-19, Proper Donning and Duffing of PPE (April 3, 2020)
  • SBA Paycheck Protection Program and MassHealth Provider Resource (April 3, 2020)
  • Today's CMS Call, User Fee Payments and SBA Paycheck Protection Program (April 1, 2020)
  • Weekly DPH Call Reminder, Training and Certification of Nurse Aides and Revised Screening Checklist for Visitors and Staff (March 31, 2020)
  • CMS Issues Blanket Regulatory Waivers (March 31, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Onsite COVID-19 Testing in Nursing Homes and Rest Homes, MassHealth Update and N95 Fit Testing Guidance (March 30, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates: DOL Guidance on Leave Exemptions, COVID-19 Recovery SNFs, Virtual Town Halls to Support Healthcare Workers (March 29, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Updates – MSCA Statement, PPE, Telehealth (March 28, 2020)
  • Talking Points for Crisis Communications: COVID-19 Outbreak (March 28, 2020)
  • CMS: Prioritization of Survey Activities (March 24, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Update: Testing of Persons with Suspect COVID-19, Utilizing Non-Direct Care Staff to Support Needs, Making Decisions on Essential Staff Entering Your Building, Resident Laundry Guidance with COVID-19 and When Families Want to Do Residents’ Laundry (March 23, 2020)
  • Essential Health Care Workers Exempt from Governor Baker's Order (March 23, 2020)
  • Update on Exempt Day Care Programs, SBA Loans and New Paid Leave Provisions (March 22, 2020)
  • Exempt Emergency Child Care Programs (March 20, 2020)
  • Supply and Vendor Resource List (March 20, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Update Memo (March 19, 2020)
  • NEW CDC Guidance on Use of Masks, Gowns, and Eye Protection to Conserve Supplies (March 18, 2020)
  • Guidance to Nursing Homes on Admissions from and Discharges to Hospitals Relating to COVID-19  (March 18, 2020)
  • CMS Issues Guidance on Billing Under 3-Day Spell of Illness Waivers (March 17, 2020)
  • MassHealth Guidance on COVID-19 (March 17, 2020)
  • COVID-19 Update – Command Center, Visitors, 3-Day Rule, Medicaid Funding (March 14, 2020)
  • CMS Restricts All Visits to Nursing Homes (March 13, 2020)
  • Mass Senior Care provides information on how to stay informed through the DPH NH Listserv and Health and Homeland Alert Network (HHAN). (March 5, 2020)
  • Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information for Mass Senior Care Members (March 3, 2020)
  • Other Mass Senior Care Memos/Updates
     
• Mass Senior Care Shares PPE and Other Resources
   
• Mass Senior Care Promotes Stories of Caring
   
• Centers for Medicare and Medicare Services (CMS)
   
• Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) 
   
• Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA)

Additional Resources

• U.S. Department of Labor releases new guidance in response to Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).
  • U.S. Department of Labor - FFCRA: Questions and Answers
  • U.S. Department of Labor - FFCRA Poster
  • FFCRA Notice – Frequently Asked Questions

     

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers clinical guidance, situation updates, and more.
  • Strategies for Optimizing the Supply of PPE
  • Interim U.S. Guidance for Risk Assessment and Public Health Management of Healthcare Personnel with Potential Exposure in a Healthcare Setting to Patients with Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
  • Criteria for Return to Work for Healthcare Personnel with Confirmed or Suspected COVID-19 (Interim Guidance)
  • Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 in LTC Facilities

     

• The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has information for the public and providers on efforts within the Commonwealth.

   

• American Health Care Association (AHCA/NCAL) has information and resources for long term care providers.
  • 3-Day Waiver and Spell of Illness FAQs 
  • Communal Dining Guidance
  • How You Can Help Prevent the Spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Long Term Care Facilities -- Resources for Providers, Residents & Patients, and Families & Friends
  • ​Webinar for Long Term Care Providers with the CDC and Slides​ (March 3, 2020)

     

• The World Health Organization (WHO) provides rolling updates from around the globe.