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 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 5th; 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 19th; 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 1st, 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 20th 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)
- Prioritization of Survey Activities
CMS released guidance prioritizing and suspending most federal and state survey agency surveys, and delaying revisit surveys, for the next three weeks beginning on March 20th. For non-IJ related onsite surveys that are currently in process, survey teams are instructed to end the survey and exit the facility. (March 23, 2020) - Guidance for Infection Control and Prevention of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Nursing Homes (REVISED)
CMS has issued new guidance based on the newest recommendations from the CDC. It directs nursing homes to significantly restrict visitors and nonessential personnel, as well as restrict communal activities inside nursing homes. (March 13, 2020) - Guidance for use of Certain Industrial Respirators by Health Care Personnel
Recent CDC and FDA guidance expands the types of face masks healthcare workers may use in situations involving COVID-19 and other respiratory infections. (March 10, 2020) - Suspension of Survey Activities
CMS will re-prioritize surveys to conduct focus surveys about infection control for facilities that have had an infection control deficiency in the past. (March 4, 2020)
- Prioritization of Survey Activities
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH)
- Guidance on Optimization of PPE in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Guidance for prioritizing and optimizing use of PPE in Massachusetts during the COVID-19 response. (March 22, 2020) - DPH Circular Letter DHCQ 20-03-702
DPH updated policies and procedures for restricting resident visitors in nursing homes and rest homes and PPE recommendation. (March 16, 2020) - Testing of Persons with Suspect COVID-19 through the Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory
DPH has made some changes in testing prioritization, these are based on the CDC’s current person under investigation (PUI) criteria. (March 13, 2020) - Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
DPH updated guidance on strategies to optimize the use of PPE for health care facilities. (March 4, 2020) - DPH Update for Long-Term Care Facilities
New guidance assists facilities to prepare for the possibility of COVID-19 and prevent its potential spread in LTCFs. (March 3, 2020)
- Guidance on Optimization of PPE in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
- Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA)
- EOEA PPE Practices in ALR (April 16, 2020)
- EOEA Revised FAQs
EOEA issued revised FAQs to address the most pressing questions from ALR operators regarding visitors and congregate dining/activities. (March 24, 2020) - Reporting Non-Resident Incidents of COVID-19
EOEA has created the attached excel form for reporting status of any non-resident (employee, outside provider, family) who is known to the ALR to be suspected of having or received a positive COVID-19 test result. (March 24, 2020) - Amended Assisted Living Residence Operators Guidance and Policies and Procedures to Protect Residents, Facilities, and Services during the COVID-19 Outbreak
EOEA issued amended guidance for Assisted Living Residences on a number of issues including visitors policy and procedures, activities and communal dining. (March 16, 2020)
Additional Resources
- U.S. Department of Labor releases new guidance in response to Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).
- 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.