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Direct Care Add On Webform is Now Available - Due Date is July 31, 2019

The Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) yesterday informed nursing facility registered users that the FY19 MassHealth Direct Care Webform is now operational at https://www.uenter.org/nf/ . The due date for submission is Wednesday, July 31, 2019. Please note that users now have the ability to view prior year filings by selecting the year on the webform's home page. If you have difficulty logging into your account or have other questions, please email NFDirectCare@umassmed.edu . EOHHS has also asked

Department of Paid Family and Medical Leave Posts Update on Covered Employee

Based on the information received during the regulatory review process, the Department of Paid Family and Medical Leave has posted additional language that may clarify the process for determining an employer's total workforce for the purpose of remitting the correct contribution amount. Please click here to access the updated information. Additional information on the PFML law, including a Q&A for employers and employees, can also be found on The Department of Family and Medical Leave website . To sign up

MassHealth Issued Managed Care Provider Bulletin on Prior Authorization for Suboxone

MassHealth has issued Managed Care Entity Bulletin 17: Prior Authorization and Utilization Management for Suboxone® (buprenorphine/naloxone) . To facilitate the provision of medically necessary medication to treat substance use disorders, EOHHS is establishing the following requirements effective immediately. Utilization Management including Prior Authorization for Suboxone® (buprenorphine/naloxone) MassHealth Managed Care Entities (MCEs), including Managed Care Organizations (MCOs), Accountable Care Partnership Plans (ACPPs), One Care plans, Senior Care Options (SCOs), and the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Partnership (MBHP) must provide access to at

Department of Public Health, Division of Health Care Facility Licensure and Certification has Moved

As of Monday, July 1, the new address for the Bureau of Health Care Safety and Quality (BHCSQ), including the Division of Health Care Facility Licensure and Certification (DHCFLC) and the Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) will be: Department of Public Health Bureau of Health Care Safety and Quality 67 Forest Street Marlborough, MA 01752 The Bureau's main phone number will remain 617-753-8000.

OIG LEIE Database Updated for June 2019

The US Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (OIG) has released its updated list which reflects all OIG exclusions and reinstatement actions up to, and including, those taken in June 2019. This new file is meant to replace the updated List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE) database file available for download last month. Individuals and entities that have been reinstated to the federal health care programs are not included in this file. The updated files are posted

SNF QRP Provider In-Person Training Event, August 13 and 14, 2019

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will be hosting a 2-day Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) in-person 'Train the Trainer' event for providers on August 13 and 14, 2019, at the Four Seasons Hotel, 200 International Drive, Baltimore, MD 21202. This event will be open to all SNF providers, associations, and organizations. Like the May 2019 SNF QRP Provider Training, the primary focus of this 'Train-the-Trainer' event will be to provide those responsible for training

Upcoming Membership Committee Meetings - July 2019

Mass Senior Care invites staff at member facilities to participate in various committees designed to share information on the topics of clinical quality, regulatory, human resources and finance and reimbursement. This information and feedback will assist MSCA staff with developing policy positions and prioritizing strategic initiatives. Committee meetings are held in Mass Senior Care's office in Waltham. Facility members are invited to participate. If you are interested in attending one of the upcoming committee meetings, please contact Jennifer Chen .

Ribbon Cutting Event at Chestnut Woods in Saugus

Marquis Health Services celebrated the completion of renovations to Chestnut Woods Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Saugus with a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house. Pictured from left: Marquis Health Services CEO Norman Rokeach; State Representative Donald Wong (R-Saugus); Chestnut Woods administrator Kyle Lussier;Sharon Donaghue, Marquis Health's regional senior vice president of operations; Marlene Sheehy, vice president of business development; Dr. Yogesh Viroja, chief medical officer; and Samantha McHugh, Lynn Area Chamber of Commerce.

AHCA/NCAL Convention Early Bird Registration Ends July 26

You can save $200* when you register for the 70th AHCA/NCAL Convention & Expo before July 26th. Take advantage of the Early Bird discount, and get the maximum savings, but hurry — you only have about two weeks! Attendees can save $100 off the Premium/Full Registration Package when registering before the Early Bird deadline. In addition to this discount, you can also save another $100 when you stay within the AHCA/NCAL hotel room block. If you haven't registered for the

AHCA/NCAL Announces 2019 Silver National Quality Award Recipients

Nine Mass Senior Care member facilities are being recognized with a 2019 Silver – Achievement in Quality Award by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL).

Mass Senior Care E-News Update: June 27, 2019

Sponsored by:

Marcum LLP

In This Issue:

Conference Committee Continues to Deliberate on FY 2020 Budget: Action Needed
Mass Senior Care Testifies at DPH Hearing for ePrescribing Regulation - Seeks Exception to New Requirement
Mass Senior Care Remembers Bill Ring, Well-Respected Colleague
Nursing Facility Crisis Featured in Boston Globe Article

Conference Committee Continues to Deliberate on FY 2020 Budget: Action Needed

As the FY 2020 Conference Committee continues to work to finalize the state budget, Mass Senior Care urges the nursing facility community to keep up the momentum and please continue to call your state legislators .

Mass Senior Care Testifies at DPH Hearing for ePrescribing Regulation - Seeks Exception to New Requirement

Mass Senior Care Association today testified at the Department of Public Health's public hearing urging the Commissioner to exempt skilled nursing facilities from the proposed amendments to 105 CMR 721.000 – Standards for Prescription Format and Security in Massachusetts.

Mass Senior Care Remembers Bill Ring, Well-Respected Colleague

We are saddened to share the passing of William E. Ring, Jr., Administrator of Bear Hill Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Stoneham and Hillside Rest Home in Amesbury. For over 26 years, Bill was a tireless advocate on behalf of his residents, their families, employees and the profession. Bill served as a Mass Senior Care Advocacy Ambassador advocating and was a frequent and compelling visitor to the Massachusetts State House. Bill's dedication and compassion will be sorely be missed by

Nursing Facility Crisis Featured in Boston Globe Article

This week's Boston Globe's article, "Losing money and struggling to find workers, a nursing home operator feels the squeeze", presented in human terms a compelling picture of the ongoing financial and workforce crisis the Massachusetts nursing facility sector is experiencing.

Deadline Extended: Mass Senior Care Requests Participation in Annual Employment Survey

The deadline to return Mass Senior Care Association's 2019 Nursing Facility Employment Survey has been extended to Friday, July 12th. We are asking members to complete the survey based on data collected for the week beginning May 20, 2019. The survey is a fillable form that should be returned to Mass Senior Care by postal mail, fax (617-558-3546) or email to ddesimone@maseniorcare.org . Please note that, based on feedback from members, we have reduced the number of questions on this

Department of Family and Medical Leave Issues Updates

The Massachusetts Department of Family and Medical Leave has issued an update on the Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) Program: Final Regulations - a copy of the regulations filed with the Secretary of State's office is available on the DFML website. Bond Form and Instructions – If an employer is seeking an exemption from making PFML contributions as a self-insured employer, the employer must complete an exemption application and furnish a bond running to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in

Life Care Center of America Rewards Excellence

Life Care Centers of America's Northeast Division recently held its annual Rewarding Excellence Banquet with associates from skilled nursing facilities in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Pennsylvania The event celebrates each Center's Certified Nursing Assistants of the Year and Team Spirit Award winners. Zo Long, Division Vice President, noted, "It is wonderful to be able to celebrate all these Servant Leaders who care for our patients and resident. We are blessed to have so many wonderful leaders." Attendees represented the Patriot

Seacoast Honors Local Senior Care Community

Seacoast Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Gloucester hosted their Annual Community Breakfast last week. This annual event is held to thank and show appreciation for the organizations and individuals who provide long term care services and support to seniors in the surrounding community. At the event, Seacoast awarded Martha Rappoli, Director of the Day by Day, a local adult day health program the "Service to Seniors" award. Photo (L-R): Gloucester Council President Paul Lundberg; State Senator Bruce Tarr; Friends of

Mass Senior Care E-News Update: June 20, 2019

Sponsored by:

Woodmark Phramacy

In This Issue:

Conference Committee Nears FY 2020 Deadline: Participate in the Action Alert
Mass Senior Care Members Meet with U.S. Congressman Joe Kennedy on Capitol Hill
2018 CHIA Nursing Facility Cost Report Submission and Data Modernization Update
Department of Family and Medical Leave Issues Updates on Amended Law and Final Regulations

Conference Committee Nears FY 2020 Deadline: Participate in the Action Alert

The FY 2020 Conference Committee continues to work aggressively to reconcile the House of Representatives and Senate's FY 2020 budget recommendations before the June 30th deadline.

Mass Senior Care Members Meet with U.S. Congressman Joe Kennedy on Capitol Hill

Mass Senior Care leaders met with the Massachusetts Congressional delegation to discuss the critical need to protect and preserve Medicare funding.

2018 CHIA Nursing Facility Cost Report Submission and Data Modernization Update

The Center for Health Information and Analysis (CHIA) has issued a letter to nursing facilities announcing the availability of the new electronic Management Company cost report, the MGT – CR. The MGT-CR form replaces the HCF-3 form. CHIA has adjusted the due dates of all 2018 cost reports (HCF-1, HCF-2 and MGT-CR) to August 15, 2019 to allow facilities not less than 60 days following the release of the new electronic MGT-CR form CHIA will host a webinar to review

Department of Family and Medical Leave Issues Updates on Amended Law and Final Regulations

The Massachusetts Department of Family and Medical Leave has issued an update on the Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) Program in the wake of enactment of legislation to delay the start of employer and employee contributions by three months to October 1, 2019. Please click here to read how this delay will affect the employer responsibilities under the law, including an adjustment in the contribution rate to offset the shorter period for collections that will result from the three-month

Sr. Jacquelyn McCarthy Responds to President Trump's Immigration Proposal

In response to the Trump Administration's immigration proposal to limit the number of lower-skilled immigrants, Sister Jacquelyn McCarthy, CEO/administrator at Bethany Health Care Center in Framingham and a Board Member of the Mass Senior Care was recently featured in an article published in CNN, Why Trump's immigration plans are bad for America's elderly and disabled . Sister McCarthy states "For me, I would be lost without immigrants," noting at least 60% of her staff are immigrants, "They are the backbone

CareOne Participates in Community Events

Staff and family members from the 15 CareOne Centers in Massachusetts recently participated in the American Lung Association's fundraiser, helping to raise more than $50,000. CareOne at Millbury hosted "You've Been Served", a cookoff event featuring chefs from CareOne facilities across Massachusetts including Brookline, Lexington, Millbury, Randolph, Redstone, Northampton and Weymouth. Pictured above are the judges of the event: Dale LePage, local talk show host and vocalist; Lew Evangelidis, Worcester County Sheriff; Joseph Early, Worcester District Attorney and State Senator

Reminder to File Hardship Payment Form as Mass Senior Care Continues to Urge the Administration to Make MassHealth June Payments Timely

As Mass Senior Care continues to work with the Baker Administration to ensure that nursing home Medicaid payments are made on June 24 th , we urge members to utilize MassHealth's hardship payment program by following the 3-step process below and be sure to request at least 50% of your anticipated monthly payment: 1) Complete this brief MassHealth form 2) Email the completed form to Optum at support@masshealthltss.com 3) Call Optum at 844-368-5184 to confirm receipt of the form Earlier

Mass Senior Care E-News Update: June 13, 2019

Sponsored by:

Pharmscript

In This Issue:

Conference Committee Deliberates FY2020 State Budget
DPH Public Hearing Scheduled for Proposed Revision to 105 CMR 721.000 – Standards for Prescription Format and Security in Massachusetts
Reminder to File Hardship Payment Form as Mass Senior Care Continues to Urge the Administration to Make MassHealth June Payments Timely
Governor and Legislature Agree to Seek a 3-Month Delay in Start of Paid Family Medical Leave

Betsy Lehman Center Issues New Medical Error Report

The Betsy Lehman Center for Patient Safety earlier this week issued a new report medical errors entitled The Financial and Human Cost of Medical Error … and How Massachusetts Can Lead the Way on Patient Safety . The report details two sets of research findings and also proposes a coordinated response through which the Commonwealth’s providers, policymakers, and public can accelerate safety and quality improvement. The Betsy Lehman Center was launched in 2004 within the state’s Executive Office of Health

CMS Video Tutorials to Assist with Coding Specific Section GG Items

The SNF PPS Patient Driven Payment Model (PDPM) relies on accurate coding of several MDS Section GG mobility and self-care items that impact the PT, OT, and Nursing component per-diem case-mix payment rates. On June 7, 2019, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a series of short videos to assist providers with coding select Section GG items on the OASIS, IRF-PAI, LTCH CARE Data Set, and the MDS. These videos, ranging from 4-12 minutes, are designed to

AHCA’s Virtual PDPM Training is Now Available!

If you missed Mass Senior Care Association‘s in-person PDPM training earlier this year, you can now take AHCA’s Virtual PDPM Training . This on-line training mirrors the in-person training and can also be taken by those who feel like they could benefit from taking the PDPM course again. The virtual training allows AHCA SNF members to learn about the critical steps necessary on the pathway to success under PDPM. Included with the virtual training is access to all materials on

Governor and Legislature Agree to Seek a 3-Month Delay in Start of Paid Family Medical Leave

Governor Baker today signed into law legislation enacting a three-month delay in the start date of the required contribution for the Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML). The required contribution start date is now October 1. This action follows an agreement earlier this week between the Governor, Senate President Karen Spilka and House Speaker Robert DeLeo to adopt legislation that would delay the start date and clarify program design to ensure successful implementation of the PFML program this fall.

DPH Public Hearing Scheduled for Proposed Revision to 105 CMR 721.000 – Standards for Prescription Format and Security in Massachusetts

The Department of Public Health will hold a public hearing on amendments to the following regulations: 105 CMR 721.000 – Standards for Prescription Format and Security in Massachusetts.

Conference Committee Deliberates FY2020 State Budget

Mass Senior Care E-News Update: June 6, 2019

Sponsored by:

Paragon Rehabilitation

In This Issue:

Conference Committee Begins FY 2020 State Budget Deliberations
DPH DoN Issues Proposed Guidelines Ending Moratorium on New LTC Beds
AHCA/NCAL Announces 2019 Bronze National Quality Award Recipients
Special Focus Facility (SFF) Program Candidate List

EOHHS Announces New Initiative to Improve Access to Behavioral Healthcare

EOHHS Secretary Mary Lou Sudders has announced a new initiative to create and improve access to ambulatory behavioral healthcare. Secretary Sudders states "there is no ambulatory behavioral health treatment system, no continuum of care for children, youth or adults. Ambulatory behavioral health treatment is fragmented and often insufficient to meet the specific treatment needs of patients and their families. We can and must do better for individuals and family members with addictions, mental illness and co-occurring illnesses." This summer, the

Member Highlight: Representative Nika Elugardo Visits Sherrill House in Boston

Mass Senior Care Member Sherrill House hosted State Representative Nika Elugardo (D-Boston) at their facility recently. Photo (L-R): Isabel Torres, Legislative Aide; Patrick Stapleton, CEO of Sherrill House; State Representative Nika Elugardo; Karen Soorian, Director of Community Outreach and Volunteer Services; and The Very Reverend Tom Kennedy, Board Chairman

Mass Senior Care Advocates on Capitol Hill During AHCA/NCAL's Congressional Briefing

U.S. Congresswoman Lori Trahan (Center) with Mass Senior Care Leaders Leaders of Mass Senior Care Association took to Capitol Hill to advocate during AHCA/NCAL's Annual Congressional Briefing this week. Matt Salmon, Mass Senior Care Chairman, Bill Bogdanovich, MSCA Board Member & Foundation President, Tom Lavalle, MSCA Board Member, Holly Jarek, MSCA Member, Tara Gregorio, MSCA President and Jennifer Chen MSCA Director of Membership met with the Massachusetts Congressional delegation to discuss the critical need to protect and preserve Medicare funding

OIG LEIE Database Updated for May 2019

The US Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (OIG) has released its updated list which reflects all OIG exclusions and reinstatement actions up to, and including, those taken in May 2019. This new file is meant to replace the updated List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE) database file available for download last month. Individuals and entities that have been reinstated to the federal health care programs are not included in this file. The updated files are posted

Special Focus Facility (SFF) Program Candidate List

Earlier this week the Senate Committee on Aging released a list of nursing facilities that are considered to be "candidates" for the Special Focus Facility (SFF) program. CMS has since indicated that the agency will be publishing an updated SFF "candidate" list monthly on the Nursing Home Compare website and is developing further transparency tools to be launched at a later date. AHCA has provided the following summary on how the candidate list is created for the SFF program: CMS

DPH DoN Issues Proposed Guidelines Ending Moratorium on New LTC Beds

The Department of Public Health's Determination of Need (DoN) program has issued a memorandum listing proposed guidelines for applications for new long term care beds, ending the longstanding moratorium that has been in place since March 1992. This action is a result of the Department's review following issuance of last December's Circular Letter in regard to the new process for Long-Term Care Facility Beds Out of Service (BOOS). At that time the Department indicated it would review the scope of

Conference Committee Begins FY 2020 State Budget Deliberations

The Massachusetts Legislature has appointed a six-member conference committee which has begun deliberations on reconciling the differences between the House and Senate's FY 2020 budget recommendations. Members of the conference committee are Senate Ways and Means Chairman Michael Rodrigues (D-Westport), Senator Cindy Friedman (D-Arlington), Senator Vinny deMacedo (R-Plymouth), House Ways and Means Chairman Aaron Michlewitz (D-Boston), Representative Denise Garlick (D-Needham) and Representative Todd Smola (R-Palmer). Mass Senior Care urges member to contact their legislators to ask the conferees to support

AHCA/NCAL Announces 2019 Bronze National Quality Award Recipients

Twenty-four Mass Senior Care member facilities are being recognized with a 2019 Bronze - Commitment to Quality Award by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL).

Mass Senior Care E-News Update: May 30, 2019

Sponsored by:

O2Safe Solutions

In This Issue:

Massachusetts Senate Adopts FY 2020 Budget Recommendation
Chairman Aaron Michlewitz Keynotes South Cove Manor at Quincy Point's Annual Meeting
Mass Senior Care Members Participate in Nursing Home Roundtable with Senator Jason Lewis
Celebrate National Nursing Assistants Week, June 13-19, 2019

Massachusetts Senate Adopts FY 2020 Budget Recommendation

Mass Senior Care is grateful to Senate President Karen Spilka, Senate Ways and Means Chairman Michael Rodrigues and the Senate for their continued leadership and support for individuals who live and work in the Commonwealth's nursing facilities.

Chairman Aaron Michlewitz Keynotes South Cove Manor at Quincy Point's Annual Meeting

House Ways and Means Chairman Aaron Michlewitz was the keynote speaker at South Cove Manor at Quincy Point's Annual Meeting and Dinner on May 21st.

Mass Senior Care Members Participate in Nursing Home Roundtable with Senator Jason Lewis

Senator Jason Lewis (D-Winchester) and Mass Senior Care co-hosted a Nursing Home Roundtable at Stoneham Senior Center this week. The open forum featured a brief overview presentation by Tara Gregorio, President of Mass Senior Care followed by a robust discussion with Senator Lewis, representatives from the nursing facilities in the district and local councils on aging. We extend our gratitude to the members who participated in the event, including: Aberjona Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, Winchester Bear Hill Rehabilitation and Nursing

Celebrate National Nursing Assistants Week, June 13-19, 2019

Thursday, June 13th marks the beginning of "National Nursing Assistants Week." This annual celebration is an opportune time to formally recognize and acknowledge the valuable contributions made by members of your staff every day—especially the Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) who provide daily care to our residents. The Massachusetts Senior Care Association is pleased to again make available FREE Certificates of Appreciation to distribute to your CNAs. To download certificates, please click here . To obtain certificates by postal mail, please

Mass Senior Care Requests Participation in Annual Employment Survey

Mass Senior Care Association's 2019 Nursing Facility Employment Survey has been electronically distributed to nursing facilities and corporate offices. We are asking members to complete the survey based on data collected for the week beginning May 20, 2019. The survey is a fillable form that should be returned to Mass Senior Care by postal mail, fax (617-558-3546) or email to ddesimone@maseniorcare.org by Friday, June 28, 2019. Please note that, based on feedback from members, we have reduced the number of

New Beneficiary and Family Centered Care Quality Improvement Organizations (BFCC-QIO)

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has made changes to the regional coverage by the Beneficiary and Family Centered Care Quality Improvement Organizations (BFCC-QIOs). The BFCC-QIO in MA was previously Livanta but will now be covered by KEPRO. Effective June 8, 2019, KEPRO will be the BFCC-QIO in Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota,

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