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Mass Senior Care and Mass Department of Public Health Webinar -Infection Control and Response (ICAR) Assessments and Survey Process Findings in Massachusetts Long-term Care Facilities

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is continuing to offer monthly “ Bug of the Month ” webinars featuring HAI/AR pathogens of concern as well as infection control and response recommendations. Join us for our next webinar scheduled for Thursday, October 25, 2018 from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm conducted in Partnership with Massachusetts Senior Care Association on Thursday, October 25 th : "Infection Control and Response (ICAR) Assessments and Survey Process Findings in Massachusetts Long-term Care Facilities”. Featured speakers:

CareOne at Essex Park Hosts Annual Charity Dog Wash

CareOne at Essex Park in Beverly recently hosted its annual charity dog wash to raise money for Vested Interest in K9s. This organization provides bullet and stab protective vests for police K9s. The staff at CareOne at Essex Park and volunteers washed nearly 75 dogs and the proceeds from this event will be used to purchase a vest for Mass State Police K9 Flash. Please click here to read news coverage of the event.

OIG LEIE Database Updated for September 2018

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 September 2018. 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

Mass Senior Care E-News Update: October 11, 2018

Sponsored by:

Life Supply Corp

In This Issue:

Filing Deadline Reminder: Department of Unemployment Assistance EMAC Supplement Hardship Waiver
Reminder: Take Action: Opposition to Ballot Question 1 – Rigid Mandated Nurse Staffing Ratios - Health Policy Commission Estimates $1 Billion in New Costs
Quality Award Winners Celebrate Their Achievements At AHCA Convention
Resident Smoking in Long-Term Care Facilities: Webinar

Filing Deadline Reminder: Department of Unemployment Assistance EMAC Supplement Hardship Waiver

Applications for the EMAC Supplement Hardship Waiver must be submitted to the Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) by 5:00 p.m. on October 12th . Signed applications should be emailed to EMAChardshipwaiver@mass.gov . DUA's determination will be issued via email by the date in which quarterly payments are due (for Q3, by October 31). Please click here to access DUA's EMAC Supplement Hardship Waiver webpage which contains additional information and a link to the application. Members are encouraged to review the

Quality Award Winners Celebrate Their Achievements At AHCA Convention

AHCA Quality Award winners from Massachusetts celebrated their recognition at the recent AHCA/NCAL Convention in San Diego. With 30 facilities receiving either a Bronze or Silver Quality Award, the long term care provider community was well represented and we congratulate all recipients on their achievements. Please click here to view a complete list of the Massachusetts award winners.

Resident Smoking in Long-Term Care Facilities: Webinar

Please join Mass Senior Care, the Department of Public Health and the Office of the State Long Term Care Ombudsman for a webinar on November 19 from 11:00 am – 12:30 pm to discuss the federal and state regulations related to a resident’s right to smoke in long-term care facilities. This webinar will discuss a resident’s right to reasonable accommodation and resident safety and health. Please note: This webinar will not include a discussion regarding medical and/or recreational marijuana. The

Massachusetts PASRR Webinar on October 19th – New PASRR Form

MassHealth will be making changes to the Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) process in the next several weeks. To help all involved entities – nursing facilities, hospitals, and ASAPs – switch to the new process as smoothly as possible and stay compliant with the PASRR rules, MassHealth will be conducting a PASRR webinar on Friday, October 19, 2018, 11 am – 12.30 pm . To register, please click here .

Mass Senior Care Welcomes New Associate Members

Mass Senior Care is pleased to welcome new members to our Association. Our Associate Members have demonstrated their commitment to the senior care provider community by joining Mass Senior Care and participating as exhibitors and sponsors for events and educational conferences. Mass Senior Care members are encouraged to contact Associate Members when they are in need of long term care products and services. You can find all of our Associate Members listed on our website, www.maseniorcare.org/preferred-vendors . Associate Members: IntelyCare

Alzheimer's Association & Honoring Choices Joint Workshop on Planning Ahead to Age Well with Dementia

The Alzheimer’s Association & Honoring Choices will host a workshop, Planning Ahead to Age Well with Dementia, on October 30, 2018 from 1:00 p-m – 2:30 pm at the Alzheimer’s Association office in Waltham. This workshop will provide tools to help adults with memory concerns make a health care plan to know & honor their care choices. Planning ahead and all through a progressive dementia diagnosis is essential to ensure we know an adult’s values and care choices, and can

Filing Deadline Reminder: Department of Unemployment Assistance EMAC Supplement Hardship Waiver

We are writing to remind members that applications for the EMAC Supplement Hardship waiver must be submitted to the Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) by 5:00 p.m. on October 12th.

EOHHS Adopts October 1, 2018 Medicaid Rate Regulation

The Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) earlier this week via emergency regulation adopted the October 1 Medicaid nursing facility rates. The regulation represents the agency's first step in a short-term stabilization package totaling $30 million. The second component is expected to begin in January 2019. EOHHS Secretary Mary Lou Sudders has also committed to immediately begin working with MSCA on nursing home sustainability. In addition, we continue to urge the Administration and Legislature to make nursing home care a budget priority and address the urgent financial and labor challenges threatening the nursing home provider community.

Mass Senior Care E-News Update: October 4, 2018

Sponsored by:

Krokidas & Bluestein

In This Issue:

EOHHS Adopts October 1, 2018 Medicaid Rate Regulation
Registration is Now Open for Mass Senior Care’s 2018 Annual Meeting & Trade Show
Sponsor/Exhibitor Opportunities Now Available for 2018 Annual Meeting
Reminder: Take Action: Opposition to Ballot Question 1 – Rigid Mandated Nurse Staffing Ratios - Health Policy Commission Estimates $1 Billion in New Costs

State House Ceremony Honors 2018 Foundation Scholars

On Wednesday, September 26th, the 2018 Massachusetts Senior Care Foundation Scholars were honored for their achievements and dedication to long term care at a luncheon ceremony held at the State House. The Foundation selected 35 exceptional awardees which included Certified Nursing Assistants, nurses, admissions, dietary and other facility staff who will use their scholarships to further their professional development and leadership in the long term care profession. “Our Foundation Scholars are successfully balancing work and school, and many have overcome

"The Power and Possibility of PASRR" A Webinar Series

October 9th Webinar Presented by the PASRR Technical Assistance Center Topic: The Relationship Between PASRR and Other Nursing Home Requirements This webinar will highlight the ongoing relationship of State Authorities and Nursing Facilities (NF) throughout the PASRR process. The webinar will address 1) the relationship between PASRR and Nursing Facility level of care; 2) the relationship between the PASRR regulations and the recently updated regulations that govern the conditions of participation for long-term care facilities; and 3) the relationship between

Massachusetts Department of Public Health: Healthcare Personnel Influenza Vaccination

The 2018-2019 influenza season is quickly approaching! The Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences and Bureau of Healthcare Safety and Quality, invites you to participate in an educational webinar on healthcare personnel influenza vaccination on Tuesday October 9th from 12 noon - 1:00 pm. Featured speakers include: Alfred DeMaria, Jr., MD, Medical and Laboratory Consultant, MDPH Eileen McHale, RN, BSN, Healthcare-associated Infections Coordinator, MDPH Joyce Cohen, MPH, Influenza Coordinator, MDPH Delia Murphy, RN, Infection

Reminder: Take Action: Opposition to Ballot Question 1 – Rigid Mandated Nurse Staffing Ratios - Health Policy Commission Estimates $1 Billion in New Costs

On November 6th, Massachusetts voters will consider Ballot Question One, which would set rigid, one-size-fits-all government-mandated nurse staffing levels at all hospitals across the Commonwealth, in all units, at all times. Earlier this year, Massachusetts Senior Care joined the Coalition to Protect Patient Safety in opposition to the proposed hospital nurse staffing ballot question.

Mass Senior Care E-News Update: September 27, 2018

Sponsored by:

Colonial Life

In This Issue:

Registration is Now Open for Mass Senior Care’s 2018 Annual Meeting & Trade Show
MSCA Submits Response to MassHealth Request for Information (RFI) on Dual Eligibles Demonstration Waiver 2.0 - Potential Passive Enrollment
Save the Dates – Fall Education Calendar Filling Up
Take Action: Opposition to Ballot Question 1 – Rigid Mandated Nurse Staffing Ratios

July 31/August 1, 2018 SNF QRP Post-Training Materials Are Now Available

Post-training materials (includes answers to knowledge checks) and a video recording of the presentations from the July/August 2018 Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) Provider Training held in Baltimore, MD, on July 31 and August 1, 2018, are now available on the CMS website . Some screenshots included in presentations for the Section GG and Section N sessions and the Case Study Coding Sheet have been updated to reflect recent changes to the Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0

Falls Prevention Rings in 12th Annual Awareness Day at State House

On Monday, September 17th, leaders from several Massachusetts health care organizations, including Mass Senior Care, addressed a crowd of over 100 people from across the Commonwealth who came together to mark the state’s 12th annual Falls Prevention Awareness Day . The crowd, which included seniors, clinicians, community advocates and state officials, gathered at the State House to raise awareness that falls are a growing public health issue. The Massachusetts Falls Prevention Coalition continues to work with individuals and organizations to

DOL Proposed Rule: Young Workers to Operate Powered Patient Lifts

The Department of Labor (DOL) released a proposed rule that would allow 16- and 17-year-olds to operate powered patient lifts in hospitals, nursing homes or other long-term care facilities. The Fair Labor Standards Act prohibits workers younger than 18 from performing certain hazardous jobs outside of the agricultural industry. The proposed rule, published in the Sept. 27 Federal Register , would alter the Hazardous Occupations Orders under the FLSA to exempt power-driven patient lifts. DOL states that operating the equipment

MSCA Submits Response to MassHealth Request for Information (RFI) on Dual Eligibles Demonstration Waiver 2.0 - Potential Passive Enrollment

Mass Senior Care has filed a response to MassHealth’s request for information (RFI) on Dual Demonstration Waiver 2.0 outlining our concerns with the proposal. MassHealth’s waiver would, among other objectives, seek the flexibility to significantly increase enrollment in One Care and Senior Care Options (SCO) programs. This includes potential passive enrollment into SCO programs of all individuals who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. Mass Senior Care re-iterated its serious concerns to MassHealth in regard to the possibility of

Mass Senior Care E-News Update: September 20, 2018

Sponsored by:

ProCare LTC Pharmacy

In This Issue:

MSCA President Tara Gregorio Requests Investment of Unallocated Surplus Revenue in Nursing Home Care
EOHHS Issues Proposed October 1, 2018 Medicaid Rate Regulation
Registration is Now Open for Mass Senior Care’s 2018 Annual Meeting & Trade Show
Save the Dates – Fall Education Calendar Filling Up

Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s External Validation of Long-term Care Facility (LTCF) National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) Data Webinar

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences, is pleased to announce a free webinar designed for long-term care facility staff interested in or currently reporting C. difficile data in NHSN entitled, “ Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s External Validation of Long-term Care Facility (LTCF) National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) Data ”. This free webinar will be held on September 27, 2018 from 12:00pm -1:00pm. Webinar topics include: Presentation of results from MDPH’s external validation

Mass Senior Care Welcomes New Members

Mass Senior Care is pleased to welcome our new members to the Association. Our Associate Members have demonstrated their commitment to the senior care provider community by joining Mass Senior Care and participating as exhibitors and sponsors for events and educational conferences. Mass Senior Care members are encouraged to contact Associate Members when they are in need of long term care products and services. You can find all of our Associate Members listed on our website, www.maseniorcare.org/preferred-vendors . Associate Members:

Resident Smoking in Long-Term Care Facilities: MSCA-DPH Webinar

Mass Senior Care Association Joins Statewide Sepsis Consortium

EOHHS Secretary Marylou Sudders announced the creation of the Massachusetts Sepsis Consortium, a public-private partnership of more than 25 organizations, including Mass Senior Care, to collectively address the public health threat sepsis presents. The Massachusetts Sepsis Consortium will: identify and disseminate strategies to advance the prompt diagnosis and treatment of sepsis in all healthcare settings; increase awareness about sepsis prevention, symptoms, and when to seek medical care; and recommend an approach for tracking trends in sepsis morbidity and mortality statewide.

Registration is Now Open for Mass Senior Care’s 2018 Annual Meeting & Trade Show

Join colleagues from across the state at our 2018 Annual Meeting & Trade Show on Thursday, November 8th at the DCU Center in Worcester. This year's theme, "Shaping the Future of Long Term Care: It’s All About Quality,” will feature keynote presentations from U.S. Congressman Richard Neal and Mark Parkinson, President & CEO, American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL). The afternoon session will include a Department of Public Health Presentation on the SPOT Program. Led by Katherine

EOHHS Issues Proposed October 1, 2018 Medicaid Rate Regulation

The Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) yesterday issued a Notice of Proposed Agency Action, which would update Medicaid nursing facility rates in FY 2019. EOHHS Secretary Marylou Sudders presented her FY 2019 proposal to the Mass Senior Care Association Board of Directors and indicated that the regulation represents the agency's first step in a short-term stabilization package totaling $30 million in additional spending beginning October 1, 2018. The Secretary also committed to immediately begin working with the

MSCA President Tara Gregorio Requests Investment of Unallocated Surplus Revenue in Nursing Home Care

Mass Senior Care President Tara Gregorio issued a letter to Speaker DeLeo, Senate President Spilka and members of the Legislature urging the Administration and Legislature to dedicate a portion of the state fiscal year 2018 surplus revenue to support quality nursing home care and a living wage increase for our dedicated front-line caregivers who deserve to be paid a living wage. Gregorio’s letter noted that, as a result of years of underfunding, Massachusetts nursing facilities are in the midst of

Brown University Study to Evaluate the Impact of the Annual Influenza Vaccine on Long Term Care Residents' Hospitalization Risk

A team of nationally recognized long term care researchers from Brown University led by Stefan Gravenstein, MD, MPH, and Vincent Mor, PhD, are undertaking a large-scale quality improvement study to evaluate the impact of the annual influenza vaccine on long term care residents' hospitalization risk for the 2018 influenza season. Nursing centers that meet eligibility and agree to participate will be asked to complete a short survey and receive financial compensation of $150. If you are interested in participating in

Mass Senior Care E-News Update: September 13, 2018

Sponsored by:

BerryDunn

In This Issue:

PASRR Training for Nursing Facilities - Additional Dates Being Offered for Nursing Facilities
Save the Dates – Fall Education Calendar Filling Up
Take Action: Opposition to Ballot Question 1 – Rigid Mandated Nurse Staffing Ratios
MassMAP Training and Orientation Sessions

CMS Releases Revised Survey Tools and Resources

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has released revisions to the Long Term Care Survey Process (LTCSP) Procedure Guide and the LTC Survey FAQs . Other revisions include the LTC Survey Pathways and the LTCSP Initial Pool Care Areas which can be accessed on the CMS website .

PASRR Training for Nursing Facilities - Additional Dates Being Offered for Nursing Facilities

MassHealth will be making changes to the Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) process required of all nursing facility admissions in October 2018. To help all involved entities – nursing facilities, hospitals, and ASAPs – switch to the new process as smoothly as possible and stay compliant with the PASRR rules, MassHealth will be conducting PASRR trainings in the next several weeks. Due to overwhelming demand, two additional sessions are being offered for nursing facilities: Location Address Primary Audience Dates

Mass Senior Care E-News Update: September 6, 2018

Sponsored by:

Partners Pharmacy

In This Issue:

PASRR Training for Nursing Facilities
Take Action: Opposition to Ballot Question 1 – Rigid Mandated Nurse Staffing Ratios
2019 AHCA Quality Award Packets Now Available
Sponsor/Exhibitor Opportunities Now Available for 2018 Annual Meeting

CMS Hand in Hand: A Training Series for Nursing Homes is now available on-line

The Hand in Hand: A Training Series for Nursing Homes was previously developed as an instructor-led training conducted by nursing home staff for nurse aides. The Hand in Hand training is now be available as a self-paced, online training and is available to download for use as an instructor-led course. The updated Hand in Hand: A Training Series for Nursing Homes is available on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS’s) Integrated Surveyor Training Website (ISTW). For help with

MassHealth Issues Request for Information (RFI) on Dual Eligibles Demonstration Waiver 2.0 - Potential Passive Enrollment

As noted in an earlier E-News Update , MassHealth is actively working on a waiver request to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that would, among other objectives, seek the flexibility to significantly increase enrollment in One Care and Senior Care Options (SCO) programs. This includes potential passive enrollment into SCO programs of all individuals who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. Mass Senior Care has expressed serious concerns to MassHealth in regard to the possibility of

PASRR Training for Nursing Facilities

MassHealth will be making changes to the Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) process required of all nursing facility admissions in October 2018. To help all involved entities – nursing facilities, hospitals, and ASAPs – switch to the new process as smoothly as possible and stay compliant with the PASRR rules, MassHealth will be conducting PASRR trainings in the next several weeks. The training will be held at the following locations: Location Address Primary audience Dates Time Mount Saint Vincent

Mass Senior Care E-News Update: August 30, 2018

Sponsored by:

Preferred Pharmacy Solutions

In This Issue:

Mass Senior Care Recommendations Adopted in DPH Revisions to 105 CMR 153.000 Licensure Procedure and Suitability Requirements for Long-Term Care Facilities Effective August 24, 2018
Take Action: Opposition to Ballot Question 1 – Rigid Mandated Nurse Staffing Ratios
2019 AHCA Quality Award Packets Now Available
Save the Dates – Fall Education Calendar Filling Up

PointRight offers PDPM Education Series to Mass Senior Care Members

PointRight, a Mass Senior Care Associate Member, invites all Mass Senior Care members to participate in an upcoming webinar, Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM): The Basics , on Thursday, September 13, 2018 from 2:00pm-3:00pm EDT. This webinar will provide an overview of the basics of PDPM and will discuss the potential impact of this change on facilities’ care processes, and identify areas with a potential for error with recommendations for avoiding them. Please click here for more information on PointRight's upcoming

Upcoming Membership Committee Meetings in September

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 .

New Massachusetts Law Restricting Noncompetition Agreements

On August 10, 2018, Governor Charlie Baker signed into law a bill substantially limiting the use of non-competition agreements in Massachusetts. The law will only apply to non-competition agreements entered into on or after October 1, 2018, and with some exceptions will apply to both employees and independent contractors. It also broadly applies to independent contractors and includes any “forfeiture for competition” agreement.

Dementia Care: Opioid Use & Impact for Persons Living with Dementia Call — September 18

The National Partnership to Improve Dementia Care and Quality Assurance Performance Improvement will host a call on Dementia Care: Opioid Use & Impact for Persons Living with Dementia Call on September 18, 2018 from 1:30 to 3:00 pm ET. During this call, providers will gain insight on opioid use in the post-acute and long-term care setting and learn about the impact of opioid use on persons living with dementia. Additionally, CMS will share updates on the progress of the National

Mass Senior Care Recommendations Adopted in DPH Revisions to 105 CMR 153.000 Licensure Procedure and Suitability Requirements for Long-Term Care Facilities Effective August 24, 2018

As part of the Baker Administration’s regulatory review and efforts to provide short-term regulatory relief to the nursing home provider community, the Public Health Council authorized the Department of Public Health to promulgate revisions to 105 CMR 153.000, Licensure Procedure and Suitability Requirements for Long-Term Care Facilities .These revisions became effective August 24, 2018. Mass Senior Care supported the adoption of the regulations which address many of the concerns Mass Senior Care members and other stakeholders put forth including removal

EOHHS Issues Proposed October 1, 2018 Medicaid Rate Regulation

The Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) today issued a Notice of Proposed Agency Action, which would update Medicaid nursing facility rates in FY 2019. EOHHS Secretary Marylou Sudders presented her FY 2019 proposal to Mass Senior Care Association Board of Directors and indicated that the regulation represents the agency's first step in a short-term stabilization package.

Department of Unemployment Assistance Issues EMAC Supplement Hardship Waiver Proposed Regulations

Yesterday afternoon, the Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) released proposed regulations to implement the SFY 2019 budget requirement directing the Governor to develop a hardship waiver program for the Employer Medical Assistance Contribution (EMAC) Supplement.

Mass Senior Care E-News Update: August 23, 2018

Sponsored by:

Preferred Pharmacy Solutions

In This Issue:

Take Action: Opposition to Ballot Question 1 – Rigid Mandated Nurse Staffing Ratios
2019 AHCA Quality Award Packets Now Available
Save the Dates – Fall Education Calendar Filling Up
January 1, 2018 NF Census Data

Take Action: Opposition to Ballot Question 1 – Rigid Mandated Nurse Staffing Ratios

Mass Senior Care is extremely concerned that the ballot initiative would exacerbate the current nurse shortage in long term care facilities, as long term care nurses would be recruited to hospitals in order to meet the mandated staffing requirements proposed in Question 1.

January 1, 2018 NF Census Data

We have posted on the Mass Senior Care Members Only website January 1, 2018 nursing facility census data, based on updated MassHealth survey information. Please click here to access a capsule summary and links to the 3 worksheets highlighted below. If you need the username and password to the Mass Senior Care Members Only Website to access the data, please contact the Mass Senior Care office at 617-558-0202. Aggregate summary , July 1, 1993 – January 1, 2018 - nursing

New OIG Work Plan Item: CMS Oversight of Nursing Facility Staffing Levels

The HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) has updated its work plan and included a new nursing center staffing level review . The August 2018 update indicates that OIG will examine nursing staffing levels reported by facilities to the Payroll-Based Journal and CMS's efforts to ensure data accuracy and improve resident quality of care by both enforcing minimum requirements and incentivizing high quality staffing above minimum requirements.

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