The DPH has updated COVID-19 guidance for healthcare providers in response to the increasing number of cases and community transmission in Massachusetts, and a reminder the next DPH monthly call with providers is scheduled for Wednesday, August 18, 2021 at 11:00 a.m.

The DPH released updated guidance on Updated COVID-19 Personnel Vaccination Requirement and also released an update to the Comprehensive PPE Guidance, and in an effort to support members with surveillance staff testing, Mass Senior Care has worked with Pro EMS Solutions and The Broad Institute to establish a program for long term care providers to access kits, processing and results.

Mass Senior Care Association is pleased to host our first in-person event – the 2021 Leadership Convention at Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club in Brewster on Cape Cod. Please join us at this premier conference destination that offers a unique forum to exchange ideas, share experiences, earn CEUs and network with long term care professionals. The leadership program will be presented by Steven Littlehale, Chief Innovation Officer and Autumn Kerr, Clinical Consultant Quality Initiatives, Zimmet Healthcare Services Group. Steven Littlehale is an internationally known author and speaker on a broad range of health care and post-acute care topics, Steven’s ability to synthesize complex information to inspire strategic and tactical excellence has been the hallmark of his career and has established his renowned reputation as a highly effective and motivating lecturer. Facility Registration is available for facility members only, please click here for the registration form. Sponsorship Opportunities are available for Associate Members only, please click here for sponsorships.

The Public Health Council yesterday approved proposed emergency amendments to 105 CMR 150.000, Standards for Long-Term Care Facilities, to adopt Emergency Order No. 2021-4 and the Department of Public Health guidance issued on August 4, 2021, pursuant to the Order requiring nursing home personnel to be vaccinated against COVID-19, and a reminder about the MassHire Virtual Job Fair: August 16-20.

In an effort to improve staffing, quality and oversight of facilities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, six U.S. senators on the Senate Finance and Aging committee earlier this week filed ‘The Nursing Home Improvement and Accountability Act of 2021.’ The legislation would require nursing homes to meet minimum staffing standards and would provide additional federal Medicaid funds to states to support workforce and care improvements.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) this week issued a report examining skilled nursing facility (SNF) performance on staffing measures, CMS reporting of staffing information on Care Compare, and Medicare payments for critical incidents. Based on its analysis, GAO recommended that Congress should consider directing the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services to implement appropriate payment reductions for SNFs that generate Medicare spending on potentially preventable critical incidents, primarily hospital readmissions occurring within 30 days of the SNF admission

The submission deadline for the Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility (IRF), Long-Term Care Hospital (LTCH), and Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Programs is approaching.

With Governor Baker’s announcement last week mandating that all long term care staff be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by October 10th and the new delta variant quickly spreading in the United States, it is more important than ever to increase staff vaccination rates in long term care. To view this AHCA webinar recording on how to boost your staff vaccination rates, please click here. AHCA member login required.