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Archive July 2026

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Come out and support the Mike McNeil Scholarship Fund’s annual Golf Tournament Scholarship Fundraiser – Chance to win $10,000 Hole in One!

The Mike McNeil Scholarship Fund is hosting its annual fundraising golf tournament on October 27, 2026, at the Samoset Resort, Rockport, Maine. To date, the Fund has awarded $100,000 to more than 158 students pursuing careers in long term care. Prizes will be awarded for individuals and teams PLUS a chance to win $10,000 for a Hole in One!

To fund the scholarship program, we need your support in the form of sponsors and golfers for the tournament. Don't have a team? MHCA will pair you with other golfers. Do you have friends, family and/or business colleagues that enjoy golfing? Invite them to participate and help raise funds for the scholarship program. 
 
For more information, register to play and/or sponsor the event, click here. 

The Samoset Resort golf course is suitable for players of all skill levels. The 18-hole championship Samoset Golf Course boasts seven oceanside holes, 14 holes with spectacular views of the Atlantic, and one of the most challenging finishing holes in New England. Golf Digest named the course the “Pebble Beach of the East” in a 2023 article. The golf complex also features a clubhouse with a golf range, practice green, short game facility with bunkers, Pro Shop and a Clubhouse Grille restaurant.
 
The Mike McNeil Scholarship Fund promotes careers in long term care through scholarships for individuals affiliated with MHCA long term care facilities. Scholarships are open to MHCA member facility employees, their immediate family members and volunteers wishing to pursue post-secondary education and training in the areas of Nursing, Physical or Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology, Social Work, Activities and Food Service.
 
Questions? Contact Dianne Chicoine, Tournament Coordinator (dchicoine[at]mehca.org or 207.623.1146, ext. 201)
 
Staff contact: dchicoine[at]mehca.org

Excellence in Long Term Care Awards - Deadline to Submit Nominations is July 31st!

The Excellence in Long Term Care Awards recognizes long term care employees statewide who consistently exemplify a commendable level of caregiving, dedication, and professionalism in caring for their residents and consumers, including those working in home health care, assisted living, and nursing facilities. Because many team members contribute to the quality of care and life, we present caregiving awards across all disciplines as follows:
 

  • Nursing/direct caregiver, such as a Nurse, CNA, PSS, CRMA, HHA, DSP, or other direct caregiver, AND
  • All other disciplines, like social work, dietary, activities, etc., from any other department

 
Facilities and organizations may submit one nomination in each category for a total of two nominations. All nominees must be employed by their organization/facility for at least one year. An independent panel of judges will select the winners, who will be recognized during a special live event on November 16 at the Augusta Civic Center.
 
There's never been a better time to honor your caregivers. Nominating your staff requires a small investment of time and energy but can mean much to the recipient. Submit your nomination online by July 31, 2026:

 
Award Nomination Form
 
Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have questions or comments. For sponsorship opportunities, please click here or contact Dianne Chicoine, Director of Business & Information Services, (207) 623-1146 for more information. Thank you!
 
Staff contact: dchicoine[at]mehca.org

Additional updates on Temporary Protected Statuts

On July 10, 2026, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued updated guidance, beyond the previously issued guidance on July 1, in response to the U.S. Supreme Court's June 25 decision ending Temporary Protected Status for Haiti and Syria. 
 
The newest guidance from USCIS about the new work authorization "placeholder" dates for Syria can be found here; and for Haiti can be found here. 
 
This alert is for informational purposes only and pertains to Haiti and Syria, through there is also work authorization guidance for Burma (Myanmar), Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, and Yemen. 
 
If you are an employer with employees whose current work authorization depends on TPC Haiti, Syria, or the other aforementioned countries, consider speaking with an immigration attorney to better understand the situation. 
 

Section 67, Nursing Facilities Billing Adjustment Guidance Update from MaineCare

On July 9th, the Office of MaineCare Services sent a notice to all Section 67, nursing facility providers correcting prior guidance from a June 10th notice. 

The updated guidance pertains to adjustments for dates of service from January 1, 2026 – June 10, 2026 related to Cost of Living Increases (COLA).

Providers are responsible for adjusting claims with charges submitted below the new rates. Per policy and to avoid timely filing denials, providers must submit adjustments within 120 days from the date of the latest e-message communication (July 9, 2026). The Department recommends adjusting the oldest dates of service first, to avoid timely filing denials.

Please note: MaineCare incorrectly began adjusting claims in the above noted date span that were billed below the new rates, resulting in the same payment. Providers affected by this rate revision will need to adjust the most recent paid claim.
They sent a notice on May 15, 2026 announcing the revised rate letters. Please refer to this earlier notice for additional details related to the revisions.

For questions, please contact your Provider Relations Specialist.

Staff contact: awesthoff[at]mehca.org
 

MaineCare Telehealth Services Provider Licensure Requirements

REMINDER: All providers delivering telehealth services to MaineCare members must be enrolled with MaineCare and must comply with MaineCare Benefits Manual (MBM) Chapter I, Section 4: Telehealth Services.

Click here for more information MaineCare Telehealth Services Provider Licensure Requirements | Department of Health and Human Services

Understanding OSHA Complaints in Long Term Care: Process, Expectations, and Practical Response

AHCA NCAL has posted the following:  
Part 1: The Complaint Process, Reporting Evolution, and Employer Expectations  
 
When long term care operators think about the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), inspections and citations often come to mind. Increasingly, however, providers are encountering OSHA complaints and the response obligations that follow. While OSHA inspection data is publicly available, complaint trends are harder to quantify. Many operators would agree that workplace concerns are being reported more frequently and through more accessible channels than in the past. Importantly, an OSHA complaint does not automatically mean an employer has violated a standard, nor does it always result in an inspection or citation. Understanding how complaints are submitted, evaluated, and addressed is essential for long term care providers.  
 
Historically, complaints were submitted by phone, mail, or directly to local OSHA offices. Today, concerns can be reported online, by phone, email, fax, mail, or in person. This expanded access allows workplace concerns to be raised quickly and with minimal effort. While easier reporting does not necessarily mean complaints are more valid, it does mean providers should be prepared to respond. Complaints may also come from sources beyond employees, including employee representatives, contractors, family members, vendors, or others aware of potential workplace hazards.  
 
When OSHA receives a complaint, it evaluates factors such as the seriousness of the allegation, the specificity of the information provided, and whether the complaint appears credible and actionable. Possible outcomes include the following:  
 
No action  
Requests for clarification  
Employer inquiries   
Onsite inspections.   
 
For many long term care providers, the most common response is a request for information rather than an immediate inspection. In these situations, employers are generally expected to investigate the concern, document findings, identify corrective actions, and respond within OSHA's requested timeframe. Not every complaint results in an inspection, citation, or violation. A prompt, organized, and professional response often resolves concerns before they escalate.  
 
OSHA enforcement is not identical in every state. Some states operate under Federal OSHA, while others administer OSHA-approved State Plans. Although state programs must be at least as effective as federal OSHA, complaint procedures, timelines, and enforcement practices may vary. Multi-state operators should understand which jurisdiction applies to each facility and avoid assuming all states follow the same process. Facilities can learn more about state-specific OSHA regulations here.  
 
Employees generally have protected rights to report workplace safety concerns. OSHA's whistleblower protections prohibit retaliation against employees for engaging in protected activities. Retaliation allegations may involve more than termination and can include discipline, reassignment, schedule changes, reduced hours, or other actions perceived to be connected to a complaint. Providers should continue enforcing policies and performance expectations consistently while ensuring employment decisions are well-documented and unrelated to protected reporting activity. Regardless of allegation, employers should respond promptly, professionally, and objectively. Conducting an internal review, documenting findings, addressing reasonable concerns, and involving appropriate leadership can help reduce confusion and improve outcomes. Often, uncertainty about the process creates greater challenges than the complaint itself.  
 
OSHA complaints are easier to submit than ever before, and workplace concerns may arise from a variety of sources. However, a complaint should not automatically be viewed as evidence of wrongdoing or impending citation. Understanding the complaint process helps providers respond confidently and effectively. In many cases, preparation, organization, and professionalism matter more than the allegation itself.  
 
In the next article, we will explore practical response strategies for long-term care operators, including investigations, documentation, communication, and post-complaint best practices. For any questions on OSHA or OSHA complaints, please email regulatory@ahca.org .  
 
Staff Cntact: mcarland[at]mehca.org

NHSN Newsletter 

The CDC has released the Q2 2026 NHSN Newsletter, a useful touchpoint for anyone working with the National Healthcare Safety Network across any care setting. This edition covers updates to the Analysis and Antimicrobial Use and Resistance (AUR) modules, Long-term Care Facility Component highlights, Dialysis Component updates, Hemovigilance reminders, and education and training resources. If your facility uses NHSN for infection surveillance reporting — and Maine SNFs are required to — this is worth a read to stay current on system changes and reporting expectations. The full newsletter is available on the CDC NHSN Newsletters page. 
Staff contact: mcarland[at]mehca.org  

CMS Posts FY 2027 ICD-10-CM Update Effective Oct. 1

CMS has posted the 2027 ICD-10-CM files which contain information on the ICD-10-CM updates for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. These 2026 ICD-10-CM codes are to be used for resident stays occurring from October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027.   
The currently available update includes:  
The 2027 Conversion Table. This table identifies ICD-10-CM codes that are inactive as of 10/1/2026 and their replacement codes. Timely correction of inactive codes for current residents as of October 1st is essential to avoid claim rejections for October 2026 billing.  
 
At this time, the FY 2027 ICD-10-CM Coding Guidelines have not been posted.  
The ICD-10-CM updates will also be reflected in the FY 2027 PDPM ICD-10 Mapping tables once they are posted by CMS, which typically occurs after the final rule is released later this summer. MDS Coordinators should download a copy once available to ensure accurate HIPPS codes for reimbursement under the Patient Driven Payment Model (PDPM).  
 
As a reminder, it is essential for coders in nursing homes to have the current ICD-10 Manual and Coding Guidelines to ensure accurate codes for billing and reporting.   
 
Questions regarding this update or ICD-10-CM coding may be sent to regulatory@ahca.org?.  
 
Staff contact: mcarland[at]mehca.org

July DNS Meeting

The next meeting will be held Tuesday July 14, 2026 at 1:00 PM via zoom.

This meeting offers a valuable space to connect with peers, share best practices, and explore solutions to the most pressing challenges in the field. It will be a unique opportunity to network, exchange insights, and support one another as we navigate the evolving landscape of our industry.

Whether you're seeking fresh strategies, looking for guidance, or hoping to expand your professional network, we hope you'll join us for this collaborative and enriching session.
CLICK HERE to join on July 14th

Click here to join the meeting.   For more information contact the facilitators:
Gail Hauser or Odette Lee
 
Staff contact: mcarland[at]mehca.org
 

Double Alert for Maine This Week: Extreme Heat and Poor Air Quality

Maine is under a double environmental health advisory this week, and long-term care facilities should be taking both seriously. The Maine CDC has developed a clinical guidance document for health care providers.  The National Weather Service has issued Extreme Heat Watches, Warnings, and Advisories across much of the state, with heat index values expected to reach 100–110°F. At the same time, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection has issued an air quality advisory for elevated ground-level ozone, reaching the "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" level along the coast from Kittery to Acadia National Park, with moderate ozone and wildfire-related particle pollution affecting much of the rest of the state. Maine CDC State Epidemiologist Dr. Isaac Benowitz issued a High Priority Public Health Advisory on July 1 specifically noting that combined exposure to heat and ozone produces additive health impacts — meaning the risks compound, not just add.

Nursing home and residential care residents are squarely in the highest-risk category for both: older adults, individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD, and those with cardiovascular disease are the populations most vulnerable to heat illness and ozone exposure. Facilities should ensure that outdoor activities are limited or moved indoors, that air conditioning is functioning and accessible to all residents, and that clinical staff are monitoring early signs of heat-related illness and respiratory exacerbation. Residents with asthma should have quick-relief medications readily accessible. The Maine DEP Air Quality Hotline (1-800-223-1196) and the Maine DEP Air Quality Forecast are good real-time resources. Click on these links to access  the full HAN Advisory, and Maine DEP press release,

Staff contact: mcarland{at}mehca.org
 
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