DHHS Division of Audit Requiring All Nursing Facilities to File Final Cost Reports From Start of Fiscal Year Through 12/31/24

• By: Angela Westhoff
• On: 02/27/2025 16:16:06
• In: Legislative/Government Affairs

The Division of Audit is requiring all Nursing Facility providers to file a final cost report from the start of their fiscal year in 2024 through December 31, 2024.  The cost report will be due on May 31, 2025.  Since May 31, 2025 is a Saturday, cost reports will be accepted through Monday, June 2, 2025. The cost report will require all supporting documentation.  Based on principle 13.2.3, the Director of the Division of Audit is authorizing cost reports for a lesser period than 12 months. 
 
Extensions will only be granted in accordance with principle 13.3.3. 
 
This change is necessitated by the conversion to a new reimbursement system which will make Direct Care and Routine cost a price, leaving only Capital cost to be settled.  While the specialty units’ (ABI and CBS) rates have not been reformed, the change in the cost report filing applies to the specialty units as well. We will develop a new cost report for the 12-month period ending December 31, 2025. This will allow for consistent reporting with all NF providers reporting on the December 31^st year end going forward. 
 
If you have any questions, please contact Trisha White at 207-287-2837 or trisha.white@maine.gov. 
 
Staff contact: awesthoff@mehca.org

MaineCare Update on Capping of MaineCare Payment Cycles

• By: Angela Westhoff
• On: 02/27/2025 16:15:15
• In: Legislative/Government Affairs

On February 10, 2025, we shared that, if the Legislature does not pass the Fiscal Year 2025 supplemental budget request to fill the MaineCare shortfall, the Department will not have sufficient funds to pay MaineCare providers in full through the end of the fiscal year and will need to temporarily withhold payments to MaineCare providers (also known as “capping weekly cycles”). 
 
On February 11, 2025 and February 25, 2025, the Legislature attempted but failed to pass the supplemental budget with sufficient votes to enact the bill immediately. In order for the Department to access the necessary funding immediately, the budget must have the support of two-thirds of the Legislature.
 
Accordingly, the Department will temporarily withhold certain provider payments beginning with the payment cycle that will run on March 12, 2025.This timeline will allow the Department to ensure some level of funding is available for the duration of the current fiscal year. This strategy is an attempt to avoid pausing all payments for providers who rely largely or entirely on Medicaid for their revenue for the last several weeks of the fiscal year.
 
As a reminder, the Department plans to take the following action:

• Pay hospital prospective interim payments (PIPs) at 70 percent the normal level;
• Hold payment for all hospital claims greater than $50,000;
• Hold payment for large retail pharmacies and large durable medical equipment suppliers; and;
• Hold payment for out-of-state providers of hospital, ambulance, pharmacy, and durable medical equipment services.

Beyond this, the Department plans to employ measures to protect, to the extent possible, providers who are most dependent on MaineCare revenue. For other provider and claim types, every week the Department will set a cap on payments based on available funding and will pay “first in first out” based on date and time of submission, up to the weekly cap.
In the next few days, as it is finalized, we will send more detail about how providers will know if they will receive payment in a given week.
 
Based on the complexity of this work, the continuing work of the Legislature, and our ongoing refinement of FY25 budget projections, the current capping plans, including which providers are impacted, are subject to change. The Department does not yet have information about when we can release held payments. The Department will share additional information when then have it.
 
Staff contact: awesthoff@mehca.org

New Training Opportunity!

• By: Maureen Booth
• On: 02/27/2025 15:12:00
• In: Education

Navigating the 2025 CMS Changes to Guidance and the Critical Element Pathways
March 20, 2025
2:00 - 3:15 PM (1.25 CEU's)

Please join MHCA and our partners from AHCA for a virtual training session where we'll break down recent, significant changes in guidance and provide you with the tools and knowledge needed to implement them smoothly. This seminar is designed for leaders at all levels who need to understand the details of these updates and develop strategies to ensure compliance once the new guidance takes effect.
 
In this course, you will learn: 

• Understand the Key Regulatory Changes and Updates
• Develop Compliance Strategies
• Implement Changes Effectively
• Enhance Leadership Decision-Making
• Address Challenges and Solutions

*For more information on this training and how to register, please refer to the training page here.

Reminder: MHCA Wage & Fringe Benefit Survey - please complete by March 29

• By: Dianne Chicoine
• On: 02/27/2025 12:08:23
• In: Announcements/Reminders

In early January, our wage and fringe benefit survey was emailed directly to administrators, as well as human resource and business office managers whose email addresses we have on file. MHCA has modified the timeline for completing the annual Wage & Fringe Benefit survey to better align with our advocacy efforts at the Maine Legislature. Your input is vital and we ask you to please complete and return the survey to MHCA by March 29, 2025. As always, individual responses will remain confidential. 

If you need a copy of the survey sent to you (or other staff member), please contact Dianne at the Association office (207.623.1146, ext. 201).

Remember ME - Sponsorship Opportunities

• By: Dianne Chicoine
• On: 02/27/2025 12:05:41
• In: Special Events

MHCA is pleased to announce that the 2025 Remember ME recognition ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Augusta Civic Center. We will be honoring 32 residents with Lifetime Achievement Awards (see list below). The ceremony will feature black and white photographs and brief biographies of pioneering, innovative and interesting residents living in Maine's long term care facilities. We are seeking sponsors for the event as follows:
 

• Event Sponsors: $6,000 (3 of 4 available at $1,500 each) Event sponsorship includes support for honorees' exhibits, including the photography.
• Program Booklet: $3,000 (2 of 3 available at $1,000 each)
• Live Stream/Videography: $1,750 (2 available at $875 each)
• Refreshments: $1,500 (2 available at $750 each)
• Decorations/Flowers: $1,250 (1 of 2 available at $625 each)
• Music: $500
• Achievement Awards: $425
• Supporter: $350

 
All sponsors will be recognized on promotional, media, and event materials. We appreciate any assistance you can lend. We look forward to celebrating safely with members and residents at this event! Please secure your sponsorship today!
 
2025 Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients: 
 

1. Richard Anzelc, The Landing at Cape Elizabeth
2. Eva Barnfather, The Wardwell
3. Jacqueline Bate, Schooner Estates Memory Care
4. Perley Beane, Northern Light Continuing Care, Lakewood
5. Jeanne Bilodeau, Pinnacle Health & Rehab at North Berwick
6. Linwood Leeland 'Woody' Carville, Dirigo Pines
7. Gary Chandler, Westgate Center of Rehabilitation and Alzheimer's care
8. Cecil Clark, Breakwater Commons
9. Howard H. Dana, Jr., Piper Shores
10. James Dennis, II, MaineGeneral Rehabilitation and Long Term Care at Gray Birch
11. Tom Dixon, Enclave of Scarborough
12. Rosemary Donovan, Maine Veterans' Homes - Bangor
13. Hilary Ervin, Sunset Home of Waterville
14. Melba Evans, Ross Manor
15. Patricia Eye, Bangor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
16. Charles Gill, Jr., Birch Bay Retirement Village
17. William Huntoon, Market Square Health Care Center
18. Steve King, Avita of Brunswick
19. Kathryn Maclary, Pinnacle Health & Rehab at South Portland
20. Harmon Maddocks, Maine Veterans' Homes - Scarborough
21. Rita Melendy, Schooner Estates Senior Living Community
22. Eunice Mercier, MaineGeneral Alzheimer Care Center
23. Fernande Pelletier, Forest Hill
24. Jim Pendleton, Scarborough Terrace
25. Karen Pennell, East Point Assisted Living
26. Brenda Reed, Barron Center
27. Marny Smith, 75 State Street
28. Susan St. Mary, Bay Square at Yarmouth
29. Robert Takach, Maine Veterans' Homes - Augusta
30. William Thomson, Sentry Hill at York Harbor
31. Brian Wren, Seal Rock Healthcare
32. Jim Young, Fallbrook Commons

 
Staff contact: dchicoine@mehca.org
 

Seasonal Influenza Remains High in Maine

• By: Maureen Carland
• On: 02/27/2025 11:17:17
• In: Quality/Regulatory

Maine continues to have high influenza activity.  So far this season there have been over 900 admitted to the hospital this season! 
The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) encourages everyone to take steps to protect themselves and others from getting sick.

People with flu often experience fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, and fatigue. Certain groups face a higher risk of developing severe illness and hospitalization, including:

• adults 65 years and older
• people with certain chronic medical conditions (e.g. asthma, diabetes, or heart disease)
• pregnant people
• children younger than 5 years (particularly those under 2 years old)

Recent data indicate that one in 10 emergency department visits in Maine are related to flu-like illness. Last week marked the fourth consecutive week with more than 100 flu-related hospital admissions in Maine. Additionally, the Maine CDC has reported 42 flu-related deaths and 109 flu outbreaks so far this season.

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the flu or becoming severely ill from the virus and its complications. It is not too late to receive a flu shot this season. Annual flu vaccination can help reduce the risk of illness, lessen the severity of symptoms, and prevent missed work or school.

To protect yourself and others, the Maine CDC recommends the following prevention strategies in addition to getting vaccinated:

• Stay home when you are sick.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces and objects.

For more information about the flu and prevention tips, please visit www.maineflu.gov. To find the nearest location to get a flu vaccine, contact your local pharmacy or health care provider.
 
Staff contact: mcarland@mehca.org
 

New Training Announcement!

• By: Maureen Booth
• On: 02/26/2025 14:44:55
• In: Education

Delivering Training that Delivers Results
*Virtual Training
May 20-21, 2025
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Whether you’re responsible for new employee orientation, compliance training, CNA classes, or other essential programs, your goal is to deliver training that is engaging, relevant, and results-driven. Well-designed training not only enhances job performance but also plays a vital role in employee onboarding, leadership development, and long-term retention. Effective training programs reduce turnover by making employees feel supported and valued from day one, leading to better patient care, increased job satisfaction, and significant cost savings. This program is designed to help employees build confidence and skills in creating and delivering impactful training, ultimately saving time and boosting satisfaction.
 
In this interactive virtual training, scheduled for May 20-21, 2025, participants will have the opportunity to:

1. Collaborate with colleagues to share best practices for improving training outcomes and enriching the employee experience.
2. Apply adult learning theory to your training, ensuring new hires and existing employees are prepared and confident to succeed.
3. Practice 11 key components of an effective training program, enabling you to design initiatives that align with organizational goals for retention and leadership development.
4. Master instructor/facilitator skills, including providing constructive feedback, to foster a positive learning environment and boost staff motivation.
5. Develop a personalized action plan to enhance leadership skills, support ongoing development, and improve strategies for retaining top talent.

 *For more information on this training and how to register, please refer to our full Training Calendar here.
 

 

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Listeria Outbreak in Long-Term Care

• By: Maureen Carland
• On: 02/26/2025 08:37:14
• In: Quality/Regulatory

A Listeria outbreak linked to supplement shakes distributed in post-acute care facilities has resulted in infections across 21 states, resulting hospitalizations and deaths. Due to Listeria’s ability to persist in the environment for years, CDC investigations previously struggled to pinpoint a food source, but recent environmental testing and whole genome sequencing identified contaminated supplement shakes from Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco. These products have been recalled, and further inquiries should be directed to the FDA. 
 
Symptoms can appear for up to 10 weeks after consuming contaminated food and may include fever, muscle aches, headache, or neurological issues. Given the heightened risk in long-term care settings, immediate prevention efforts are essential to protect vulnerable residents. For further details, visit CDC’s Listeria homepage or contact your state health department.
 
Long-term care settings must take immediate action to protect residents. Recalled products should be discarded, and refrigerators, storage areas, and preparation surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned to prevent Listeria from spreading. Centers should also follow FDA guidelines for safe handling and sanitization to mitigate further risk. 
 
Staff Contact: mcarland@mehca.org
 

Power of Care Infection Update with Maine CDC

• By: Maureen Carland
• On: 02/25/2025 10:46:31
• In: Quality/Regulatory

Please join the Maine Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, The Maine Health Care Association and The Maine CDC on Thursday, March 6^th at 1pm via zoom! Learn more about the Power of Care Campaign and how it can benefit your individual facility. The MaineCDC will be on the call to provide updates on situational awareness, outbreak data protocols and potential vaccination resources.

The Power of Care Campaign is an initiative to educate and engage residents, their families, and direct care staff directly in their communities around the importance of vaccination for both COVID-19 and the influenza.
Learn more about the Ambassador opportunity!
Click HERE to Register

Staff contact: mcarland@mehca.org
 

Updated Tips for Achieving NHSN Reporting Compliance

• By: Maureen Carland
• On: 02/24/2025 13:36:16
• In: Quality/Regulatory

AHCA has released an updated tips sheet designed specifically for nursing homes to streamline compliance with the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) reporting requirements for respiratory illnesses. This resource provides practical, easy-to-follow guidance to help facilities navigate the complexities of NHSN reporting, ensuring accurate data collection and timely submission.

The tip sheet has a user-friendly format:

Recognizing the challenges of navigating complex reporting systems, the tips sheet is formatted in a user-friendly manner with bullet points, flowcharts, and FAQs, making it easier for nursing home staff to adopt and integrate into their daily operations.

AHCA is committed to supporting nursing homes through continuous updates as reporting requirements evolve. Regular reviews of the tips sheet ensure that your facility remains aligned with the latest NHSN, CDC, and CMS guidelines.
Click here to access this Tip Sheet
 
Staff contact: mcarland@mehca.org