Onlinehttps://www.mehca.org/ Powered by: Forest Blog Copyright 2006 Host ForestRegistration Deadline for the 2026 Fall Conference is Approaching!0Registration Deadline is Tuesday, October 13th!

The countdown to the 2026 Fall Health Care Conference & Expo is on! The registration deadline is Tuesday, October 13th, so if you’re planning to join us at the Samoset, now is the time to register. After October 13th, registration will only be available onsite and a $35 late fee will apply.

Register Here: https://www.mehca.org/attendeereg

We’re looking forward to three great days of education, connection, and fun as we come together for Shaping Tomorrow Together! Make sure to check out the brochure to review all the exciting events, activities, and opportunities happening throughout the conference.

We look forward to seeing you at the Conference!

View the Attendee Registration Packet | View the Conference Brochure

Staff Contact: mbooth[at]mehca.org


 ]]>https://www.mehca.org/default.asp?Display=3399https://www.mehca.org/default.asp?Display=3399Maureen Booth339920261008114641New MaineCare Partner Portal Updates0The new MaineCare Partner Portal is scheduled to go live on October 12, 2026, at 8:00 AM. The new portal will replace the current HealthPAS Online Portal and will require Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). Read below for more information and steps you will need to take to sign into the MaineCare Partner Portal starting on October 12. 

For all information about the upcoming changes to MIHMS, see the “HealthPAS Online Portal” section of the Provider Resources page.  

The new portal also requires Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). It’s a 2nd step of verification after entering your password. You can use a Microsoft Authenticator, Text/Call verification, or Email.

For questions or assistance, call Provider Services at 1-866-690-5585.
 
Staff contact: awesthoff@mehca.org
 ]]>https://www.mehca.org/default.asp?Display=3398https://www.mehca.org/default.asp?Display=3398Angela Westhoff339820261008113644Welcome New Member!0Join us in welcoming the following new member:
 
Patrick Mikes, Senior Manager, Strategic Marketing, DISH Business, 9601 S Meridian Boulevard, Englewood, CO 80112 T. 303.709.5412. Provider of Technology/TV/Entertainment.
 
Staff contact: dchicoine[at]mehca.org
]]>https://www.mehca.org/default.asp?Display=3397https://www.mehca.org/default.asp?Display=3397Dianne Chicoine339720261008093538CMS Releases Updated SNF QRP FAQs for FY 20270
With FY 2027 requirements now in place, this is a good time for administrators, MDS coordinators, and quality leaders to review the FAQs and confirm their teams understand any changes to measures, data submission, and compliance expectations. Remember that centers that don't meet SNF QRP reporting requirements face a two-percentage-point reduction to their annual payment update, so staying current matters.

You can download the FY 2027 SNF QRP FAQs here, and find more information on the CMS SNF QRP FAQs page.

Staff contact: mcarland[at]mehca.org]]>https://www.mehca.org/default.asp?Display=3396https://www.mehca.org/default.asp?Display=3396Maureen Carland339620261007105521Demystifying Quality Award Application Results0
Join AHCA/NCAL for Demystifying Quality Award Application Results on October 27 at 2pm EST. This webinar is designed to help applicants better understand the Results section and avoid common issues that may affect scoring. This session will provide an overview of key Results concepts and practical guidance for presenting complete, clear, and meaningful information. 

Since this is during the MHCA Fall Conference, the webinar will be recorded!!   Register NOW and you can watch this after the conference

What You’ll Learn
Participants will: 
  • Understand why the presentation and completeness of Results are critical to Quality Award application scoring. 
  • Identify common issues that negatively affect Results scores. 
  • Learn which Results subcategories most frequently present challenges for applicants. 
  • Gain a general understanding of Results scoring elements and key terminology. 
  • Recognize presentation issues that may make Results difficult for examiners to evaluate. 
Whether your organization is preparing a Silver or Gold application, this webinar will help your team approach the Results section with greater clarity and confidence. 

Register Today
And don't miss the Quality Award Intent to Apply deadline! Organizations planning to participate in the Quality Award Program are encouraged to submit their Intent to Apply (ITA) as this step offers several benefits including reduced application fee, access to exclusive Program resources, and early engagement with the application process. 
 
Submit your ITA by November 12 at 8pm EST!

Staff contact: mcarland[at]mehca.org]]>https://www.mehca.org/default.asp?Display=3395https://www.mehca.org/default.asp?Display=3395Maureen Carland3395202610071036485-Star Trophy Icon 0CMS Memorandum QSO-26-14-NH for additional information. 

According to the updated Five Star Quality Rating System Technical Users’ Guide, these facilities have fewer citations, higher staffing levels and strong performance on other quality indicators. 

The guide also provides two technical clarifications: 
  • Deficiencies cited during a revisit survey are attributed to the initial survey date. CMS will use that initial survey date when determining whether deficiencies must be deduplicated for rating purposes. 
     
  • Staffing-rating downgrades related to CMS audits will take effect during the monthly Nursing Home Care Compare update after the response deadline passes or discrepancies are identified. The downgrade period may be extended if repeat audits identify the same discrepancy. 
For additional information about the Risk-Based Survey, see the following education program in ahcancalED: AHCA Education: Chasing the Trophy: Navigating the Risk-Based Survey Process. 

For additional information about the Five-Star Quality Rating System program, see the following education program in ahcancalED: AHCA Education: The Five-Star Quality Rating System.

Questions about the updates to the Five-Star Quality Rating System or the new Risk-Based Survey may be sent to regulatory@ahca.org.
 
Staff contact mcarland[at]mehca.org]]>https://www.mehca.org/default.asp?Display=3394https://www.mehca.org/default.asp?Display=3394Maureen Carland339420261001102350October DNS Meeting0October 20, 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.  All nursing home DNSs are welcome!

CLICK HERE to join on October 20th

Click here to join the meeting.   For more information contact the facilitator: Odette Lee or Jennifer Sylvester
 
Staff contact: mcarland[at]mehca.org
 
 
 ]]>https://www.mehca.org/default.asp?Display=3393https://www.mehca.org/default.asp?Display=3393Maureen Carland339320261001101802Avoiding Common Food Citations- Free Webinar0"A Systems Approach to Avoiding Common Food Citations," on November 3 at 2 p.m. EST.
Food and nutrition services are a vital part of nursing facility and senior care operations, and citations related to food preparation, storage, and delivery are common. Building a systems approach to food safety can help reduce the frequency and severity of these citations.
Webinar learning objectives:
  • Review common nursing facility food-related deficiencies
  • Outline the processes needed to avoid the most frequent citations
  • Discuss foodborne illnesses and effective food recall practices
  • Learn how to obtain reliable information from government agencies and food vendors during illness outbreaks and recalls
 
Join Jen Bruning, MS, RDN, LDN, Senior Director of Partner Education for Incite Strategic Partners, as she shares proven methods for ensuring food safety compliance. This webinar is approved for one CEU for CDM-CFPPs by ANFP.
Register now — even if you can't attend live, all registrants will be notified when the recording becomes available.
 
Staff contact: mcarland[at]mehca.org
 ]]>https://www.mehca.org/default.asp?Display=3392https://www.mehca.org/default.asp?Display=3392Maureen Carland339220261001101559Welcome New Member!0
Tom Ouellette, President, Budget Document Technology, 251 Goddard Road, Lewiston, ME 04240
T. 207.782.7427 F. 207.777.6377. Provider of copier, printers, mailing, phones VOIP. 

Staff contact: dchicoine[at]mehca.org]]>https://www.mehca.org/default.asp?Display=3391https://www.mehca.org/default.asp?Display=3391Dianne Chicoine339120261001083018Fall Conference: Hotel Options & Member Discounts0Still Looking for a Place to Stay for Fall Conference?

If you haven’t booked your accommodations for the 2026 MHCA Fall Health Care Conference & Expo yet, there are still options available in the Rockport and Camden area!

Rockland Harbor Hotel
The Rockland Harbor Hotel still has rooms available at our preferred conference rate of $169 per night. To receive the conference rate, you’ll need to call the hotel directly and mention that you’re attending the Maine Health Care Association Fall Conference. The special rate is not available through online booking. 207-594-2131.

Camden Hotel Options
Conference attendees can also receive 15% off the regular rates at two hotels in the Bayview Collection:

Lord Camden Inn: 207-236-4925
16 Bay View Hotel: 207-706-7990

To receive the discount, contact the hotel directly and let them know you are with the Maine Health Care Association. The discounted rates are not available through online booking.

Whether you’re staying at the Samoset or one of our nearby hotel options, we’re looking forward to seeing you in Rockport this October for Shaping Tomorrow Together!]]>https://www.mehca.org/default.asp?Display=3390https://www.mehca.org/default.asp?Display=3390Maureen Booth339020260928144728