COVID-19 UPDATES & RESOURCES
Mass-ALA (The Massachusetts Assisted Living Association) is committed to keeping assisted living residences in Massachusetts up to date with the latest information regarding COVID-19 to keep residents, staff, and families in the Commonwealth safe.
We will share important updates from EOEA (Executive Office of Elder Affairs), DPH (Department of Public Health), EOHHS (Executive Office of Health and Human Services) and other sources regarding COVID-19 pertaining to Massachusetts Assisted Living communities.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us: Mass-ALA@mass-ala.org, or call 781.622.5999 x100.
COVID-19 UPDATES
2023
3/15: Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces End of COVID-19 Public Health Emergency in Massachusetts
2/15: EOEA Update: Skilled Services Guidances
2/9: COVID-19 and Booster Data, Required Submissions
1/24: EOEA Issues Request for Survey Completion by Thursday
1/4: EOEA Issues Integrated COVID-19 Guidance and Resources
2022
12/22: EOEA Issues Request for Survey Completion by Thursday
2022
12/22: DPH Rescinds Orders, Provides Update on Testing, Reminds of Expiration of Temporary Nursing Licenses
11/3: EOEA Letter to Residents, Families, and Friends of Residents in Assisted Living
10/20: Free Rapid Tests Available
9/8: EOEA Shares Recent Booster Information
9/7: COVID-19 and Emergency Regulatory Updates from EOEA
8/18: Recent CDC, DPH Guidances on Testing, Isolation, Test Expiration Dates
8/8: Importance of COVID-19 Boosters, Letter from EOEA to Residents and Families, and DPH and Partner Organization Letter to Providers
7/16: Governor and Legislature Extend Health Services, Staffing, and Training Flexibilities in Assisted Living
7/6: Skilled Services, Staffing, and Training Flexibilities Slated to Expire on July 15th
6/20: GAFC Regulations Promulgated as of July 1
6/16: COVID-19 Update: DPH Issues Updates on Surveillance Testing, Visitation Flexibilities
6/10: EOEA Resumes Compliance Reviews at ALRs
6/3: Updated Hospital Discharge Recommendations for Assisted Living Residents
5/16: COVID-19 Update: Paxlovid Treatment Available Through Free Telehealth Service; BinaxNOW Test Availability and Reporting
4/13: EOEA Posts Request for Information (RFI)
4/8: COVID-19 Update – EOEA Issues Guidance, All Measures Effective Today
4/7: EOEA COVID-19 Updates and Information
4/6: Apprenticeship Program Opportunity for Assisted Living Providers
4/5: COVID-19 Update – Action Needed by 4/15 to Access Free Rapid Tests for Visitors
3/30: EOEA Requires Skilled Services Data, Due April 5th
3/29: COVID-19 Update – EOEA Extends Date for BinaxNow Test Availability
3/28: COVID-19 Update: EOEA Requires Staff Vaccine/Booster Status Information
3/24: Provider Relief Fund Phase 4 Payments
3/15: EOEA Update: Annual Financial Disclosure Statements to be Submitted Online
2/23: EOEA Update on Booster Deadline, Documentation, and Reporting: Resources Available
2/13: Governor and Legislature Approve Health Services, Staffing, Training, and Liability Protection Extensions
1/25: EOEA Requests Completion of Booster Status and Infection Control Survey
1/20: Follow-Up on Free At-Home Tests Available to Order
1/18: Update for Residents and Staff: Free At-Home Tests Available to Order
1/6: Booster Mandate, Deadline for ALRs
1/3: Isolation and Quarantine Guidance
2021
12/29: EOEA Further Extends Deadline to Access BinaxNOW Tests
12/23: GAFC Rate Increase Extended Through June 2022
12/21: EOEA Issues Incident Reporting Update
12/16: Latest PPE Sources, Service Providers, and State Request Process
12/14: Health Services Extended Through January for Residents Currently Receiving Them
12/8: Infection Control Audit and Booster Reporting Deadlines Approaching; Webinar Slides Available
12/2: Mass-ALA Strongly Encourages Boosters for ALR Staff
11/29: EOEA Mandatory Webinar Registration Link Added
11/24: EOEA Mandatory Requirements and Webinar
11/19: EOHHS Shares Risks and Resources in Holiday Letter
11/15: Monoclonal Antibody Treatment at ALRs to Prevent Hospitalization
11/12: Enhanced Payments for Assisted Living Through GAFC, PACE, and SCO
11/11: Required Reporting of Skilled Services to EOEA
11/4: Update on EOEA’s Influenza Vaccine Requirements
10/29: EOEA Extends Deadline to Access BinaxNOW Test
10/22: Vaccine Reporting Guidance and Booster Availability
10/19: Provider Relief Fund Deadline for Application Approaching Soon
10/14: EOEA Booster Survey Response Needed by Tomorrow
10/6: Surveillance Testing and Caring for Residents During COVID-19
9/30: Booster Vaccine Administration
9/20: Booster Vaccine Administration
9/16: EOEA Issues New Emergency Regs to Include COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate
9/2: Public Awareness: Monoclonal Antibody Therapy for COVID-19
9/1: Vaccine Mandate for Assisted Living Staff
8/20: CDC Announces Plans for Booster Doses
8/18: GAFC Temporary 10% Rate Increase Letter
8/17: Comprehensive PPE Guidance
8/10: EOEA Guidances on Mask Usage, Testing, Visitation, and BinaxNOW Kits
8/6: New Guidances Issued by DPH
8/4: Temporary 10% Rate Increase for GAFC from ARPA HCBS Funding
7/14: Overcoming Vaccine Hesitancy
7/8: Skilled Services Preliminary Survey Due Monday, 7/12/21
6/29: Mask-wearing, Screening, and Temperature Chart
6/22: Vaccination Options for ALRs – EOEA Memorandum
6/18: EOEA Guidance, Effective Date Extended
6/16: Extension Bill Signed into Law, EOEA Guidance, New Requirement
6/15: Flexibilities for ALRs Extended to September 15
6/14: EOEA Updated Guidance for ALRs
6/4: State Reopening Plan Impact on Assisted Living, Part 2
5/25: Deadline Extended Again for Acquiring Free Binax Test Kits
5/18: State Reopening Plan Impact on Assisted Living
5/12: Extended Expiry Dates of BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Cards
5/5: Changes to Recommended Surveillance Testing in Assisted Living
4/5: Latest PPE Supply Sources and State Request Process
3/30:Binax Test Acquisition Deadline Extended
3/25: Vaccination Options for Assisted Living
3/17: Updated Guidances from EOEA
3/16: Updated Guidance on Surveillance Testing
3/8: Extended Shelf Life of Binax Tests
2/18: Federal Relief Package, Grassroots Outreach, and Congressional Meetings
2/16: 3rd Vaccine Clinics at Your ALR
2/4: EOEA Notice Regarding Vaccine Clinics
2/1: Expansion of Availability of Free Point-of-Care Tests from the State
1/28: Overcoming Vaccine Hesitancy
1/20: EOEA Consolidated Guidance for Assisted Living Residences (ALRs)
1/14: Influenza Vaccine Update: Reporting Reminder, Deadline Tomorrow
1/13: CVS Vaccine Consent Form Translations
1/7: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Guidance from DPH
1/6: Documentation Refresher for Point-of-Care Test Kits
1/5: Influenza Vaccine Update: Spreadsheet for Reporting to EOEA Deadline
2020
12/30: Point of Care Tests Available from State Supply
12/18: Vaccine Approval and Distribution Plan
12/16: Obtaining CLIA Waivers
12/15: ALRs Flu Vaccine Reporting Process
12/11: Vaccine Delivery and Distribution
11/30: Non-Resident Positive Results to be Reported Daily
11/25: Surveillance Testing Guidelines
11/24: Revised Holiday Letter to Families of ALR Residents
11/20: DPH to Register All ALRs for Federal Pharmacy Partnership Program
11/19: Burdensome Legislative Proposals Successfully Defeated this Month
11/18: COVID-19 Update: Latest PPE Supply Sources and State Request Process
11/11: Reimbursement to Assisted Living Residences COVID-19 Testing
11/10: EOEA Broadens Visitation Guidelines Reinforces Quarantine Limitations
11/5: REMINDER: November 6 DEADLINE to Register for Partnering with Pharmacies on Free Vaccine Distribution
10/28: HHS Pharmacy Vaccine Partnership Program Opt-In Deadline Extended
10/26: Increase in Cases and Steps You Can Take to Stop the Spread
10/23: Influenza Vaccination Update: EOEA Emergency Regs Modification and MIIS Registration
10/19: October 29 Deadline to Register for Partnering with Pharmacies on Free Vaccine Distribution
10/9: Testing Guidance Effective October 15
10/6: Testing Reimbursement To ALRs
10/5: New Phase of Provider Relief Funding Opens Today
9/21: EOEA Update: Updated Visitation Guidance
9/15: EXTENDED DEADLINE, SEP 21: HHS Private Pay Relief Funding Applications for Assisted Living Providers
9/15: EOEA Update: ALR Visitation Guidance to Allow Visitation in an Indoor Designated Space
9/3: Provider Relief Details, Vaccines, and Testing
9/2: HHS Funding for Private Pay Assisted Living Providers
8/24: Latest PPE Supply Sources and State Request Process
8/20: COVID-19 HHS Funding Update
8/17: EOHHS Issues Update on COVID-19 Surveillance Testing
8/17: COVID-19 Update: New Reporting Portal
8/7: Reminder, August 15th Deadline to Apply for Bonus Reimbursement
8/5: EOEA Issues Emergency Regulatory Changes
8/3: Two DPH Announcements
7/31: EOEA Announces New Flexibilities for Contractors in ALRs
7/30: Portal for Possible HHS Funding for Assisted Living
7/30: Webinar on Applying for CARES Funds and Deadline Extended to August 3
7/28: Data Submission for Chapter 93 of the Acts of 2020
7/23: Latest PPE Supply Sources and State Request Process
7/21: GAFC Deadline Extended for Accessing Fund
7/16: GAFC Deadlines for Accessing Funds and Filing Reports
7/15: Bonuses for Certain Assisted Living Positions
7/15: EOEA Responses to Questions About Quarantine Policy
7/13: DPH FAQ on Surveillance Testing Policy
7/13: Follow-Up to DPH Surveillance Testing Memorandum
7/6: Submission Process for Reporting of COVID-19 Data to DPH
7/2: Assisted Living Residences Visitation Guidance, July 2 2020
7/2: Guidance Anticipated for Reopening of Salons and More
7/1: Long Term Care Surveillance Testing
6/24: Updated PPE Supplies List
6/22: Update on HHS Provider Fund Medicaid Distribution
6/20: Update on HHS Provider Fund Medicaid Distribution
6/9: Just Released: Guidance for Hospital and Assisted Living Staff Regarding Hospital Discharge and COVID-19
6/2: Clarification of 6/1 EOEA Visitation Guidance
6/1: EOEA and EOHHS Updates: Resident Visitation & National Guard Testing
5/29: COVID-19 Policy & Regulatory Issues Update
5/22: State Reopening Plan Impact on Assisted Living
5/19: OSHA News Update
5/9: EOEA Guidelines for COVID-19 Incident Reporting
5/7: Updated PPE Supply Sources
5/1: Billing Flexibility for GAFC
4/29: Mass-ALA Guidelines for Implementing Skilled Care
4/28: Daily State Reports Now Include ALRs – How to Subscribe
4/23: Central COVID-19 Resources Page
4/21: Passage of COVID-19 Liability Bill Protects Assisted Living in the Pandemic
4/20: Alternate Care Facilities for COVID-19 Positive Residents
4/16: EOEA Suggested PPE Practices in ALRs
4/15: Patient/Resident Care Portal Updated Information
4/14: Supplemental Mobile Testing Guidance
4/10: Mass-ALA Supports Liability Protection Bill with Inclusion of PCAs
4/9: Testing Available to ALRs through National Guard and Other Options
4/9: Patient/Resident Care Technician Job Portal
(sample job description can be viewed here)
4/6: GAFC Guidelines Expanded
4/4: MassMAP Emergency Reporting
4/2: Skilled Nursing Services and Workforce Relief
4/1: New Flexibilities in the GAFC Program due to COVID-19
3/30: Mass-ALA Supports COVID-19 Recovery Facilities Effort
3/30: Department of Labor Updates Definition of Health Care Provider Under Families First Act
3/27: How to Request PPE from the State of Massachusetts
3/25: Argentum Update, Status of $2 Trillion COVID-19 Economic Stimulus Package
3/25: Adult Day Health Programs
3/24: Assisted Living Staff Eligible for Child-Care
3/24: EOEA Revised FAQs
3/24: EOEA on Reporting non-resident Incidents of COVID-19
3/21: Health Care Personnel Updates from CDC and DPH
3/19: Coronavirus Resources
3/19: Call to Action for Federal Support of Assisted Living on Coronavirus
3/17: Amended EOEA Guidance
3/16: DPH Update on Visitation Guidelines
3/13: Updates from EOEA Coronavirus Conference Call Today
3/12: Assisted Living Residence Operators Guidance and Policies and Procedures to Protect Residents, Facilities, and Services during the COVID-19 Outbreak
EOEA (EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF ELDER AFFAIRS) UPDATES
2023
Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces End of COVID-19 Public Health Emergency in Massachusetts
EOEA Update: Skilled Services Guidance
COVID-19 and Booster Data, Required Submissions
EOEA Issues Request for Survey Completion by Thursday
EOEA Issues Integrated COVID-19 Guidance and Resources
2022
EOEA Letter to Residents, Families, and Friends of Residents in Assisted Living
Free Rapid Tests Available
EOEA Shares Recent Booster Information
COVID-19 and Emergency Regulatory Updates from EOEA
Importance of COVID-19 Boosters, Letter from EOEA to Residents and Families, and DPH and Partner Organization Letter to Providers
GAFC Regulations Promulgated as of July 1
EOEA Resumes Compliance Reviews at ALRs
EOEA Posts Request for Information (RFI)
EOEA Requires Skilled Services Data, Due April 5th
EOEA Update: Annual Financial Disclosure Statements to be Submitted Online
EOEA Update on Booster Deadline, Documentation, and Reporting; Resources Available
EOEA Requests Completion of Booster Status and Infection Control Survey
Follow-Up on Free At-Home Tests Available to Order
Update for Residents and Staff Free At-Home Tests Available to Order
2021
EOEA Further Extends Deadline to Access BinaxNOW Tests
EOEA Issues Incident Reporting Update
Health Services Extended Through January for Residents Currently Receiving Them
EOEA Mandatory Webinar Registration Link Added
EOEA Mandatory Requirements and Webinar
EOHHS Shares Risks and Resources in Holiday Letter
Monoclonal Antibody Treatment at ALRs to Prevent Hospitalization
Required Reporting of Skilled Services to EOEA
Update on EOEA’s Influenza Vaccine Requirements
EOEA Extends Deadline to Access BinaxNOW Test
Vaccine Reporting Guidance and Booster Availability
EOEA Booster Survey Response Needed by Tomorrow
Booster Vaccine Administration (update 9/30)
Booster Vaccine Administration (9/20)
EOEA Issues New Emergency Regs to Include COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate
Public Awareness: Monoclonal Antibody Therapy for COVID-19
EOEA Guidances on Mask Usage, Testing, Visitation, and BinaxNOW Kits
Skilled Services Preliminary Survey Due Monday, 7/12/21
Mask-wearing, Screening, and Temperature Chart
Vaccination Options for ALRs – EOEA Memorandum
EOEA Guidance, Effective Date Extended
Extension Bill Signed into Law, EOEA Guidance, New Requirement
Flexibilities for ALRs Extended to September 15
EOEA Updated Guidance for ALRs
Deadline Extended Again for Acquiring Free Binax Test Kits
Extended Expiry Dates of BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Cards
Changes to Recommended Surveillance Testing in Assisted Living
Binax Test Acquisition Deadline Extended
EOEA Notice to Resume On-site Recertification Compliance Visits
Updated Guidances from EOEA
Updated Guidance on Surveillance Testing
Extended Shelf Life of Binax Tests
3rd Vaccine Clinics at Your ALR
EOEA Notice Regarding Vaccine Clinics
Expansion of Availability of Free Point-of-Care Tests from the State
Consolidated Guidance for Assisted Living Residences (ALRs)
Documentation Refresher for Point-of-Care Test Kits
Influenza Vaccine Update: Spreadsheet for Reporting to EOEA Deadline
2020
Point of Care Tests Available from State Supply
Obtaining CLIA Waivers
ALRs Flu Vaccine Reporting Process
Non-Resident Positive Results to be Reported Daily
Surveillance Testing Guidelines
Revised Holiday Letter to Families of ALR Residents
DPH to Register All ALRs for Federal Pharmacy Partnership Program
Revised EOEA Visitation Guidance Effective November 13
Testing Guidance Effective October 15
Testing Reimbursement To ALRs
EOEA Update: Updated Visitation Guidance
EOEA Update: ALR Visitation Guidance to Allow Visitation in an Indoor Designated Space
COVID-19 Update: New Reporting Portal
EOEA Issues Emergency Regulatory Changes
EOEA Announces New Flexibilities for Contractors in ALRs
Data Submission for Chapter 93 of the Acts of 2020
Bonuses for Certain Assisted Living Positions
EOEA Responses to Questions About Quarantine Policy
Follow-Up to DPH Surveillance Testing Memorandum
Submission Process for Reporting of COVID-19 Data to DPH
Assisted Living Residences Visitation Guidance, July 2 2020
Clarification of 6/1 EOEA Visitation Guidance
EOEA and EOHHS Updates: Resident Visitation & National Guard Testing
COVID-19 Policy & Regulatory Issues Update
EOEA Guidelines for COVID-19 Incident Reporting
Alternate Care Facilities for COVID-19 Positive Residents
Patient/Resident Care Portal Updated Information
Suggested PPE Practices in ALRs
EOEA Revised FAQs
Supplemental Mobile Testing Guidance
Patient/Resident Care Technician Job Portal (sample job description can be viewed here)
Skilled Nursing Services and Workforce Relief
Assisted Living Staff Eligible for Child-Care
Reporting non-resident incidents of COVID-19
Revised FAQs
FAQ #1 – “Visitor” Access, Congregate Dining, Group Activities
Amended Assisted Living Residence Operators Guidance and Policies and Procedures to Protect Residents, Facilities, and Services during the COVID-19 Outbreak
*The information provided in this COVID 19 update is solely for general informational purposes to assist in understanding the evolving guidance regarding the current COVID 19 public health threat. It is not intended to be a primary public health or medical resource, but is provided as a clearinghouse for or compilation of various guidance issued by official and related sources.
Questions?
Contact Mass-ALA at 781-622-5999 or Email massala@mass-ala.org.
Find an Assisted
Living Residence
Find a
Business Partner
