News from MeHI
May 2020
Supporting Family Caregivers
During COVID-19
As a co-founder of the Massachusetts Caregiver Coalition, MeHI was proud to co-host the first webinar in the Coalition’s Supporting Family Caregivers During COVID-19 series on May 6. Attendees heard from industry leaders and public health experts as they discussed the challenges facing family caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the steps employers can take to support caregivers in their ranks. View the recording of the May 6 webinar here.

The second webinar in the series, “Caring for the Caregiver: Addressing Anxiety & Burnout during COVID-19," was held yesterday Wednesday, May 27. May is national Mental Health Awareness Month, so the Coalition convened leaders in the field to address challenges and reduce the stigma facing caregivers during these difficult times. The recording will be posted eventually.
 
Interested in learning more? Visit the Massachusetts Caregiver Coalition website .
MeHI Continues to Offer Health IT Support
In light of current social distancing guidelines, MeHI has postponed in-person events and workshops until further notice. New dates for these events will be set when it is safe to conduct face-to-face meetings. However, our staff is still working at full capacity and available to answer questions. Here's how to reach us:


  • For inquiries about the Mass Digital Health Initiative, call Paul Bosco at 617-371-3999 x221 or email bosco@masstech.org
Spotlight on Cybersecurity
COVID-19 Cybersecurity Resources
The coronavirus pandemic has not hindered the activity of cyber criminals. If anything, it has emboldened them to take advantage of the crisis and put a new spin on their scams. The team at the MassCyberCenter is working to raise awareness, share news, and compile resources so healthcare organizations can better protect themselves. Learn more about the MassCyberCenter's efforts and available resources here.
Medicaid Updates
The Program Year 2019 Deadline is May 29
The deadline for Program Year 2019
is May 29, 2020 . As you finalize your PY2019 application, we recommend using the following tools and resources:
As always, please feel free to reach out to our Technical Assistance Team with any questions, or call 1-855-MASS-EHR (627-7347) to speak with a member of our Medicaid team.
API Attestation Guide
The API Attestation Guide for Program Year 2019 can help you navigate the complexities of attesting to Measure 1 of Objective 5, Patient Electronic Access. The guide is designed to assist you in meeting the API requirements, ensure the accuracy of your supporting documentation, and save time by helping you get it right the first time.
Webinar: Timelines for
Program Year 2020 & Program Year 2021
Join us on Thursday, June 18th for a webinar on the timelines for the final two years of the Medicaid EHR Incentive Program. During this session, we will explain the accelerated program timelines, adjusted attestation windows, and important deadlines for Program Years 2020 and 2021. We will also clarify exactly what participating Eligible Professionals need to do to meet the program requirements.
Thursday, June 18th
Noon-1:00pm
Mass HIway Updates
Important Updates from the Mass HIway
On May 11, t he Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) issued an Administrative Bulletin, AB 20-47 , to give Provider Organizations additional time to meet submission requirements of the Mass HIway Regulations (101 CMR 20). AB 20-47 establishes the following:
 
  • The new attestation submission deadline is December 31, 2020. The HIway plans to make the attestation system available by August 1, 2020. To give Provider Organizations more time to submit their attestation or exception form, the HIway has extended the attestation submission deadline to December 31, 2020. 
 
  • Fines for Acute Care Hospitals that do not meet Mass HIway Year 4 connection requirements are waived. While EOHHS plans to waive the fines, it expects Acute Care Hospitals to submit either attestation or exception forms by the December 31, 2020 deadline.

  • Acute Care Hospitals are now required to submit Admission, Discharge, and Transfer (ADT) data to a Certified Event Notification Service (ENS) Vendor by January 1, 2021. The new date for Acute Care Hospitals becoming subject to penalties for ADT submission non-compliance is July 1, 2021.

If you have any questions, please email  masshiway@state.ma.us  or call 1-855-MA-HIway (855-624-4929).
HAUS Services
The   Mass HIway offers HIway Adoption and Utilization Support (HAUS) Services to assist organizations in the effective deployment of HIE to enhance care coordination.
There are three tracks available to receive HAUS Services:

  • HAUS for MassHealth Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), Community Partners (CPs), and Community Service Agencies (CSAs),
  • HAUS for healthcare organizations that need to meet the HIway Connection Requirements per the Mass HIway Regulations (101 CMR 20.00), and
  • HAUS for healthcare organizations that want to use Direct Messaging to support care coordination between healthcare providers
Organizations participating on any track will receive the HAUS Services free of charge . Visit the HAUS Services webpage to find valuable resources including informational webinars and HAUS project tools.