Apr 24, 2020
There are not many changes to report from the past week. However, we want to continue to keep the lines of communication open on a weekly basis.
Meals on Wheels Delivery Change
Beginning next week (Apr 27), there will be no deliveries on Wednesdays. Elders will receive double the delivery on Tuesdays. Grab and Go meals continue to be available at the Rose Bake Senior Center in Gloucester, Beverly Senior Center and the Ipswich Senior Center.
HIPAA
The Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA) has issued an official statement informing relevant providers that Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) are HIPAA covered entities. The statement reads as follows:
April 10, 2020
To Whom it May Concern:
The Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA) is a covered entity under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and its corresponding regulations (45 CFR 160, 162, and 164).
Under its authority pursuant to M.G.L. c. 19A, EOEA has contracted with Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) to provide various state services, including home care, protective services, and nutrition. ASAPs are business associates of EOEA under HIPAA and are designated as such in § 12.4.2 of EOEA’s contract with the ASAP network and ASAPs are explicitly required to comply with HIPAA requirements (ASAP Contract, § 12.2.1). On the basis of the preceding, ASAPs are covered entities under HIPAA.
Below is a list of ASAPs under contract to EOEA:
| Baypath Elder Services, Inc. Boston Senior Home Care Bristol Elder Services, Inc. Central Boston Elder Services, Inc. Coastline Elderly Services, Inc. Elder Services of Berkshire County, Inc. Elder Services of Cape Cod & Islands, Inc. Elder Services of Merrimack Valley, Inc. Elder Services of Worcester Area, Inc. Ethos Greater Lynn Senior Services, Inc. Greater Springfield Senior Services, Inc. HESSCO | Highland Valley Elder Services, Inc. LifePath, Inc. Minuteman Senior Services, Inc. Montachusett Home Care Corporation Mystic Valley Elder Services, Inc. North Shore Elder Services, Inc. Old Colony Elder Services, Inc. SeniorCare, Inc. Somerville/Cambridge Elder Services, Inc. South Shore Elder Services, Inc. Springwell Tri-Valley Elder Services, Inc. WestMass ElderCare, Inc. |
That’s it for now. For any elders or caregivers who need assistance or services, please have them contact the office at 978-281-1750.
REMEMBER: SeniorCare is open for business and our mission to help elders and adults with disabilities to remain home and in their communities remains our top priority. This applies to assisting caregivers as well, many of whom have had to deal with adult day health programs closing, unemployment, child rearing, their own health conditions and the like.
Be safe and thank you for all you do.
Regards,
Scott Trenti
CEO, SeniorCare Inc.