This month, we do a deep dive on what it’s like to own and operate SNFs in Massachusetts as we continue our State-by-State series, complete with exclusive interviews and data sources that will take the lid off the questions all providers have about “The Bay State.”

The state, or commonwealth as it is officially known, is not perfect when it comes to operating a SNF, but it is pretty good and getting better. The trend to the positive is by and large the result of the work being achieved by the Massachusetts Senior Care Association (Mass Senior Care), its leader Tara Gregorio, and like-minded provider members.

Owners/operators and Mass Senior Care working together have proven to be everything that collaboration is supposed to be, creating a unified, powerful voice advocating for the issues that are spurring important policy reforms and regulatory changes in Massachusetts.

There is a real sense of momentum in Massachusetts, spurred on by Tara’s belief that the best defense is a good offense. She sprints to every opportunity available for providers, and in turn these providers have stepped up to galvanize the leadership the association needs. It’s been a powerful combination.

This first of our four-part examination of Massachusetts is a 13-minute video interview with Tara. My hope is that you watch all of the discussion, but I STRONGLY encourage you to pay particular attention to the last five minutes when Tara gives a master class in leadership. If you don’t have buildings in the state, you will want to after listening to her.

Over the course of the month, we will follow up Tara’s segment with interviews of providers, a reimbursement grade from Marc Zimmet, and a regulatory grade from Steven Littlehale.

Enjoy!