Frequently Asked Questions
I forgot the link to the REDCap reporting page. Where can I find it?
Because the REDCap link may occasionally change, such as when a system update is made, the DPH team created the following resource as a hub for Chapter 93 Elder Facility Reporters: https://www.mass.gov/redcap/chapter-93. This page contains the most up-to-date information on accessing the system, related links to learn more about Chapter 93 requirements and how to access an archive of reported data, and resources like a user guide and this FAQ.
Do I need to create a username and password to access the REDCap system?
No. We encourage users to review the system user guide, where step-by-step instructions are provided to progress through the reporting process.
I made an error when submitting a report for a resident/staff member. How do I correct this entry?
Email chapter93.elderfacilities@mass.gov for assistance. In your message, do not include any personal identifiers for the entry(ies) you need corrected, such as name(s) and date(s) of birth. Instead, our team will consult with you about the report(s) you did submit.
I’m not sure if I submitted information about a resident/staff member. Can you check to confirm?
Email chapter93.elderfacilities@mass.gov for assistance and we can check to confirm your history of submissions. In your message, do not include any personal identifiers for the individual(s) you are unsure about, such as name(s) and date(s) of birth. Instead, our team will consult with you about the report(s) you did submit, and we can securely verify if an additional report needs to be submitted.
How can I review all of my REDCap submissions to date? Can you access all of my past submissions?
Email chapter93.elderfacilities@mass.gov along with the reason why you are requesting this data and the timeframe for the data you are requesting. The DPH team will then review your history of past entries. The typical turnaround time is less than a week to send you a report of your past submissions.
Is there any difference in how I should submit COVID-19-positive test results for those who have tested positive before versus after admission to our facility?
You must report all positive COVID-19 cases for residents in your facility. You must also report the resident’s admission date, as DPH uses this information to determine facility-transmitted cases as opposed to community-acquired cases. However, if a new resident is COVID-recovered (i.e., they have been cleared from transmission-based precautions) at the time of admission, there is no need to report this as a case, unless there is a subsequent infection or positive test result.
What hospitalizations are required to be reported?
We strongly encourage facilities to report all hospitalizations among their residents; residents may transfer to the hospital and then later be identified as COVID-19 positive. Thus facilities should report all hospitalizations particularly when residents are being actively treated or isolated due to COVID-19.
Do I have to report the termination of employees in all cases, or only just those who left due to COVID-19?
Facilities are encouraged to report all instances of employee terminations, regardless of reason.
I cannot access REDCap because the system is down. What should I do now?
First, make sure that you are accessing the current version of the REDCap tool by visiting the following page on the DPH website: https://www.mass.gov/redcap/chapter-93. If there is no status update on this page, it is likely a temporary issue that should be resolved soon. We encourage you to try again in the next 5-10 minutes. If the technical issue still hasn’t been resolved, contact us at: chapter93.elderfacilities@mass.gov.