Featured News
Assisted Living Contract and AL Bill of Rights Changes Effective this Week
On August 4, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry
As reported in last week’s Advantage, the Assisted Living Facility HFID must be on new assisted living contracts entered into on or after Aug. 1, 2022. Also, effective for contracts entered into on or after Aug. 1, 2022, the following changes were made to the required assisted living contract content in item (5) in 144G.50, subdivision 2, the (struck-out language deleted, new language in bold):
CMS Releases Final SNF PPS Rule; Includes Cuts Related to Impact of PDPM
On August 4, 2022 by Jeff Bostic
Late last week, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published the annual final rule that updates the Prospective Payment System (PPS) rates for care centers.
Update on Changes to Assisted Living Contracts
On July 28, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry
LeadingAge Minnesota has received new and welcome guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) concerning changes to assisted living contracts.
State News
MDH Develops Helpful Video Series
On August 4, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry
The Health Regulation Division (HRD) at the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recently released two brief videos to help assisted living providers understand regulatory expectations and prepare for their next survey.
Election 2022: Primary Election Day is on Tuesday, Aug. 9
On August 4, 2022 by Erin Huppert
Tuesday, Aug. 9, marks Primary Election Day in Minnesota. A primary election determines which candidates will be on the ballot in November for the General Election. This August, voters will see partisan offices, like House, Senate or Governor, up for election and non-partisan offices, like county commissioner and municipal office races.
New Survey Data: Top Cited Deficiencies from Nursing Home Recertification Surveys
On August 4, 2022 by Jonathan Lips
The information available from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Quality, Certification and Oversight Reports (QCOR) database shows that the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has completed 127 nursing facility recertification surveys during the federal fiscal year-to-date. There is some lag time in survey data entry, so the actual current total of surveys conducted is somewhat higher. Here's a sampling of the data:
Federal News
New National Survey Shows Double Digit Pay Increases for Caregivers
On August 4, 2022 by Anna Mowry
A new national report found that the national average hourly rate for CNAs and RNs increased by over 10% from 2021 to 2022, with virtually all titles showing significant salary jumps credited to the pandemic and ongoing staffing shortages.
HHS Announces Proposed Rule to Strengthen Nondiscrimination in Health Care
On July 28, 2022 by Jonathan Lips
On July 25, the US Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Civil Rights (OCR), issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to revise regulations relating to Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (Section 1557), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics), in covered health programs or activities.
New 988 Mental Health Crisis Lifeline Launched on July 16
On July 21, 2022 by Lori Meyer
People facing a mental health crisis can now dial 988 to connect to support. The change is part of a nationwide effort to transition the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to a phone number people can more easily remember and access in times of crisis. The shift also includes an online chat feature and a new texting option.
Notable News
Enroll Today! Nursing Program Openings for the Fall Semester
On August 4, 2022 by Anna Mowry
The Minnesota State HealthForce Center of Excellence has created a new Nursing Program Openings webpage to show which colleges and universities around the state of Minnesota have available seats in their nursing programs for the Fall 2022 semester.
Foundation Golf Tournament Raises More Than $59,000
On August 4, 2022 by Jenny Prosser
With workforce pressures reaching unprecedented levels, the 2022 LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation Golf Fundraiser helped raise nearly $60,000 to benefit the LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation. The golf event was held on Aug. 2 at Prestwick Golf Club in Woodbury.
Last Chance! Register for an Upcoming OnTrack Information Session
On July 28, 2022 by Anna Mowry
LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation's OnTrack, powered by EduCare, is an online hybrid model of nursing assistant training specifically designed for aging services.
Member News
Open Now! Submit Your Stars Among Us Nominations Today
On August 4, 2022 by Barbara Landeen
LeadingAge Minnesota’s Stars Among Us Awards nominations are due Monday, Sept. 12.
These awards honor the best of the best caregivers, leaders, rising stars, volunteers, and residents in our field and are celebrated yearly at the February Institute & Expo.
New Business Partner: Introducing Surgo Consulting
On August 4, 2022 by Jenny Prosser
LeadingAge Minnesota is proud to introduce a new business partner member – Surgo Consulting Facilitation & Training, LLC. To help you get to know them, we asked them to share information about what they do and who they serve. Here’s more from Surgo:
Seeking Leaders: Consider Serving on a LeadingAge Minnesota District
On August 4, 2022 by Luke Jenkins
We are actively seeking individuals to serve as District Chair, Chair-Elect, and Secretary/Treasurer for the seven districts of LeadingAge Minnesota.