Featured News
Hot Topic: Health Care Workers Travel & Quarantine
On March 3, 2021 by Kari Everson
Heath care workers (HCW) and travel is a topic that continues to elicit questions because of the complexity and multivariate nature of the guidance. Current guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health recommends abstaining from travel due to the pandemic. If HCWs decide to travel, you should consider the following information as you create organizational protocols that best address your expectations regarding travel to keep staff and residents safe.
At the Capitol: Vaccine Rollout Remains Top Priority for Lawmakers
On March 3, 2021 by Matt Steele
As March begins, state health officials reported a new vaccine milestone. As of March 2, 53% of Minnesota seniors received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Building off this announcement, Governor Tim Walz stated that his administration will not move on from the current vaccine distribution phase until 70% of Minnesotan’s ages 65 and over have been fully vaccinated. With the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine arriving in Minnesota this week, Walz believes the state can reach the 70% senior benchmark by April. Here is what you need to know about what’s happening at the Capitol:
At the Capitol: Legislature Prepares for February Forecast Release
On February 24, 2021 by Matt Steele
The Minnesota Office of Management and Budget will release the February Forecast, a major indicator of the financial health of the state, this Friday afternoon. Lawmakers and policy experts anticipate an improved economic situation from the December Forecast and are beginning to have conversations on how it will influence the two-year budget-making process already well underway. Here is what you need to know about what’s happening at the Capitol:
State News
MDH to Host Two Assisted Living Licensure Webinars
On March 3, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Department of Health will host two webinars on assisted living licensure in upcoming days.
First, on March 4 from 10-11:30 a.m., MDH will host a presentation regarding assisted living licensure in relation to customized living providers. Presentation materials will after the call at Assisted Living Fact Sheets.
Updated Date and Time: Legacy Licensed Assisted Living Director Application Process Coaching Room
On March 3, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
Join us on March 17 at 2 p.m. for an open discussion on the application process for licensing as an Assisted Living Director (LALD). To accommodate a Minnesota Department of Health webinar on assisted living licensure on March 18 from 10 - 11:30 a.m., we moved the LALD Coaching Room from its original date and time.
HCBS Scholarship Application Webinar Coming Soon
On March 3, 2021 by Jenna Kellerman
The Minnesota Department of Health, Office of Rural Health and Primary Care, is soliciting grant proposals from providers of adult day care, home care, and housing with services to provide educational scholarships for their employees. You can find the HCBS Scholarship Program details, application, and forms on the MDH website.
Federal News
Federal COVID-19 Package Passes House, Moves to Senate
On March 3, 2021 by Kari Thurlow
Federal lawmakers continue to move forward with a COVID-10 response package. Last weekend, the House passed the $1.9 trillion package and now the legislation is being considered in the Senate.
While the current package includes investments in infection control teams for care centers and an enhanced Medicaid match for HCBS Waivers, it fails to provide to the existing Provider Relief Fund.
National Partner LeadingAge Starts Work Groups for Affordable Housing Members
On February 24, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
Our partners at LeadingAge Housing Advisory Group now have five Workgroups to share information among members, to improve programs, and to inform LeadingAge advocacy to HUD and to Congress.
HUD opens 2021 Service Coordinator Renewals
On February 24, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
On February 19, HUD opened the application period for Calendar Year 2021 (CY21) Service Coordinator program renewals in GrantSolutions. Under a compressed timeline for the delayed grant renewals, applications are due by March 22, with disbursements projected for June or July.
Notable News
Employer Applications for Summer Health Care Internship Program Due April 9
On March 3, 2021 by Jenna Kellerman
Employer applications are being accepted for the 2021 Summer Health Care Internship Program (SHCIP). Hospitals, clinics, nursing facilities, home care providers and adult day services facilities are encouraged to participate on behalf of qualified students in their community.
DHS Offers Grants for Online Dementia Training and Certification for Nursing Facilities
On March 3, 2021 by Lori Meyer
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), through the State Civil Monetary Penalties (CMP) Initiative, is seeking proposals from qualified Minnesota Medicaid-Certified Nursing Facilities that are interested in implementing an online Dementia Care Training and Certification Program.
Safe Care for Seniors News: Addressing COVID-related De-conditioning in the Elderly
On March 3, 2021 by Julie Apold
As part of our Safe Care for Seniors work, we have a process in place for collaborative learning and sharing called “Safe Tables.” A Safe Table is a safe space to come together and explore a specific and actionable quality/safety issue by conducting a deep dive into the key factors contributing to the issue and developing and sharing successful strategies and tools.
Member News
Cassia joins Allina Health and Presbyterian Homes in ownership of Genevive
On February 24, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran
Cassia, a LeadingAge Minnesota member organization, has acquired a minority ownership share in Genevive, complementing the existing ownership of Allina Health and Presbyterian Homes & Services (PHS). Genevive is a geriatric medical practice and care management organization providing comprehensive care for over 7,000 older adults throughout the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota.
Lifesprk Wins National Top Workplaces Award
On February 17, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran
Lifesprk been named a Top USA Workplace and #1 in healthcare for mid-size companies in the Top Workplaces Industry and Culture Excellence Awards.
Welcome Jim McAlpine as Ecumen’s Senior Vice President - Legal Affairs and Corporate General Counsel
On February 17, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran
Ecumen, a nonprofit provider of housing and services for older adults, has announced that Jim McAlpine has joined its senior management team as senior vice president, legal affairs and corporate general counsel.
Connect with other members »
Membership directory »
Want to talk? Contact us »
Find a job/Post a job »
