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Our Assisted Living Conference is Aug. 13-14 in Brooklyn Center. Join us for two days of exceptional education on all things assisted living.

A new Nursing Home Quality webinar series is a deep dive into each of the federal quality programs. Attend the series to understand key information to effectively report data, access and interpret the reports, and use the data to improve performance and outcomes.

Nine full conference scholarships are available for the 2025 Annual Meeting & Leadership Forum, Sept. 16-19 at Grand View Lodge in Nisswa.

We are seeking feedback from our not-for-profit member organizations on the board and governance resources available at LeadingAgeMN.org. LeadingAge Minnesota places a priority on providing quality resources and education about nonprofit governance to help our member organizations be successful.

LeadingAge Minnesota’s Stars Among Us Award nominations are in full swing for 2026. This popular recognition program shines the spotlight on the best and brightest people working, living, and volunteering in our communities. Who on your team deserves the spotlight? Tell us about them today.

Whether you’re new to LeadingAge Minnesota or a longtime member who could use a quick refresher, our upcoming member orientation is a great opportunity to learn about the many benefits and resources available to you.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has posted draft materials needed for certain federally-assisted housing providers to comply with requirements under the Housing Opportunity and Modernization Act (HOTMA).

The slow developing HCBS workforce incentive grant program, which was created and funded by the 2023 Legislature, has still not reached the point of sending money to employers despite plans to have done so a while ago.

The Minnesota Department of Health is expanding in-facility testing to add additional test sites for nurse aide candidates. The application deadline has been extended to July 31.

In Minnesota, landlords are required to notify residential tenants about the availability of the Minnesota Attorney General's Office Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities handbook. 

One of the changes approved by the Legislature this year is a transition of the nursing home case mix system to using the PDPM nursing weights to adjust rates instead of RUGs-IV weights. This change will be effective Oct. 1, 2025.

The application materials for another round of the nursing facility moratorium exceptions process were recently posted on the MDH website. Nursing homes interested in applying for approval to fund a construction project will need to complete all the required application materials and return them to MDH by December 18, 2025.

The Minnesota Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board (NHWSB) has established training requirements for nursing home employers under the Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board Act. All nursing home workers must complete at least one hour of training every two years on their workplace rights, provided by a Certified Worker Organization (CWO). This requirement takes effect January 1, 2025, with full compliance required by December 31, 2026.

As shared in last week’s Advantage, there are still several unknowns for how the federal budget bill, also known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill”, will impact older adults and the services they need. Minnesota budget officials estimate that the law will result in nearly $500 million in annual losses to our Medicaid program. Most of those reductions will not take effect until Jan. 1, 2027, or later, and will be subject to future state action by the Minnesota Legislature.

We’re taking a fresh look at the Really Big Book of Nursing Home Regulations and want to hear from you. Your feedback will guide improvements to ensure this essential resource meets your needs in the most practical and valuable ways. The survey takes just 3–5 minutes to complete. Please click here to share your input—your voice makes a difference! 

Are you passionate about shaping the future of senior care and aging services in Minnesota? Ready to lead, inspire, and make a meaningful impact? This is your moment. LeadingAge Minnesota is seeking visionary leaders to fill two Director-at-Large positions on our Board of Directors – powerful roles that influence the direction of our work together and the well-being of those we serve. These are three-year terms beginning Jan. 1, 2026. Additionally, we’re looking to recruit a Secretary/Treasurer, a key role on our Executive Committee. This individual will serve a two-year term, then advance to Chair-Elect for two years, and ultimately step into the role of Board Chair for two more years. To nominate someone for one of the two Director-at-Large positions, click here (see details and eligibility requirements here). We’re also accepting nominations for our Lifetime Honorary Membership. This honor recognizes retired leaders in our field who have made significant contributions to the overall success of LeadingAge Minnesota either by service as a district, committee, or board-level leader and/or by consistent service in other supportive roles that have furthered the Association’s success. Submit nominations for the Lifetime Honorary Membership here (see details and eligibility requirements here). Nominations will be accepted through Friday, Aug. 8. 

LeadingAge Minnesota’s Quality Specialist Certificate Program, August 20 – Dec. 4, has quickly sold out to capacity.

Don’t miss this year’s Assisted Living Conference on Aug. 13-14 in Brooklyn Center. This popular event is two full days of education, vendors, and conversations about all things assisted living.

Register now for the premier leadership conference of the year, the 2025 Annual Meeting & Leadership Forum, Sept. 16-19 at Grand View Lodge in Nisswa.

LeadingAge Minnesota member Mary T. Inc., founded and operated by Dr. Mary Tjosvold, is hosting a benefit concert at Crooners Supper Club — also owned by Tjosvold — on Monday, July 28, at 7 p.m.

LeadingAge Minnesota member St. Francis Health Services had a busy and exciting week filled with innovation and advocacy. Heritage Manor Healthcare Center in Chisholm made headlines in the Mesabi Tribune for hosting a public event that introduced two new additions to its programming: Pepper, an interactive humanoid robot, and Mobii, a state-of-the-art projection system.

LeadingAge Minnesota staff members Jessica Lacher and Shelli Bakken recently joined members Leon Tarlow and Reuben Knobel of Lakehouse Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center for a meet-and-greet with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey.

We’re excited to share that the New American Resource Map is now available! This interactive tool highlights organizations, programs, and resources across Minnesota to help connect your staff—especially New Americans—with resources that support their lives outside of work. When our staff are well-supported, retention rates increase, and our entire long-term care community benefits.

Yesterday, an email from LeadingAge Minnesota was sent to the dues contact for our provider members with a personalized link to report your organization’s 2024 adjusted gross revenue. Thank you to everyone who has already completed this important step!

Medica Foundation is accepting applications for their Rural Health funding area. Grants up to $10,000 will be awarded for community-led solutions that address health needs and social determinants of health in rural communities.

It’s hard to believe that one month has passed since a gunman opened lethal fire on two state legislators and their families. As many of you know, that incident resulted in the deaths of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, her husband Mark, and their family dog. The shooting also critically wounded Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has extended the deadline for off-cycle Medicare provider revalidation to Jan. 1, 2026 — a significant shift from the previously announced Aug. 1, 2025 deadline. This marks the third postponement of the requirement.

Assisted living facilities that provide customized living (CL) services to people on the Brain Injury (BI) and Community Access for Disability Inclusion (CADI) waivers must follow specific limitations based on the setting’s CL enrollment date.

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is implementing a procedural change to the background study process, effective July 14, 2025. Originally announced on June 16, this update is being reiterated to ensure broad awareness among providers. The change brings the background study process into alignment with federal requirements by shortening the timeline for completing required steps.

Interviews with residents as part of the LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation’s Mechanical Lift Project (Safe Lift) revealed a common and important theme: residents often do not feel like a true member of the team during the transfer process. They also described feeling like the transfer is simply a task to be completed — missing the opportunity for personal, human connection between staff and resident.