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The ongoing federal government shutdown is now threatening key programs that help Minnesotans stay warm and support early childhood development. Funding delays for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) could leave up to 125,000 Minnesota households struggling to afford heating costs as winter approaches, while the Cold Weather Rule offers only partial protection—excluding many rural residents who rely on propane or fuel oil. At the same time, several Head Start programs across the state face the loss of federal funding, putting services for preschool children at risk.

The Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act has been reintroduced – A federal bill that proposes to recapture up to 40,000 previously authorized but unused immigrant visas—25,000 for nurses and 15,000 for physicians.

The education program year may be winding down, but your staff training doesn’t have to stop. We’ve added new on-demand education content that you and your team can access at deeply discounted prices to keep skills sharp and continue earning CEUs.

We’re pleased to welcome Alight (formerly American Refugee Committee) as a new member of LeadingAge Minnesota! For more than 50 years, Alight has worked alongside immigrants and refugees to help them build safety, stability, and belonging.

Mark your calendar for Tuesday, November 18 at noon and join the Fund Developer Network for an interactive conversation on all things fundraising in senior care.

LeadingAge Minnesota business partner CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) recently released their 40^th Annual SNF Cost Comparison and Industry Trends Report. This year's report is centered on the importance of understanding the reimbursement landscape, how quality drives performance, and enhancing business operations and acumen.

Providers enrolled with Minnesota Health Care Programs (MHCP) are provided a MN-ITS Mailbox that is used by DHS to provide important information. MN–ITS will soon be moving to LoginMN. Enrolled providers will receive a pop-up message in MN–ITS to enter and confirm your work email and phone number.

Tuesday, November 4 is General Election Day this year, with many cities and towns holding races for city council, mayor and other local government offices. In addition, two Minnesota Senate races will have special elections, with the outcome of those races determining control of the Senate next year.

The ongoing federal government shutdown, which began October 1, 2025, has disrupted nutrition assistance across the country, halting November SNAP benefits for millions of Americans—including an estimated 440,000 Minnesotans who rely on the program for essential food support.

A few months ago, LeadingAge Minnesota was contacted by a MinnPost reporter who was developing a series about the work of the Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board—with an initial focus on the Board’s forthcoming minimum wage rules and their anticipated impact on the long-term care sector.

Back by popular demand – the interactive Maltreatment Management Workshop provides hands-on training on identifying and reporting maltreatment events and navigating the investigation process.

Health Dimensions Group (HDG), a leading senior living, post-acute, and long-term care management and consulting firm, is pleased to announce the addition of two new team members and the promotion of another within its quality team.

Mark your calendar for Tuesday, November 18 at noon and join the Fund Developer Network for an interactive conversation on all things fundraising in senior care.

Three member ICan teams were recently recognized for their improvement projects and commitment to quality as part of the 2026 ICan Quality Improvement Contest.

LeadingAge Minnesota called and spoke with personnel at the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) asking about which COVID-19 vaccine information sheet (VIS) should be used for the 2025 fall vaccination clinics.

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) recently released a practical, evidence-based toolkit designed specifically for long‐term care organizations to reduce the risk of skin compromise and the spread of multidrug‐resistant organisms (MDROs). Because residents live in the same place where they receive care, the environment and resident interactions present unique prevention challenges.

Election day – Nov. 4 – is just around the corner. There are no statewide or federal elections happening this year, but throughout the state there are elections for crucial positions such as mayor, city council, school board, and various local ballot questions.

Maintaining a safe environment is fundamental in every healthcare facility, especially where staff care for residents who may not be able to respond quickly in an emergency. During October’s District Swing events, members received valuable guidance from the Minnesota State Fire Marshal (SFM) Healthcare Team on how to strengthen fire safety and emergency preparedness programs. The session emphasized best practices for conducting effective drills, maintaining critical equipment, and ensuring compliance with Life Safety Code documentation requirements.

On October 14, 2025, LeadingAge Minnesota hosted two back-to-back webinars to help providers prepare for the January 1, 2026 implementation of Minnesota’s new Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) and Meal and Rest Break laws. Presented in partnership with attorneys from Felhaber Larson, the sessions offered both foundational knowledge and advanced strategic guidance to help organizations update policies and train staff before the new year.

LeadingAge recently emailed complimentary copies of the 2025 compensation reports for nursing facilities and senior housing providers to members who participated in those surveys.  Copies of those reports are now available for purchase by members who did not participate.

As the federal government shutdown stretches beyond three weeks, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has clarified which survey and certification activities may continue — and which must halt — during the funding lapse. The updated guidance from CMS’s Quality, Safety & Oversight Group (QSOG) underscores the limited scope of oversight allowed, raising concern among nursing home providers about enforcement delays and regulatory uncertainty.

Secure your spot now for the popular Maltreatment Management Workshop on Dec. 10 and 11. This highly interactive program provides hands-on training on identifying and reporting maltreatment events and navigating the investigation process.

Secure your spot now for the popular Maltreatment Management Workshop on Dec. 10 and 11. This highly interactive program provides hands-on training on identifying and reporting maltreatment events and navigating the investigation process.

The LeadingAge Minnesota Quality Resource Page has been refreshed and expanded to make it easier for you to find the tools, training, and guidance you need to advance your organization’s quality and safety goals.

The latest Nurse Professional Liability Claim Report: 5th Edition, released by CNA and the Nurses Service Organization (NSO), reveals a growing concern for those working in our settings. Over the past five years, nearly half of all closed nurse malpractice claims have involved professionals working in long-term care, assisted living, or home health settings.

This week, the Minnesota Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA) will send out a questionnaire to licensed directors of assisted living facilities in Minnesota. We encourage you and other assisted living directors in your organization to participate by completing the questionnaire and answering the OLA’s questions.

The LeadingAge Call for Sessions is an opportunity for aging services providers, as well as aging-focused businesses and researchers, to share original, thought-provoking approaches, ideas, models, best practices, and more with the LeadingAge community at our Annual Meeting.

Join us on Wednesday Nov. 5 for a virtual Adult Day Services Workshop. Connect with other adult day providers and get important, timely updates.

LeadingAge Minnesota’s Community Engagement Workgroup recently gathered for a full day of collaboration and planning to strengthen local connections across the state. The event featured county commissioners and member leaders who shared insights and strategies to advance community partnerships statewide.

This week, Cassia has announced three executive leadership appointments in their organization. Join LeadingAge Minnesota is congratulating Cassia for these significant leadership transitions.