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PIPP Boot Camp Recording Available
On May 12, 2021 by Jeff Bostic
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has posted materials related to applying for the Performance Incentive Payment Projects (PIPP) program on the nursing facility provider portal (see the links posted about halfway down the main page). Proposals are due by July 1, with rate increases starting on Jan. 1, 2022.
At the Capitol: With Days Until Session Adjourns, Most Legislative Work Remains Unfinished
On May 12, 2021 by Matt Steele
This week, lawmakers enter the final stretch of the legislative session before adjourning on May 17 at midnight, regardless of the status of the budget. Most at the Capitol view the Monday deadline as irrelevant given several circumstances that almost guarantee that lawmakers will leave their work unfinished at the end of their constitutionally allotted time.
Resilience Tip: Bouncing Back to Purpose
On May 12, 2021 by LeadingAge
Featuring Dr. Alyson VanAhn from Associated Clinic of Psychology
You've been trudging along throughout the pandemic. Months of serving others and trying to preserve yourself can leave you feeling little purpose outside of keeping on going. Even though we can generally find our professional and personal roles rewarding, at this time, we might question how helpful we are or how much we can enjoy from day to day.
MDH Reports Vaccination Rates Continue to Rise in LTC Settings
On May 12, 2021 by Jeff Bostic
In the most recent Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) update, staff rates for full vaccination were 60% in all reporting care centers and 53% in all reporting assisted living settings. MDH and providers continue to work toward a goal of 70% staff vaccination rates. MDH is now limiting reporting for providers who are meeting the goal rates for residents and staff, and as of the most recent report, 31% of providers are meeting the goal.
Identifiers Indicating Vaccination Status
On May 12, 2021 by Kari Everson
The change in guidance allowing for increased flexibility with PPE, visitation, and testing based upon vaccination status prompted questions regarding how to quickly identify the vaccination status of residents, staff, and visitors. Many long-term care organizations discussed using bracelets, different name tags, stickers or other means of readily identifying an individual’s vaccination status.
Executive Order Removes Conflict with CDC and CMS Guidance for Long-Term Care Settings
On May 12, 2021 by Kari Everson
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published updated infection prevention and control recommendations in response to COVID-19 vaccinations, QSO 20-38, and QSO 20-39 at the end of April. Immediately after these guidance documents were posted, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) directed nursing homes to pause before following the staff PPE and dining and activities portions of the recommendations due to potential conflicts with Gov. Walz's executive order.
Summer 2021: DHS to Require Submission of COVID Relief Spending Schedule for Care Centers
On May 12, 2021 by Jeff Bostic
After previously delaying the requirement for care centers to submit COVID-19 Relief spending information while awaiting federal guidance, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has announced that the special COVID Supplemental Schedule for the cost report year ended Sept. 30, 2020 must be submitted this summer.
New CMS Rule Sets COVID Vaccine Requirements for Nursing Facilities
On May 12, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
On May 11, CMS announced an interim final rule establishing new requirements for nursing facilities. The rule requires care centers to offer COVID-19 vaccine to residents and staff, to educate residents and staff regarding the benefits and potential side effects of the vaccine, and to report COVID-19 vaccine and therapeutics treatment information to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN).
Health Information Exchange Opportunity for Nursing Homes
On May 5, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
Audacious Inquiry (Ai), a health information technology company, will present a free webinar on May 25 from 9-10 a.m. to share information with LeadingAge Minnesota nursing home members about a health information exchange opportunity.
Preparing to Comply with the New Assisted Living Licensure Law – a Four-Part Workshop
On May 5, 2021 by Heidi Simpson
The assisted living licensure law represents a significant and historic change in how assisted living is provide and regulated in Minnesota and goes into effect Aug. 1. There is much for providers and individuals to do to prepare for its implementation.
Legal Issues Related to Employee Vaccination, May 12 Webinar
On May 5, 2021 by Heidi Simpson
Can you mandate staff get the COVID-19 vaccine? Can you ask staff if they have been or will get vaccinated? What about offering incentives? Know your risk before you act.
Vista Prairie Communities Appoints New CFO
On May 5, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran
Vista Prairie Communities (VPC), a nonprofit provider of assisted living, independent living, memory care and care suites in Minnesota, Iowa, Ohio and Wisconsin, has announced the appointment of Dewey Pettit as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
Assisted Living Management Agreement Considerations New Resource
On May 5, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
LeadingAge Minnesota members have access to several new attorney-developed resources related to management agreements under assisted living licensure. The three documents include:
- Assisted Living Licensing Scenarios - Selected Pros and Cons
- AL Management Agreement Considerations
- AL Management Agreement Scenarios
HUD Details June Restart to Physical Inspections
On May 5, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
On Thursday, HUD provided more information about their June restart to physical inspections for both regular UPCS and NSPIRE demonstration properties, including an FAQ document, a flyer for residents, a memo to property owners, and an inspector notice. HUD has also informed us that they are working on several translations for the resident flyer.
Biden Issues Executive Order on Increasing the Minimum Wage for Federal Contractors
On May 5, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
On April 27, President Biden issued an Executive Order to increase the federal minimum wage for employees of federal contractors to $15 per hour.
Reminder: DHS Grant Monies Available
On May 5, 2021 by Lori Meyer
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), through the Nursing Facility Rates and Policy (NFRP) Division and the State Civil Monetary Penalties (CMP) Initiative, is seeking applications from qualified Minnesota Medicaid-Certified Nursing Facilities that are interested in applying for grant funds for several project opportunities.
At the Capitol: The Legislature Begins Conference Committees as the End of Session Nears
On May 5, 2021 by Matt Steele
This week, lawmakers are starting to reconcile the differences in significant budget bills passed off the House and Senate floors in conference committees. Conference committees mark one of the final steps in the budget-making process before the bills are sent to the Governor for his approval. We expect our most important issues to be debated in conference committees in the upcoming days.
Vaccination Rates Continue to Lag Goal for Long-Term Care Staff
On May 5, 2021 by Jeff Bostic
LeadingAge Minnesota has pulled together recent data on vaccination rates for long-term care staff in Minnesota and the general population in Minnesota and nationwide.
LTC Imperative Urges Lawmakers to Address Urgent Assisted Living Issues
On May 5, 2021 by Kari Thurlow
Even as assisted living licensure applications opened last week and state legislators entered their final weeks of the legislative session, there continue to be substantive and technical issues with the assisted living licensure law, jeopardizing the access to needed assisted living services for Minnesota seniors.
Registration Open for MHCEA Virtual Spring Conference
On April 28, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
Registration is now open for the Minnesota Healthcare Engineers Association (MHCEA) 2021 Spring Conference on May 27-28.
This year’s event will be virtual given the on-going impact of COVID-19. It features two half days of educational opportunities on regulatory compliance, maintenance, and safety issues, and sponsors will build virtual exhibit booth pages with information, photos and videos for you attendees to review and connect with them within the virtual platform.
Metro Mobility Community Conversation
On April 28, 2021 by Roni Falck
LeadingAge Minnesota will host a Community Conversation with Metro Mobility on Monday, May 3 from 10 – 11:15 a.m. via Zoom. Metro Mobility will share information on important service updates and much of the time will be used for questions. Our goal is to facilitate a discussion on barriers for service and potential improvements. If you have questions you would like shared with the Metro Mobility team in advance, please let us know. Please RSVP to Roni Falck if you would like to participate.
Mark Your Calendar: May 4 Coaching Room for Assisted Living Licensure Applications
On April 28, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
On May 4 from 3-4 p.m., LeadingAge Minnesota will focus the regularly occurring Coaching Room on applications for assisted living licensure and the Uniform Checklist Disclosure of Services, a component necessary for application.
Volunteer Opportunities Available for the Virtual 2021 Institute
On April 28, 2021 by Heidi Simpson
LeadingAge Minnesota is seeking volunteers to help facilitate sessions at the 2021 Institute, which is occurring virtually from May 18-21.
Even in a virtual environment, it takes a tremendous amount of behind-the-scenes work to make the Institute run as smoothly as possible. There are two opportunities to serve. One is acting as a session host. The role requires no previous experience, no public speaking, no need to appear on the screen and a very minimal time commitment, particularly for a session you might have been planning on attending anyway. We will provide a short list of simple instructions.
Safe Care for Seniors “I Pledge” Pins Available to Order
On April 28, 2021 by Julie Apold
Safe Care for Seniors “I Pledge” pins are now available for purchase on the LeadingAge Minnesota store for you to use as you bring new staff on-board, or take steps to engage or re-engage your staff in Safe Care. These pins have been a visual way for staff to show their on-going commitment to care that is safe from harm and provided with respect and dignity – always.
HUD Announces June Return To Physical Inspections
On April 28, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
On April 23, HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge announced that HUD will substantially increase housing inspections for Multifamily Housing communities and Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) during the public health emergency, including properties participating in the NSPIRE demonstration program, beginning June 1. The restarted inspections will temporarily provide properties with 28 days advance notice instead of the regular 14-day notice.
Expanded Emergency Preparedness Guidelines for Long-Term Care Facilities
On April 28, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
As we reported earlier this month, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued memorandum QSO-21-15-ALL providing updated guidance (Appendix Z) for all providers covered by the federal Emergency Preparedness requirements.
At the Capitol: The Legislature Debates the Health and Human Services Budget Proposals
On April 28, 2021 by Matt Steele
This week, lawmakers are debating the Health and Human Services (HHS) omnibus budget bills on the House and Senate floor. The proposals contain most of the policy priorities affecting the senior services sector. Here is what you need to know about each version of the bills and what the next few weeks ahead look like as we approach the end of the legislative session:
Layaway and Planned Closure Options for Addressing Low Occupancy in Care Centers
On April 28, 2021 by Jeff Bostic
The LeadingAge Minnesota and our partner in the Long-Term Care Imperative recently completed analysis of care center occupancy in 2020, which showed a historic drop due to the pandemic. While providers wait to see what happens with occupancy going forward, they do have a couple of options to address that issue.
Governor Walz Signs Bill Extending Protections for First Responders, Frontline Workers
On April 28, 2021 by Kari Thurlow
Governor Tim Walz has signed Chapter 12, HF 2253, into law, extending presumptive workers’ compensation eligibility for emergency first responders and front-line workers.
Resilience Tip: Loss, Revisited
On April 28, 2021 by LeadingAge
Featuring Dr. Alyson VanAhn from Associated Clinic of Psychology
Just when things are looking hopeful on the COVID front, we may find ourselves less than elated. We may have encouragement from lower COVID case counts, hospitalizations and death rates. This is progress. But, sometimes progress and hope improve our outlook and at the same time we are left perhaps more discouraged when losses continue or resurface.