All News
At the Capitol: Committees on Human Services and Taxes Hear LTC-focused Bills
On February 10, 2021 by Matt Steele
With about a month to go until the first of three lawmaking deadlines, policy makers are shepherding numerous bills through the committee process, in particular, legislation that allows for providers to have extra time to get background reviews completed for their employees following the expiration of the public health emergency. Here is what you need to know about what’s happening at the Capitol:
JOIN US: Virtual Advocacy Week at the Capitol Slated for March 15 – 19.
On February 10, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran
Join us starting March 15, 2021 for a week of virtual advocacy at the Capitol featuring expert training from our public affairs team, inspiring conversations with aging services leaders, opportunities to meet with your legislator, and times to share with colleagues from around the state about your successes and challenges in serving seniors.
Public Comment Period on Assisted Living Licensure Concludes
On February 10, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
The public comment period on the proposed rules for assisted living closed on Tuesday, Feb. 9 at 4:30 p.m. In addition to comments provided during the public hearing held Jan. 19 and 20, over 275 were submitted to the administrative law judge (ALJ) on the topic of assisted living licensure.
Resilience Tip: Sleep & Resilience
On February 10, 2021 by LeadingAge
Featuring Dr. Alyson VanAhn from Associated Clinic of Psychology
You are in good company if you have noticed changes in your sleeping patterns during COVID-19. Because of factors like extra screen time, change in routines and increase in stress, we are prone to poor sleep at this time. Sleep is important not only for our well-being and stability of mood, but it is also linked to immune system function.
CMS Director Joins LeadingAge Call to Answer Questions about Visitation Guidance Changes
On February 10, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran
Evan Shulman, Director of the Division of Nursing Homes, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, will answer questions about how CMS is approaching any changes in visitation guidance on Thursday, February 11 at 2:30 on the Coronavirus Update Call hosted by LeadingAge, the national partner of LeadingAge Minnesota.
MAGIC Launches Resource to Address Vaccine Hesitancy
On February 10, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran
This week, the Minnesota Association for Geriatrics Inspired Clinicians (MAGIC) launched a new video resource to help providers address vaccine hesitancy in long-term care settings.
FAQ: Can You Quarantine a New Admission for Fewer Than 14 Days?
On February 10, 2021 by Kari Everson
A 14-day quarantine after admission is daunting for many residents. Transitions may already be difficult and are now compounded by the necessary infection prevention and control practices in place during the pandemic.
Senate Committee Advances Background Studies Bill
On February 10, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
The Minnesota Senate’s Human Services Licensing Policy Committee has advanced a proposal designed to address challenges with Minnesota’s background studies system.
2021 Leadership Academy Dates Announced
On February 3, 2021 by Barbara Landeen
Leadership Academy is returning in June 2021. The acclaimed leadership development program will begin in a virtual setting with plans to resume in-person meetings as soon as it is safe to do so. Leadership Academy blends leadership theory, applied learning, and personalized coaching to groom leaders in our field. Now entering its 12th year, the program boasts over 300 graduates.
Prepare for Assisted Living Licensure – A Three-Part Webinar Series
On February 3, 2021 by Heidi Simpson
Preparing for Minnesota’s Assisted Living Licensure is a three-part webinar series to help prepare providers with a basic knowledge and understanding of the Assisted Living Licensure requirements which will be implemented in Minnesota on August 1, 2021. The series is facilitated by attorneys from business partner firm Fredrickson & Byron, PA.
Optimizing Therapy Services Considering COVID Challenges - Free Webinar Series
On February 3, 2021 by Heidi Simpson
Respiratory disease is one of the leading causes of death and disability in the United States and with the emergence of COVID-19, therapists are treating even greater numbers of clients with compromised lung function. Select Rehabilitation is offering two complimentary webinars that provide strategies for treatment interventions and in-room therapy.
New! 2021 Governance Workshop – Next Gen Governance for a Next Gen World
On February 3, 2021 by Barbara Landeen
How do we maintain our not-for-profit values and missions of service, while performing and competing at levels that position us to emerge from the pandemic as strong, long-term players in the field of senior services?
Sue Voigt Announces Retirement from Law Practice
On February 3, 2021 by LeadingAge
LeadingAge Minnesota extends our deep appreciation and gratitude to Sue Voigt, partner at Voigt, Rode, Boxeth & Coffin Law Firm, for her years of dedicated service to our field and our association. Sue has announced she has stepped away from her practice as of Feb. 1, 2021.
Livanta Case Notification Update
On February 3, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
Livanta, the Quality Improvement Organization for Minnesota, announced a change in how it will communicate with providers on appeals cases. What follows is an alert Livanta issued on Feb. 1.
CDC Officially Extends Eviction Moratorium
On February 3, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
Ahead of the Jan. 31 expiration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has ordered the extension of the current eviction moratorium for non-payment of rent.
The order prevents residential evictions until March 31; tenants must self-certify eligibility for the protections. The extension keeps the moratorium largely unchanged, and tenants who previously submitted the self-certification should not have to resubmit.
In the meantime, we are advocating to quickly provide rent relief for senior housing communities impacted by COVID-19.
DHS Changing Timeline of PIPP Program
On February 3, 2021 by Jeff Bostic
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is making some changes to the timeline and process for the Performance Incentive Payment Projects (PIPP) program, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The next PIPP Request for Proposals will be posted in a couple of weeks. PIPP proposals for this year will be due to DHS by June 1, 2021 to allow eligible settings more time to research and submit projects.
Assisted Living Licensure Rules Comment Period ends Tuesday
On February 3, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
The assisted living licensure rule comment period ends Tuesday, and it is not too late to make your voices heard! We strongly encourage you to submit comments before the public comment period closes. The deadline to submit comments is 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 9, 2021. You can submit a comment electronically, found at https://minnesotaoah.granicusideas.com/.
Resilience Tip: Taking Back Control
On February 3, 2021 by LeadingAge
Featuring Dr. Alyson VanAhn from Associated Clinic of Psychology
As helpers, we pride ourselves on assisting those who have lost control of their lives in some manner. Residents may have memory loss, an injury, a loss of independence or feeling they’ve lost control of decisions made about their lives. For leaders, it’s important to guide staff with a sense of control that’s flexible and also conveys confidence and security.
Now Enrolling Next AHRQ ECHO National Nursing Home COVID-19 Action Network Cohort
On February 3, 2021 by Kari Everson
The Hennepin Healthcare ECHO Training Center is recruiting an additional cohort for the AHRQ ECHO National Nursing Home COVID-19 Action Network. The first session will start Friday, Feb. 12, 2021. They will be enrolling 33 nursing facilities in this cohort.
Minnesota Faring Well at Vaccinating Residents and Staff for COVID-19
On February 3, 2021 by Jeff Bostic
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently released a report on COVID-19 vaccination rates under the Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program (PPP) using data submitted to the CDC from the pharmacies enrolled in that program. The report shows rates of vaccination for both residents and staff in care centers in Minnesota that exceed the national averages.
MDH Addresses Questions on Directed Plans of Correction to Nursing Homes
On February 3, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
Over the past six months, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has been issuing “Directed Plans of Correction” (DPOC) to nursing homes cited for deficient infection control practices. Care centers have raised questions and concerns about the DPOC process, and we worked recently with MDH to clarify two key issues.
At the Capitol: Senate Committee Takes Closer Look at COVID-19 Effects on Nursing Home Funding
On February 3, 2021 by Matt Steele
With one month of the legislative session complete, lawmakers are in full swing putting together a budget for 2022-2023 Governor Walz introduced his budget proposal last week and lawmakers have turned their attention to examining the details of that proposal this week. Here is what you need to know about what’s happening at the Capitol:
Virtual ALNET Meeting Resumes Next Month
On January 27, 2021 by Kari Everson
The first quarterly meeting of the Assisted Living/Home Care Nurse Leaders Network (ALNET) is scheduled for Feb. 25 from 10 – 11:30 a.m. These meetings provide time and space to receive important updates on trending topics in clinical care. Participants experience valuable networking and with peers to share experiences, challenges, solutions and best practices.
Hosted by Kari Everson, Director of Clinical Care and Clinical Consultant, standing topics include regulatory and survey updates, quality improvement and more. This quarter’s meeting combines all regions. Register here
Optimizing Therapy Services Considering COVID Challenges
On January 27, 2021 by Heidi Simpson
Respiratory disease is one of the leading causes of death and disability in the United States and with the emergence of COVID-19, therapists are treating even greater numbers of clients with compromised lung function. Select Rehabilitation is offering two complimentary webinars that provide strategies for treatment interventions and in-room therapy.
Part 1 – Managing Therapy Needs for the Client with Compromised Respiratory Function
Feb. 24, 11 a.m. – Noon. click here to register
Part 2 – Treatment and Documentation for In-Room Therapy Sessions
March 3, 11 a.m. – Noon. click here to register
This webinar series is hosted by LeadingAge Minnesota, Select Rehabilitation and LeadingAge Savings and Solutions.
Three-Part Webinar Series Helps Prepare for Minnesota’s Assisted Living Licensure
On January 27, 2021 by Heidi Simpson
Preparing for Minnesota’s Assisted Living Licensure (ALL) is a three-part webinar series beginning on Feb. 16, 2021 to equip providers with essential knowledge and understanding of the proposed rule ahead of the licensure requirements which will be implemented on Aug. 1, 2021.
5 Fact About Newest Team Member Matt Steele
On January 27, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran
Just last week, Matt Steele joined the LeadingAge Minnesota advocacy team. We want you to get to know Matt so we asked him five questions:
Participate in 2021 LeadingAge Minnesota Committees
On January 27, 2021 by Lori Meyer
As we turn the page on a new year, we invite you to get involved in LeadingAge Minnesota committees in 2021. Ongoing COVID-19 response and recovery, implementation of new Assisted Living Licensure requirements, protection of Value Based Reimbursement for care centers—just a few of the impactful issues facing senior care in the coming year. Through it all we have a tremendous opportunity to improve the aging experience for those we serve, and we encourage everyone’s involvement in our committees to shape the important work ahead.
New Job Board Launching on AgingServicesJobs.org
On January 27, 2021 by Jenna Kellerman
A new job board is launching soon on LeadingAge Minnesota’s AgingServicesJobs.Org website. Recruitment is a key initiative of our workforce strategy, and the new vendor will provide this important service for members within the next few weeks.
Share Your Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Story with LeadingAge
On January 27, 2021 by LeadingAge
Featuring Susan Hildebrandt, VP of Workforce Initiatives at LeadingAge
There is still time to complete your survey! In 2021, LeadingAge National is helping provider members focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as a key component of its recently adopted strategic plan. Over the next 3 years, LeadingAge aims to offer all member organizations the tools and resources they need to develop a more diverse and inclusive workforce, and this effort begins with you.
CMS Releases Updated Five Star Quality Ratings for Care Centers
On January 27, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) today released updated Five-Star quality ratings for care centers. Beginning with this month’s update, all three domains (Survey, Staffing, and Quality) will again operate as they did prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. All care centers should review the new ratings posted at Medicare Care Compare. As described in this revised Technical Users’ Guide, updates to the specific domains are as follows: