All News
COVID-19 Resource Round-Up: Vaccine Clinic Resources
On January 13, 2021 by Terri Foley
As the COVID-19 vaccine continues to be distributed through the state in long-term care settings, we are developing and gathering tools that can help you plan and execute a successful clinic.
Providers Encouraged to Complete Weekly Vaccination Survey
On January 13, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is urging long-term care settings, both nursing homes and assisted living providers, to complete a short weekly survey that will help the State track progress towards vaccinating residents and staff for COVID-19.
MDH May Soon Resume Standard Nursing Home Surveys
On January 13, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
As we noted in last week’s newsletter, new CMS criteria for what triggers focused infection control (FIC) surveys in nursing homes will have the effect of reducing the volume and frequency of FIC surveys for many care centers. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) signaled this week that these changes may free up enough time for surveyors to resume standard recertification surveys. MDH did not say definitively that it plans to do this, or identify any concrete timeline, but they told us they are exploring it.
Register for January Virtual District Meetings
On January 6, 2021 by Barbara Landeen
We invite you to join your peers from around your region for this month’s Virtual District Meetings, scheduled between January 21 and 28, from 1 – 3 p.m. via Zoom.
In Case You Missed It: Assisted Living Licensure Rulemaking Webinar
On January 6, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran
In December, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) published Proposed Rules and Notice of Hearing in the State Register. This effectively begins the formal public comment period on the proposed rules that will govern licensed assisted living settings after Aug. 1, 2021. This is a significant advocacy opportunity for LeadingAge Minnesota members, as the process invites the public to weigh in on the rules and express support or concerns.
Minnesota Department of Health Launches Division Director Hiring Process
On January 6, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is now accepting applications for the position of Heath Regulation Division Director. A summary of the role, a list of qualifications and a channel for submitting an application are available through this job posting.
National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease: 2020 Update
On January 6, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has issued the 2020 update to the National Plan to address Alzheimer’s Disease. There have been updates yearly since this report was originally published in 2012. A complete list of the National Plan and updates, as well as an Action Side-by-Side, is available, as is more information about the National Alzheimer's Project Act .
HUD issues new set of Q&As for Multifamily Housing providers
On January 6, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
This week, HUD issued a new set of Q&As for Multifamily Housing providers, including senior housing, last updated in mid-October. While the Q&A addresses vaccines, PPP loans, and residual receipts, it falls short of addressing several pressing questions. With affordable housing communities bracing for continued COVID-19 surges, the Q&A provides little direction for housing owners and staff navigating COVID-19 vaccines and testing, as well as ongoing unbudgeted expenses and operational challenges.
Certificate of Rent Paid Must be Issued by Jan. 31
On January 6, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
All rental property owners, managers or operators must provide a Certificate of Rent Paid (CRP) to each person who rented from them during the previous year by Jan. 31 if either of the following are true:
- Property tax was payable in 2020 on the property.
- The property is tax-exempt but made payments in lieu of property taxes.
New Nursing Pool Caps Updated
On January 6, 2021 by Jeff Bostic
Each year, the state calculates the average wages of RNs, LPNs, CNAs, and TMAs in care centers using the data provided from the annual cost reports, and then computes the statutory limits on the amount that Supplemental Nursing Services Agencies (SNSAs) can charge per hour for each type of staff. The new caps are effective Jan. 1, 2021.
Resilience Tip: Experiencing Grief
On January 6, 2021 by LeadingAge
Featuring Dr. Alyson VanAhn, Associated Clinic of Psychology
While senior care staff are aware that their residents may die while in care, losing a resident during these COVID-19 days can be even more difficult. It can affect folks who worked closely with that person as well as those who have less direct contact with residents.
Special Edition: Clinical Coaching Room on Vaccine Clinics
On January 6, 2021 by Kari Everson
LeadingAge Minnesota members participated in a special edition of the clinical coaching room this morning to discuss their experiences during their vaccination clinics.
Monoclonal Antibody Treatment in Long-Term Care Settings
On January 6, 2021 by Kari Everson
Monoclonal antibody treatment is an IV infusion that, when given to qualifying residents, works to decrease the severity of disease and prevent hospitalization from COVID-19. MDH has a REDCap survey for providers to complete when requesting doses of monoclonal antibody (mAbs) therapy. After completion of the REDCap survey, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) will reach out to organizations and ensure they have appropriate protocols in place to safely administer mAbs therapy.
MDH Expected to Post Cumulative COVID-19 Data to Website Next Week
On January 6, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
As we shared in this Advantage story three weeks ago, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) intends to begin including COVID-19 data in its Situation Update that shows cumulative totals for the number staff cases, resident cases, and resident deaths, for all nursing homes and assisted living settings that have had an exposure to COVID-19 since the pandemic began.
2021 Minnesota Legislative Session Kicks Off This Week
On January 6, 2021 by Kari Thurlow
Minnesota’s 2021 legislative session began Tuesday at noon, but thanks to the record seven special sessions held from June through December, it feels like the 2020 session never really ended.
New Criteria Should Reduce Number of Infection Control Surveys for Nursing Homes
On January 6, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
CMS issued a revised memo QSO-20-31-ALL-REVISED on Jan. 4 detailing new triggers for focused infection control (FIC) surveys. In addition to the two triggers previously identified, CMS has added 5 additional scenarios that will be used to help state survey agencies more narrowly target FIC surveys. The new criteria are effective immediately and will have the effect of reducing the volume of FIC surveys for many providers.
Metro Health & Medical Preparedness Coalition Hosts PPEManagement Webinar
On December 23, 2020 by Libbie Chapuran
The Metro Healthcare Coalition is offering a mini-webinar on management and tracking of PPE on Monday, December 28, at 1:00pm. Mary Ryan and Aaron Aslakson from Walker Methodist will share tools created and used at their organization to track and manage PPE supplies. The webinar will be approximately 30 minutes and will include time for Q&A. If you’d like to attend this webinar, register HERE.
New Staff for the New Year
On December 23, 2020 by Jenna Kellerman
Start 2021 off with new staff joining your team!
Skilled nursing facilities have the ability to train caregivers quickly using the Basic Care Aide and Paid Feeding Assistant programs from EduCare. The expedited training programs are eligible under the current 1135 waiver, allowing you to train Basic Care Aides in just 9 hours and paid feeding assistants within 2 hours. Basic Care Aides are eligible to work in place of traditional nursing assistants.
JOIN US: Learn How You Can Impact the Assisted Living Licensure Rulemaking Process
On December 23, 2020 by Libbie Chapuran
Last week, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) published Proposed Rules and Notice of Hearing in the State Register. This effectively begins the formal public comment period on the proposed rules that will govern licensed assisted living settings after Aug. 1, 2021. This is a significant advocacy opportunity for LeadingAge Minnesota members, as the process invites the public to weigh in on the rules and express support or concerns.
Policy and Regulatory Considerations to Address Urgent Needs During the Pandemic Recommendations from
On December 23, 2020 by Libbie Chapuran
Minnesota's Serious Illness Action Network
To address urgent needs in serious illness care during (COVID-19), Stratis Health and Minnesota Network of Hospice & Palliative Care (MNHPC) convened a virtual forum in August 2020, resulting in a new report that includes action plans for the pandemic and beyond.
Carbon Monoxide Alarms in HUD and USDA Housing – Funding included in Bill
On December 23, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
Included in the passage of the 5,593 page COVID-19 relief and FY21 appropriations bills package is H.R. 1690, which requires HUD- and USDA-subsidized housing to have carbon monoxide alarms in units that have combustion-fueled appliances or a ventilation system that connects them to such units.
It’s Not Too Late! Nurse Loan Forgiveness Program Accepting Applications
On December 23, 2020 by Jenna Kellerman
The Minnesota Health Care Loan Forgiveness program cycle is now open and accepting applications through January 15, 2021. The Loan Forgiveness program is available for various health care professionals serving in high-need areas including nurses in long term care.
Resilience Tip: Holidays in the COVID-19 Era
On December 23, 2020 by LeadingAge
Featuring Dr. Alyson VanAhn, Associated Clinic of Psychology
You might have a familiar feeling during the holiday season: some feel excited, others may dread it, some are ambivalent, and others feel a mix of everything. Whatever your usual, this year brings new challenges as we all face the holidays without our typical freedom to celebrate (or avoid celebration) as we see fit.
Get Vaccinated - Be a Safe Care Hero
On December 23, 2020 by Julie Apold
Strategies to Boost Vaccination Rates
As the COVID-19 vaccine is becoming a reality, it is important to continue to address barriers that may cause staff or residents to be hesitant about getting the vaccine. The CDC outlines steps that may increase confidence in the vaccine and boost vaccination rates in your organization.
Update on Monoclonal Antibody Therapies
On December 23, 2020 by Kari Everson
LeadingAge Minnesota received information this week from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) about the status of implementation of monoclonal antibody therapies for COVID-19, and we wanted to share the lates with members.
Federal Aid Package Faces Uncertain Future
On December 23, 2020 by Jeff Bostic
On Monday evening, the Congress passed a $900 billion COVID-19 relief package that includes provisions that provide some additional assistance to long-term care providers. However, last night President Trump threatened to derail the bill and called on Congress to send a more suitable bill or wait until the next administration to deliver a COVID relief package.
Connect Conference and Annual Meeting Sampler Packages Now Available
On December 16, 2020 by Heidi Simpson
Did you miss this summer’s Connect Conference for senior living, assisted living and home care? Or the Annual Meeting & Leadership Forum in September? Not to worry – one of the benefits of hosting virtual events is the ability to record education sessions. Now you can purchase select sessions or a “sampler package” from these signature conferences for viewing on your own and with your staff.
Your Awesome Staff Deserve Recognition – Nominate them for Stars Among Us Awards
On December 16, 2020 by Barbara Landeen
Your staff has been working extremely hard this year in unprecedented conditions. Want to do something special for them? We have just the thing – our annual Stars Among Us Awards honor and celebrate caregivers, leaders and rising stars in our settings throughout Minnesota.
Carley, Koranne, and Kvenvold Named Three of Minnesota’s “100 Most Influential Health Care Leaders”
On December 16, 2020 by Libbie Chapuran
This year’s “100 Most Influential Health Care Leaders” list published by Minnesota Physician, a medical business journal, includes three prominent leaders at LeadingAge Minnesota: Jerry Carley, President and CEO; Benedictine; Dr. Rahul Koranne, President and CEO, Minnesota Hospital Association; and Gayle Kvenvold, President and CEO, LeadingAge Minnesota
2020 Leadership Academy Finishes Year as the Elite COVID Cohort
On December 16, 2020 by Barbara Landeen
We are proud to announce the 2020 Leadership Academy cohort has completed their program year in the most remarkable of circumstances. In a year like none other, this year’s class of 26 fellows gathered entirely in the virtual world for personal and professional leadership development, concluding with last week’s session on Transformational Leadership.