All News
Need Emergency Staffing Funds?
On October 14, 2020 by Jeff Bostic
The Provider Relief Fund web page now includes a portal for applying for $20 billion in additional COVID-19 response funding.
Minnesota Department of Health Releases Proposed Assisted Living Licensure Rules
On October 14, 2020 by Kari Thurlow
The Minnesota Department of Health is proposing new rules governing assisted living facilities (Chapter 4659).
New Visitation Guidance for Nursing Homes and HWS/AL Takes Effect October 17
On October 14, 2020 by Jonathan Lips
Both nursing homes and housing with services/assisted living settings will be hard at work this week preparing for implementation of new visitation guidance that takes for effect for both of these provider groups this Saturday, Oct. 17.
Safe Care in the Age of COVID Workshop Series
On October 7, 2020 by Heidi Simpson
This is the perfect time to connect with your colleagues to talk about Safe Care for Seniors and how to apply its principles and strategies to improve outcomes in key COVID-related safety areas such as infections, adverse events, resident quality of life and staff safety.
Juniper Offers Online Wellness Classes for Seniors
On October 7, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
As with so many other resources in this time of pandemic, Juniper has moved a number of their classes online for easy remote access.
Registration Open for MAPS Conference
On October 7, 2020 by LeadingAge
Registration is now open for the Minnesota Alliance for Patient Safety (MAPS) Annual Conference.
Experts Predict Senior Housing Post-Pandemic Design
On October 7, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
In the age of COVID-19, senior living designers have been hard at work to figure out what a “new normal” might look like within the industry.
New Requirement to Submit Documentation to QIOs Electronically
On October 7, 2020 by Jeff Bostic
Effective October 1 of this year, a new federal rule requires the submission of all documentation to Quality Improvement Organizations (QIOs) through an electronic submission method.
CMS Memo Addresses Emergency Preparedness Exercises
On October 7, 2020 by Jonathan Lips
Under CMS emergency preparedness regulations, nursing facilities are required to conduct two emergency preparedness testing exercises annually.
Walz to Convene Special Session Next Week
On October 7, 2020 by Kari Thurlow
Governor Tim Walz announced today that he will convene a special session of the Legislature on Monday, Oct. 12, as he plans to extend the peacetime emergency for another 30 days. This will be the fifth special session of 2020.
Nursing Facility Survey Tip: Semiannual Inspection of Fire Alarm System
On October 7, 2020 by Jonathan Lips
The Minnesota State Fire Marshal has posted an advisory to its webpage advising nursing facilities to complete a fire alarm and signaling code inspection checklist as soon as possible.
COVID-19 Resource Roundup: Self-Care & Stress Relief Tools
On October 7, 2020 by Terri Foley
We’ve created a new section on the LeadingAge MN COVID-19 website that provides coping, self-care, and stress relief resources for staff. We will continue to add new tools in the coming months.
U.S. Postal Service Response to LTC COVID-19 Prevention Screening
On October 7, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
We have had a number of questions about COVID-19 screening of postal workers before they enter senior housing settings to deliver mail.
HHS Updates FAQ for Provider Relief Fund
On October 7, 2020 by Jeff Bostic
HHS recently posted an updated FAQ for the Provider Relief Fund (PRF). The FAQ includes a number of entries about applying for funds under the recently announced phase 3 of the general distribution
MDH Seeks Qualified Candidates for Assisted Living Quality of Care Task Force
On October 7, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
In a Bulletin issued October 1st, the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) invites qualified candidates to apply to serve on the newly formed Resident Quality of Care and Outcomes Task Force.
LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation Releases RFP for Rural Grant
On October 7, 2020 by Terri Foley
Today, the LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation (LAMF) is releasing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a rural grant project called Connected Communities for Healthy Aging.
DHS Temporarily Delays Transition Back to Fingerprint-Based Background Studies
On October 7, 2020 by Jonathan Lips
The MN Department of Human Services (DHS) has temporarily delayed the transition back to fingerprint-based background studies.
Education & Events Schedule
On October 7, 2020 by Heidi Simpson
COVID-19 Coping Room – Building Your Own Resilience Roadmap October 12
2020 Sales & Marketing in Senior Housing Certificate Program
Oct. 20, 27; Nov. 10, 19; Dec. 1, 8 (six virtual half-days)
Safe Care in the Age of COVID Virtual Workshop Series
October 22, 29, November 5
2021 Institute & Expo – NEW DATES!
May 19-21 - RiverCentre, St. Paul
On-Demand Webinars – View and Purchase our on-demand webinars
New Saliva Testing Option and MDH Survey of Provider Interest
On September 30, 2020 by Kari Everson
The State of Minnesota has entered into a contract with Infinity Biologix/Vault Health to establish a new COVID-19 saliva testing option, and a new in-state laboratory, to process up to 30,000 saliva tests per day.
Stars Among Us Awards Offer Opportunity to Recognize Staff
On September 30, 2020 by Barbara Landeen
The Stars Among Us Awards have a long tradition of honoring some of the best of the best in our field. This year, more than any other, we want to recognize the tireless essential workers on the front lines
Education & Events Schedule
On September 30, 2020 by Heidi Simpson
Budgeting in Uncertain Times – webinar
October 1
Assisted Living Manager Certificate Program (Virtual)
October 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15
Assisted Living Manager Certificate Program Begins Next Week; Space Still Available
On September 30, 2020 by Heidi Simpson
The virtual Assisted Living Manager Certificate Program begins next week and is offered only once this year. In six half-day sessions, participants will gain the foundational knowledge to operate successfully and confidently as a HWS/Assisted Living manager.
Application Process Open for Free Training on Emergency Preparedness for Persons with Dementia Living in Assisted Living
On September 30, 2020 by Heidi Simpson
The national Alzheimer’s Association is offering a special topic Project ECHO series based on their guidance Emergency Preparedness: Caring for persons living with dementia in a long-term or community-based care setting.
Save the Date: MHCEA Conference Set for December 3-4
On September 30, 2020 by Jonathan Lips
The Minnesota Healthcare Engineers Association (MHCEA) has confirmed December 3-4 as the dates for its 2020 Fall Conference. This year’s event will be in virtual format due to the far-reaching impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, with programming from 9:00 – 12:30 each day.
CNA Staffing Summit Announced
On September 30, 2020 by Jenna Kellerman
The National Association of Health Care Assistants (NAHCA) and CNAs for Quality Care have announced the first-ever CNA Staffing Summit to be held on Oct. 20, 2020, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Click here to register for the virtual event.
New SNF Medicare Rates Take Effect on Thursday
On September 30, 2020 by Jeff Bostic
Based on the annual SNF Payment Rule which CMS released earlier this summer, new SNF Medicare rates for the second year of the Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM) take effect on October 1.
DHS Seeks Input for Waiver Reimagine Project
On September 30, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is improving the disability waiver system through a project called Waiver Reimagine.
Update on Abbott BinaxNOW Test Distribution
On September 30, 2020 by Jonathan Lips
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has provided updated information concerning distribution of the Abbott BinaxNOW COVID-19 rapid point-of-care tests.
CDC Will Update NHSN to Accept Laboratory Test Results
On September 30, 2020 by Jonathan Lips
Since early May care centers have been using the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) to report COVID-19 cases and related data to the CDC.
Influenza & Vaccinations in the Land of COVID-19
On September 30, 2020 by Kari Everson
Fall signals many wonderful traditions and memories such as pumpkin spice, cozy sweaters, crackling fires, spectacular views of changing leaves . . . and influenza vaccines!