All News
Senate Approves $484 Billion in COVID-19 Funding
On April 22, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
The U.S. Senate yesterday approved $484 billion to provide from the effects of COVID-19. The bill includes $75 billion for personal protective equipment, $25 billion for testing and $310 million in additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program. It is no clear at this time whether the funds for PPE will be prioritized for nursing homes and assisted living.
DHS Posts New COVID-19 Reimbursement Form & FAQ
On April 21, 2020 by Jeff Bostic
The Minnesota Department of Human Services has posted an updated form and FAQ about reimbursement for COVID-19 related costs on the Nursing Facility Provider Portal.
Weekly Resource Round-Up: COVID-19
On April 21, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
This week we link you to six tools we provide over the past week: Surge Assessment; updated decision trees for the Confirmed Case Checklist and Managing a Resident Admission from a Hospital; a flow chart of E-FMLA and E-PSL; new guide for Independent Living and Housing with Services; and a messaging and letters to the editor for adult day providers.
Humor Helps Us Cope During Stressful Times
On April 21, 2020 by Terri Foley
Adding humor and lightness to daily staff messages or sharing with your residents can help during the COVID-19 crisis. Based on a member request, we’ve found a few resources that could inject some levity into your day and for your team.
$200 Million Available for COVID-19 Telehealth Program
On April 21, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is accepting applications for $200 million in funding through the COVID-19 Telehealth Program.
MDH Announces Moratorium Project Approvals
On April 21, 2020 by Jeff Bostic
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) last week announced seven nursing homes have been approved for moratorium exceptions construction projects in the latest round of available funding. Ten of the eleven submissions, and six of the seven selected, were LeadingAge Minnesota members so we are excited to see their interest in improving the environment for the people they serve.
DHS Issues COVID-19 Guidance for EW Customized Living
On April 21, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
In a move to support services and staffing in response to COVID-19, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) issued guidance to lead agencies regarding EW customized living rate protocols.
MDH Posts COVID-19 Webinar Login Information for Meetings through June
On April 21, 2020 by Jonathan Lips
All providers are encouraged to attend the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) weekly COVID-19 webinar for Long-Term Care. MDH epidemiologists and clinicians will provide up-to-date information and guidance, answer questions, and address concerns.
CMS Plans to Enforce New COVID-19 Reporting Requirements for Nursing Homes
On April 21, 2020 by Jonathan Lips
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced in an April 19 Quality, Safety & Oversight memo (QSO-2026-NH) that nursing homes will soon be subject to two new reporting requirements – submitting communicable disease data to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and providing COVID-related notifications to residents and resident representatives.
Our Gratitude to You. Our Message to Minnesota.
On April 21, 2020 by Gayle Kvenvold
It has been five weeks since COVID-19 came into our lives – five weeks that for many of you probably seem like a lifetime. As new information and guidance pours in nearly every day, I know you have been working with a profound sense of urgency to keep your residents safe and to ensure that their lives, even without visits from family or opportunities to engage in the day-to-day activities of community, are full of love and human connection.
A Message from the Ombudsman for Long-Term Care
On April 14, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
As you are aware, all Ombudsmen staff currently provide a virtual presence to do their part during this time of crisis. Proactive outreach to residents is accepted and supported at the Ombudsmen federal level and programs across the country are pursuing this to fulfill our mandate that residents have regular and timely access to the services provided through the Ombudsman program. This includes support to Resident/Family Councils.
MDH Releases RFP for $150 Million in Emergency Response Funding
On April 14, 2020 by Jeff Bostic
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) yesterday posted an RFP for $150 million in funding for providers to prepare for and respond to the outbreak of COVID-19. Members are strongly encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible.
Recruiting Displaced Workers
On April 14, 2020 by Jenna Kellerman
Several new resources are available to help your organization recruit displaced workers as COVID19 exacerbates the pre-existing workforce crisis.
Challenging Workforce Picture in Housing with Services
On April 14, 2020 by Jeff Bostic
The recently completed Long-Term Care Imperative Housing with Services (HWS) legislative survey showed worse results on both vacancies and turnover of staff than in 2018. The data from this survey is from 2019, so it does not show the likely significant impact of the current COVID-19 statewide emergency on the workforce situation. Key results of the survey include:
CARES Act Temporarily Suspends Federal Student Loan Payments and Interest
On April 14, 2020 by Jeff Bostic
The federal COVID-19 relief bill known as the CARES Act includes benefits that go beyond payments to individuals and financial assistance to health care providers. One of the lesser known benefits is a temporary suspension of interest accrual and monthly payments on some student loans.
Low-Income Housing Advocacy Amid COVID-19
On April 14, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
LeadingAge continues to urge various program offices within HUD, and the agency at large, to provide further support and guidance for housing providers serving older adults during this health and economic emergency.
Minnesota Pipeline Dual Training Grants Now Available
On April 14, 2020 by Jenna Kellerman
Applications for the Dual Training Grant Program are being accepted through May 8. Approximately $2.7 million is available to support the related instruction component of dual-training programs in your organization.
Elder Voice Family Advocates: A Thank You to Caregivers
On April 14, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
Elder Voice Family Advocates has expressed their thanks and appreciation to those on the front line of keeping seniors safe during COVID-19.
Resource Roundup: COVID-19
On April 14, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
In the past week, LeadingAge MN has added 5 new tools to our COVID-19 Resource Library focused on surge assessment and preparation, cohorting, dementia care and facemasks. We have also updated two key resources: confirmed case containment checklist and managing a resident admission from a hospital decision tree.
Scholarships Available Through LeadingAge MN Foundation
On April 14, 2020 by Lori Meyer
Investing in the professional development of the aging services workforce is more important now than it has ever been. The LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation is offering over $30,000 in scholarships to eligible caregivers and other employees of our member organizations for 2020.
Lifesprk gets $16 Million Series A investment
On April 14, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
Lifesprk has raised a $16.1 million Series A round of funding that is plans to use to invest in an electronic-records system, step up hiring and create new partnerships.
HUD COVID Call April 16
On April 14, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
HUD housing providers are encouraged to join the LeadingAge daily COVID-19 call on April 16 that will feature a specific update from the HUD Multifamily Housing Office of Asset Management and Portfolio Oversight.
Live Well at Home Grant Application Deadline Extended
On April 14, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has extended the deadline to apply for a Live Well at Home Grant to Friday May 15.
DHS Updates Information on 15% Housing Support Add On
On April 14, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
In their newly launched COVID-19 Housing webpage, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is providing additional information about the 15% add on to Housing Support (GRH).
Medicare Proposed Rule Provides Inflation Adjustment of 2.3%
On April 14, 2020 by Jeff Bostic
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) last week issued a Proposed Rule that provides updates about the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) PPS rates that will take effect Oct. 1, 2020. CMS will follow up with a final rule on the Oct. 1 rates around Aug. 1.
Met Council to Transport Essential Health Workers
On April 14, 2020 by Jenna Kellerman
Metro Mobility is now providing free door-to-door service from home to work and work to home for any person who works at a healthcare setting, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Affordable Housing: Key Issues to Know During COVID-19
On April 8, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
The U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) hosted a call this week covering COVID-19 issues in affordable and multi-family housing, including funding, eviction moratorium, signature guidance, income recertifications and visitor guidance. HUD has also provided a detailed frequently asked question document.
USPS Identifies Mail Delivery Options
On April 8, 2020 by Jonathan Lips
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and various screening requirements imposed upon senior living providers, the United States Postal Service (USPS) is offering communities and other customers three options if there are issues with their current delivery of mail.
Legislature Approves Workers’ Compensation Protections for Health Care Workers
On April 8, 2020 by Kari Thurlow
The Minnesota Legislature yesterday passed a bill that will allow first responders, health care providers and childcare workers to be “presumptively eligible” for workers' compensation if they get COVID-19.
Pre-Admission Screening is Still Required in Minnesota
On April 8, 2020 by Jonathan Lips
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has confirmed that preadmission screening (PAS) is still required in Minnesota.