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Jennifer Pfeffer, Senior Regional Director of Operations at Ecumen, Receives Leadership Award
On February 25, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
Visionary Leader. Consummate professional. Highly skilled operator. Those words define Jennifer Pfeffer, Senior Regional Director of Operations at Ecumen, who was recently honored by LeadingAge Minnesota with the Kal Michels Outstanding Leadership Award.
The Real Truth of PDPM: HDG Provides Early Learnings for Senior Leadership
On February 25, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
It’s been five months since the Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM) went live. What have we learned since then? Let’s check in with Health Dimensions Group, who recently shared some early learnings at our Institute & Expo and recapped their presentation in a new blog post “The Real Truth of PDPM.”
MFAR Receives Bipartisan Pushback on Capitol Hill
On February 25, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
There are strong bipartisan concerns from federal lawmakers about the proposed federal rule that could eliminate up to $50 billion from the Medicaid program annually and have serious implications on aging services providers’ supplemental payments.
CMS Proposes Revisions to PASRR Rule
On February 25, 2020 by Jonathan Lips
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published a proposed rule on Feb. 20 that would revise requirements for Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR). While many of the changes seek to clarify or reinforce requirements already in statute, this overhaul could have significant implications for nursing homes.
Do the Right Thing: Rapid Evaluation Teams
On February 25, 2020 by Julie Apold
Safe Care for Seniors has released a new training video that will help staff know the right thing to do when they find a resident unresponsive or respond to urgent or unexpected situations. The 10-minute Rapid Evaluation Team video demonstrates a real-life scenario, provides an implementation action plan, and showcases the positive outcomes Carris Health Care Center & Therapy Suites in Willmar is experiencing as a result of this process.
Hot Off the Presses: 3rd Edition of Comprehensive Home Care Manual
On February 25, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
The LeadingAge Minnesota Comprehensive Home Care Manual – 3rd Edition is now available. This vital tool for Home Care Managers and RNs includes more than 140 sample policies and procedures, forms and checklists to comply with and manage operations of a Comprehensive Home Care Agency. Other new features include:
BENHA Seeks Comments on Proposed Rules for Health Service Executive
On February 18, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Board of Examiners for Nursing Home Administrators (BENHA) has published the notice of proposed rules for the Health Service Executive, which applies to individuals eligible or desiring the national Health Service Executive credential.
Sharpen Your Sales & Marketing Skills: Certificate Program Begins March 31
On February 18, 2020 by Heidi Simpson
Today’s consumers are more informed, prepared and savvy than ever before, requiring sales and marketing professionals in senior living to be prepared for a very personalized, multi-faceted approach. Our Sales & Marketing in Senior Living certificate program provides the tools, training and resources needed to successfully market your community, help consumers make informed choices and increase occupancy.
Now Active: VA Community Care Network
On February 18, 2020 by Roni Falck
The Community Care Networks (CCNs) from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are now active. CCNs replace the Veterans Choice Program and are designed to expand the provider network and improve customer service for veterans and timeliness of payments for providers. Along with Veterans Care Agreements, the CCNs are the main vehicle through which VA pays non-VA providers.
Apply Now for Live Well at Home Grants
On February 18, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is seeking proposals to develop and/or provide services for older Minnesotans to live and age in the community of their choice.
Early Bird Discount: MAPS “All In. Safer Together” Conference
On February 18, 2020 by Julie Apold
Early bird registration ends March 6 for the 2020 Minnesota Alliance for Patient Safety (MAPS) Conference. “All In. Safer Together.” takes place April 30 and May 1 in Brooklyn Park.
Spirit of Aging: Harold Hansen, Resident, Advocate and Volunteer at Saint Therese of Woodbury
On February 18, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
Harold Hansen, who lives at Saint Therese of Woodbury, was recently honored by LeadingAge Minnesota with the Spirit of Aging Award.
Scholarship Available: Advanced Degree in Long-Term Care
On February 18, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
The Robert L. Kane Endowed Chair in Long-Term Care and Aging has announced it will provide $40,000 in scholarship funding during the 2020-2021 academic year.
New Study: Less Nursing Homes, Growth in Post-Acute Care, Improved Quality
On February 18, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
A new study shows dramatic changes in nursing home over the past 30 years: a loss of 400 nursing homes, significant growth in post-hospital admissions and dementia care, a growing number of residents who are racial or ethnic minorities residents, and a dramatic drop in the use of restraints and inappropriate antipsychotic use.
HUD Seeks 15% Budget Cut but More Funding for Section 202 Housing
On February 18, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
Yes. You read that correctly. The U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) is seeking a 15% cut to its own funding in fiscal year 2021 that will have a detrimental impact on programs that serve older adults.
New Video Resource: PRACtical RAD Overview
On February 18, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
The U.S. Housing & Urban Development Department (HUD) has released the first of a series of short videos on RAD for PRAC.
1 in 6 Medicaid Dollars at Stake: Medicaid Takes a Hit in Trump Budget
On February 18, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
We delved deeper into the proposed fiscal year 2021 budget from the Trump Administration and discovered a $1 trillion spending cut that could impact aging services and the people you serve. While there is a lack of detail on where these cuts would come from and the budget is likely dead on arrival, it provides perspective on the Administration's vision for Medicaid that could come into play as part of the November election.
Safe Care for Seniors Action Honor Roll Announced
On February 18, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
Fifty-one LeadingAge Minnesota members have been named to the Safe Care for Seniors Action Honor Roll. The Action Honor Roll recognizes aging services providers who have made the Safe Care for Seniors pledge and demonstrated action and outcomes in prevention, safety, respect, learning and improvement, and collaboration.
We Count. Minnesota: 2020 Census Underway
On February 18, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
A new collaboration of businesses, governments, non-profits and community groups across the state have formed We Count. Minnesota to support a fair and accurate 2020 Census. Why do we need to count every person in Minnesota?
Help Us Tell the Story: Day at the Capitol on March 19
On February 18, 2020 by Libbie Chapuran
We hear it from lawmakers all the time: what matters most to them as they weigh issues and make decisions at the State Capitol is their constituents. That’s why your voice matters! It’s time to be heard. Join us at our Day at the Capitol on March 19 to show lawmakers that we are committed partners in our shared goal to assure access to safe, quality care for older Minnesotans in the communities they call home.
38 Leadership Academy Fellows Recognized at Institute
On February 12, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
Leadership Academy celebrated its 10th Anniversary and 300th graduate when 38 fellows were recognized during last week’s Institute & Expo.
Amanda Gruber, Household Coordinator at Three Links, Named Caregiver of the Year
On February 12, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
Amanda Gruber, a Household Coordinator at Three Links Northfield, has been named the Caregiver of the Year by LeadingAge Minnesota. The award was presented to Amanda during last week’s Institute & Expo by Governor Tim Walz.
Legislators Kick-Off the 2020 Legislative Session; We’re Ready to Advocate for You
On February 12, 2020 by Libbie Chapuran
Yesterday marked the first day of Minnesota’s 2020 legislative session and we are ready to advocate for you, maximizing our time at the State Capitol advocating for several public policy solutions this session that will benefit the seniors you serve and their caregivers.
Your Journey to Performance Excellence Begins in March
On February 12, 2020 by Julie Apold
When it comes to quality, you can’t afford to wait. Simply addressing and attempting improvement opportunities as individual initiatives is not enough. Join us in March for two opportunities to start your comprehensive journey that will align your existing work and resources to help you achieve Performance Excellence in Aging Services.
VOA Receives Section 2020 Housing for the Elderly Grant
On February 12, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
Volunteers of America in Minnesota is one of 18 aging services providers who received new grant funding from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) to support affordable housing for older adults.
12 Providers Recognized for Quality and Performance Excellence
On February 12, 2020 by Julie Apold
LeadingAge Minnesota last week recognized 12 aging services providers for their achievements in quality, continuous improvement and performance excellence. Awards of Merit for Performance Excellence in Aging Services were provided to eight members and four members were recognized with the advanced Award of Honor. The providers are:
New Study Will Identify Economic Benefit of Workforce Investments
On February 12, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
What’s the Economic Benefit of Workforce Investments? A new LeadingAge study will attempt to answer this question by exploring how increased compensation for direct care workers could favorably impact the national economy, the field of long-term services and supports and individual direct care workers.
President Trump Releases Budget
On February 12, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
President Donald Trump this week released A Budget for America’s Future, which includes $4 trillion in mandatory and discretionary budget cuts in FY 2021 that would result in significant reductions to federal health care spending, including Medicare and Medicaid and other entitlement programs.
New CMS Block Grant Waivers Could Endanger Funding
On February 12, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published a state Medicaid director's letter on Jan. 30 outlining how states can apply for Medicaid block grant waivers. We oppose Medicaid block grants and similar initiatives that would limit Medicaid funding, including per capita caps.
CMS Urges Healthcare Settings to Prepare for Possibility of Coronavirus
On February 12, 2020 by Jonathan Lips
As concerns arise with the emerging 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) threat, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is encouraging all healthcare settings to carefully review information provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).