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Hosting a focus group allows leaders to hear from a select group of staff about a specific topic.   

The U.S. Senate Finance Committee held a hearing yesterday on the latest report released by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), Improved Oversight Needed to Better Protect Residents from Abuse. The report states that abuse deficiencies cited in nursing homes have more than doubled between 2013 and 2017.  

Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) identified as not meeting the 80% reporting threshold under the Quality Reporting Program (QRP) recently received a letter from National Government Services, the Medicare contract agency for Minnesota, informing them that they will be subject to a 2% reduction on their Medicare fee-for-service rates beginning Oct. 1, 2019. If you received this letter, you have the opportunity to request reconsideration by Aug. 15.  

In response to a request from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Office of Health Facility Complaints (OHFC), Eldermark Software recently met with the investigation teams and supervisors from OHFC and the Licensing & Survey Compliance division to provide some basic training on the software used by many senior living providers across the state.   

New Minnesota Food Code requirements went into effect on Jan. 1 and one topic providers want to learn more about is the requirements for establishments serving highly susceptible populations:  

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recently released the application materials for this year’s round of the nursing facility moratorium exceptions process. Care centers interested in applying should complete the required application materials and return them to MDH by Dec. 20. Following a presentation to a review committee early next year, MDH will have a list of approved projects by April 3, 2020. 

Nominations are now open for two elected Director-at-Large positions on the LeadingAge Minnesota Board of Directors. The Nominating Committee is also accepting nominations for Lifetime Honorary Memberships. 

Under regulations enacted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), hazardous waste pharmaceuticals may not be sewered (flushed or poured down a drain) for disposal after Aug. 21, 2019. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has posted a fact sheet about changes in management of hazardous waste pharmaceuticals to its website.  

As we reported last week, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced a proposed rule that would lighten some regulatory burdens for nursing facilities and delay implementation of certain Phase 3 requirements. 

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced a proposed rule that would lighten some regulatory burdens for nursing facilities and delay implementation of certain Phase 3 requirements. 

The annual Billing University for Care Centers, Aug. 14-15 in St. Paul, is a popular two-day training conference that updates the essential knowledge, skills and resources for billing office staff so that accurate and complete reimbursement is captured. 

This year’s Annual Meeting & Leadership Forum, Sept. 17-20 in Brainerd, has a variety of education sessions that explore organizational culture, diversity and inclusion. 

The first annual Connect Conference, Aug. 20-21 in Brooklyn Center, is on its way to becoming the must-attend event of the summer. Redesigned as an interactive event bringing together Senior Housing, Assisted Living, Home Care and Adult Day, Connect is about breaking down silos to share ideas and important conversations about how we will serve older adults in the decades ahead. Early bird registration deadline is Monday, July 22.  

In Hardwiring Excellence: Purpose, Worthwhile Work, Making a Difference, Quint Studer says “rounding” is about engaging in direct conversation with staff, asking pointed questions and role modeling specific behaviors. Sometimes this is also referred to as “managing by walking around.”  

Do you know a retired leader in our field who has made significant contributions to the overall success of LeadingAge Minnesota either by service as a leader at the district, committee or board level and/or by consistent service as an event volunteer or in other supportive roles? Nominate them for a Lifetime Honorary Membership. 

A new report from the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University found that housing production is not keeping pace with the nation’s growth of households, which is creating higher housing costs and increased housing affordability struggles for low- and moderate-income households.  

Mark your calendars for the August Assisted Living/Home Care Nurse Leader Network (ALNET)!  The ALNET regional meetings in June drew over 100 participants, demonstrating the growing interest in the meetings, the value of the content being presented and networking opportunities for nurse leaders.

A report published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG) discusses serious care deficiencies found in hospice services and the shortcomings in federal regulation and oversight to prevent these kinds of harm to beneficiaries.  

The final countdown to Phase 3 of the Requirements of Participation that take effect Nov. 28 has begun. These requirements, among other changes, mandate that every care center have a designated and specially trained Infection Preventionist running a comprehensive infection prevention and control program. Are you prepared? 

Registration is now open for the Preventing Diversion of Controlled Substances in Long-Term Care seminar on Aug. 13 in St. Paul. This 3.5-hour course will provide administrators and nursing leaders with an evidence-based overview of recommendations and best practices to prevent controlled substance diversion in their setting.  

The Health and Human Services budget bill that passed during the 2019 special session includes several provisions that advance a proposal known as Waiver Reimagine. Over the next several years, Waiver Reimagine will combine the four existing disability waivers under two new waivers, one for individuals living independently or with family and one for clients in residential settings. 

Minnesota Department of Human Services Commissioner Tony Lourey resigned on Monday. Pam Wheelock, an experienced administrator with a career spanning the public, private and nonprofit sectors, will serve as acting commissioner.  

Nearly 450 LeadingAge Minnesota member sites have taken the Safe Care for Seniors Pledge and committed to the 5-Step Action Plan! Don’t be left behind. Register today for the Aug. 5 Safe Care for Seniors Workshop and take your first step on a safety and quality journey that will benefit all who live and work in your setting. 

Senator and presidential candidate Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) last week announced A Plan for Seniors, a comprehensive plan that tackles Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, enhances health care and retirement security, reduces prescription drug prices, supports a world-class long-term care workforce, and combats senior fraud and abuse.  

Nominations are now open for two elected Director-at-Large positions on the LeadingAge Minnesota Board of Directors. The terms begin on Jan. 1, 2020 and run for three years with eligibility for re-election to a second, three-year term.  

Is your organization ready for the Oct.1 implementation of Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM), the new Medicare Part A payment classification system? Take advantage of these upcoming education and training opportuniteis:

Bob Kramer, founder and strategic advisor for the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing and Care (NIC), will be a featured presenter at the upcoming Annual Meeting & Leadership Forum, Sept. 17-20 at Madden’s in Brainerd.  

The first annual Connect Conference, Aug. 20-21 in Brooklyn Center, brings together Senior Housing, Assisted Living, Home Care and Adult Day providers for a two-day interactive experience full of education, idea sharing and important conversations about how we will serve older adults in the decades ahead. The early bird registration deadline is July 22 – less than two weeks away.  

An all staff meeting is a great opportunity to communicate and listen, allowing everyone to hear the same information at the same time.  

The November 2019 implementation and compliance date for Phase III of the Requirements of Participation is fast approaching. Are you ready for the new and additional training requirements in Cultural Competence and Trauma-Informed Care or the new and strengthened language around person-centered care and abuse prevention?