All News
Analyzing the “One Big Beautiful Bill” – State Impact Remains Unclear
On July 17, 2025 by Mark Schulz
The passage of the federal "One Big Beautiful Bill" (OBBB) introduces substantial reforms to Medicaid, Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act premium tax credits, focusing on cost containment, program integrity, and greater state flexibility.
Register to Save - Assisted Living Conference Early Bird Deadline is Tomorrow
On July 10, 2025 by Sharon Hollister
Assisted Living Conference is Aug. 13-14 in Brooklyn Center. Join us for two days of exceptional education on all things assisted living.
Preparing for 2026 Membership Renewal
On July 10, 2025 by Jessica Lacher
At LeadingAge Minnesota, we are profoundly grateful for the meaningful partnership we share with you and your team. Your engagement strengthens our community and amplifies our collective impact, and we hope you’ve found true value in the advocacy, education, resources, networking, and technical support we proudly deliver.
What Could Your Organization Do with $10,000?
On July 10, 2025 by Laura Nordaune
Value First is running the 5-Star Sweepstakes and your organization could win one of five $10,000 prizes. What would you do with $10,000? Maybe replace aging equipment or throw a staff party. The choice will be yours if you win one of the five grand prizes.
Monthly IL Operators Professional Networking Group July 15
On July 10, 2025 by Shelli Bakken
If you are an operator of an independent living senior housing community, you are invited to join the monthly networking group that is specifically designed for you!
Comments Sought on Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
On July 10, 2025 by Shelli Bakken
The State of Minnesota has announced a public hearing to seek feedback on its LIHEAP funding plan for 2026. The hearing is set for July 25, and comments can be made until Aug. 1.
Change of Levels and Fines for Survey Violations for Assisted Living and Home Care Licensees
On July 10, 2025 by Bobbie Guidry
The Assisted Living and Home Care Statutes were changed effective July 1, to add a Level 5 to survey violation levels. The change affects the amount of fines incurred for each level of violation and demonstrates the degree of concern for resident impact of the violation at each level. Fines are decreased for Level 3 and 4 violations to $1000 and $3000, violations which are more common for providers.
LeadingAge Minnesota Certified Worker Organization Training Compliance Webinar
On July 10, 2025 by Mark Schulz
Join LeadingAge Minnesota staff for an important webinar on the new Certified Worker Organization (CWO) training requirements for nursing facilities. We'll review the key employer responsibilities under the Minnesota Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board Act, including timelines, compliance documentation, and employee training logistics.
Annual Meeting & Leadership Forum Registration Now Open
On July 10, 2025 by LeadingAge Minnesota
Registration is open for the premier leadership conference of the year. The 2025 Annual Meeting & Leadership Forum, is Sept. 16-19 at Grand View Lodge in Nisswa.
One Big Beautiful Bill – Known and Unknown Impacts
On July 10, 2025 by Mark Schulz
On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed the "One Big Beautiful Bill" (OBBB) into law, making major changes to tax and spending policies. Key provisions for aging services providers include deep cuts to Medicaid funding and potential changes to nursing home reimbursement rates and long-term care coverage.
CMS Updates PBJ Manual and FAQs
On July 7, 2025 by Mark Schulz
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued an update to payroll-based journal (PBJ) materials on the Staffing Data Submission Payroll Based Journal webpage. Updates to the PBJ Policy Manual include info for PBJ system registration through QIES and clarification that all reported nursing hours must be onsite hours. Updates to the PBJ Policy Manual FAQs reiterate the updates in the policy manual, and also include clarifications related to meal breaks, salaried staff, RN hours requirements and waivers, and questions pertaining to PBJ audits. Check out these updates in the PBJ Policy Manual and the PBJ Policy Manual FAQs located in the Downloads section of the PBJ page on the CMS website.
Call For Nominations for LeadingAge Minnesota Board of Directors
On July 7, 2025 by LeadingAge Minnesota
Are you passionate about shaping the future of senior care and aging services in Minnesota? Ready to lead, inspire, and make a meaningful impact? This is your moment. LeadingAge Minnesota is seeking visionary leaders to fill two Director-at-Large positions on our Board of Directors – powerful roles that influence the direction of our work together and the well-being of those we serve. These are three-year terms beginning Jan. 1, 2026. Additionally, we’re also looking to recruit a Secretary/Treasurer, a key role on our Executive Committee. This individual will serve a two-year term, then advance to Chair-Elect for two years, and ultimately step into the role of Board Chair for two more years. At LeadingAge Minnesota, we’re striving to transform and enhance the experience of aging. Our Board of Directors play a pivotal role in helping the association achieve our mission. The nomination process to fill these open positions will open later this week. Watch for more details coming soon!
Major Federal Legislation Signed into Law
On July 7, 2025 by LeadingAge Minnesota
On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed the "One Big Beautiful Bill" into law, enacting sweeping changes to tax and spending priorities. Of particular importance to aging services providers, the bill includes significant cuts to Medicaid funding and adjustments that may impact nursing home reimbursement rates and long-term care coverage in the future. While some tax provisions aim to benefit workers, the overall fiscal changes raise concerns about the sustainability of safety-net programs that support older adults. It's important to note that impacts to Minnesota remain unclear: providers should not make any immediate changes to their budget or operations until more information is known. Governor Walz's staff indicated the passage of the federal bill could trigger a second special session later this year, but that has not been confirmed. This is a breaking news item. LeadingAge Minnesota is still reading through the final law and working with partners on impact and analysis. Further details and in-depth analyses of the federal bill’s implications for Medicaid providers, nursing homes, and non-profit tax entities will be shared soon. Watch Advantage later this week for more detailed analyses of the new law and what it means for care access, provider operations, and resident wellbeing. If you are a LeadingAge National member, you are also invited to join their member call today at 2:30 Central Time. Follow this link to register.
Do You Have a Project to be Featured at the 2026 Institute & Expo General Session?
On July 3, 2025 by Sharon Hollister
We are now soliciting ideas for inclusion in the 2026 Institute& Expo General Session. Is your organization doing some new, innovative, or creative work that others would want to know about?
Assisted Living Conference Deadlines Approaching
On July 3, 2025 by Sharon Hollister
Don’t miss this year’s Assisted Living Conference, Aug. 13-14 in Brooklyn Center. This two-day event has an impressive lineup of speakers, education, vendor exhibits, and events, and as always, unbeatable networking with your peers.
Exclusive Members-Only Opportunities
On July 3, 2025 by Julie Apold
Safe Lift Virtual Training
If your service site uses mechanical lifts for resident transfers, we urge you to register and attend a free Safe Lift virtual training session webinar on Aug. 6 from 1 – 2:30 p.m. to learn enhanced safety practices that can prevent dangerous falls from occurring during transfers.
Rodè & Coffin, LLC Announces New Partner
On July 3, 2025 by LeadingAge Minnesota
We’re always pleased to celebrate the growth and accomplishments of our members. This month, we’re excited to share a significant announcement from Rodè & Coffin, LLC.
Presbyterian Homes & Services dedicates latest addition to senior living community in Saint Paul
On July 3, 2025 by LeadingAge Minnesota
Marvella, a vibrant senior living community in Saint Paul, Minnesota, celebrated a major milestone recently. A dedication ceremony for its newest addition brought together business leaders, senior managers and staff from Presbyterian Homes & Services (PHS) to mark the occasion.
Need Nursing Assistant Testing? Apply Now to Become an In-facility Test Site
On July 3, 2025 by Anna Mowry
The Minnesota Department of Health is expanding in-facility testing to add additional test sites for nurse aide candidates. Applications will be accepted until July 11.
Upcoming DHS Webinars for Customized Living Providers
On July 3, 2025 by Bobbie Guidry
Two upcoming webinars from DHS may be of interest to waiver/customized living enrolled providers.
Save the Date — Infection Prevention and Control Updates for both Nursing Homes and Hospitals
On July 3, 2025 by Kari Everson
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is sponsoring a statewide call related to infection prevention and control for nursing homes and hospitals on August 13 from 3:00 to 4:00 pm. All nursing home and hospital infection prevention and control practitioners and affiliated leadership are encouraged to attend.
Upcoming Changes to Case Mix Review & MDS Assessments: Key Updates and Training Opportunity
On July 3, 2025 by Mark Schulz
Significant changes are coming to Minnesota’s Case Mix Review (CMR) program and Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment requirements. These updates impact classification notices, assessment procedures, documentation standards, and data submission methods—effective October 1, 2025. Providers are encouraged to prepare early and attend the state-led training webinar for detailed guidance.
What New Laws Took Effect on July 1, 2025?
On July 3, 2025 by LeadingAge Minnesota
On July 1, 2025, a new wave of legislation officially took effect across Minnesota, introducing changes that will impact aging services providers. Staying informed about these laws is critical for providers to remain compliant and responsive to shifting public policy.
Let Your Stars Shine! 2026 Award Nominations Now Open
On July 3, 2025 by Barbara Landeen
LeadingAge Minnesota’s Stars Among Us Award nominations are now open for 2026. This popular recognition program shines the spotlight on the best and brightest people working, living, and volunteering in our communities. Who on your team deserves the spotlight?
Upcoming PBJ Submission Deadline and iQIES Service Center Availability
On July 3, 2025 by Mark Schulz
On July 14, 2025, the Nursing Home Survey & Certification functionality will launch in iQIES—just one month prior to the PBJ submission deadline. This rollout is expected to result in a substantial influx of new users, potentially leading to longer hold times.
Assisted Living Conference Aug. 13-14 – Early Registration Deadline Approaching
On June 26, 2025 by Sharon Hollister
Join us in Brooklyn Center for targeted training, essential updates, and practical tools to support your day-to-day work in assisted living. Earn up to 10 clock hours, explore solutions in our exhibit hall, and enjoy networking with peers.
CMS Announces Changes to Nursing Home Care Compare
On June 26, 2025 by Mark Schulz
On June 18, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released memo QSO-25-20-NH, announcing several impactful changes to the Nursing Home Care Compare website, set to take effect with the July and October 2025 quarterly data refreshes. These updates are part of CMS’s continuing efforts to enhance transparency and improve the accuracy and utility of performance data for nursing home providers, residents, and families.
New Criteria for Individuals on Disability Waivers to Access Residential Services
On June 26, 2025 by Bobbie Guidry
Effective July 1, 2025, DHS will implement new residential support services criteria as required under Minn. Stat. §256B.49, subd. 29 and Minn. Stat. §256B.092, subd. 11.
CMS Issues Fraudulent Fax Alert: What Medicare Providers Need to Know
On June 26, 2025 by Mark Schulz
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a formal alert warning Medicare providers of a new phishing scheme involving fraudulent fax requests. Scammers are impersonating CMS and sending deceptive faxes that request medical records and documentation under the guise of an audit. These communications are crafted to appear official and can easily mislead busy healthcare providers into disclosing sensitive patient or organizational information.
CMS to Accelerate Public Release of Survey Findings for All Certified Providers
On June 26, 2025 by Mark Schulz
On June 17, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued memo QSO-25-19-ALL, introducing a significant shift in how and when survey findings are publicly released for all CMS-certified providers and suppliers, including nursing homes. Under the updated policy, survey results recorded on Form CMS-2567 will be made available to the public within 14 calendar days of receipt by the provider—and, in many cases, immediately upon receipt.