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The annual selection for the Quality Improvement Incentive Payment Program (QIIP) for nursing homes is due by July 18^th. The selection for this year has been delayed by technical issues at DHS, but they are now ready to accept QIIP selections through a new process.

Last week HUD reported to LeadingAge National that 90% of late subsidy payments for June have gone out for payment. This means most of LeadingAge's affordable senior housing provider members who were impacted by subsidy delays should either now see the funding or see it scheduled for payment in the system. However, HUD also informed LeadingAge that there are still around 100 contracts that HUD is working to resolve for June. HUD is scheduling those remaining contracts for payment next week. The reason HUD gave for the continued delay is that those HAP subsidy (voucher) submissions were either received late or were higher than usual, prompting additional HUD review. Actions for LeadingAge members to take: If you have not seen any subsidy payments scheduled for June, please let LeadingAge know ASAP. HUD has offered to investigate individual contracts and follow-up with specific information related to the delay. Please send the property name, address, contract number, and point of contact to Juliana Bilowich, LeadingAge's Senior Director of Housing Operations and Policy. If housing providers have not yet received the subsidy for June and need to cover costs in the meantime, you can consider requesting a Reserve for Replacement draw. Reach out to Shelli Bakken at LeadingAge MN for other questions.

On Thursday evening, 6/12, DHS sent a communication regarding NETStudy 2.0 experiencing issues generating and updating Universal Enrollment Identification (UEID) numbers. After reviewing the error, it was determined that the issue impacted some background studies submitted on June 11 and June 12. As of Friday, 6/13, the system is no longer experiencing issues generating and updating UEID numbers for submitted applications.

Instruction for Impacted Background Studies. As a result, the Background Studies Division is granting impacted study subjects an additional one or two days to complete the fingerprinting and photograph requirements. Study subjects should now have received an email from the fingerprint vendor, and providers can view the UEID numbers on the Applications tab of their profile. If a study subject did not receive an email notification from the fingerprint vendor, or if you need technical support, please contact DHS at dhs.netstudy2@state.mn.us or 651-431-6620.

Hosted by LeadingAge, this timely webinar will focus on the latest CMS updates on off-cycle revalidation. Get clear, practical guidance on complex requirements for additional disclosable parties (ADPs), board members, real property ownership, government authorities, and more—before the Aug. 1 deadline. As a reminder, all Medicare-certified nursing homes must complete the first off-cycle revalidation regardless of receiving a letter or not, even if they just did a revalidation last year (before the new requirements were implemented and the new form became available in September) by Aug. 1. If a nursing home does not accept Medicare, only Medicaid and/or private pay, they do not need to submit revalidation at this time. Key topics covered in the webinar will include: An overview of the statutory and regulatory framework, what’s required, and what’s changed; a brief review of new guidance and clarifications on reporting ADPs, board members, real property ownership, and government authorities; and an extended Q&A—giving you a unique opportunity to get practical advice in real time. Learn more and register here.

The Quality Specialist Certificate Program supports individuals who are serving as quality leads within their organizations or have an interest in expanding their knowledge of quality, safety, and performance improvement.

We love celebrating the inspiring work of our members at LeadingAge Minnesota, and we’re proud to shine a spotlight on Griswold Twin Cities for their leadership in fostering meaningful intergenerational connections.

Nelson Care Center by Vivie is proud to announce it has been awarded a prestigious 5-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), following its most recent survey in March. This top-tier rating reflects the organization’s commitment to delivering exceptional care and support to the people it serves.

With school out and summer break in full swing, it’s the perfect time for Minnesota high schoolers to gain real-world experience—and get rewarded for it. Students entering grades 11 and 12 now have a unique opportunity to earn high school elective credit while working in senior care settings across the state.

The Minnesota Department of Health is expanding in-facility testing to add additional test sites for nurse aide candidates. Applications will be accepted June 16-July 11.

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has released a request for proposals for the Mental Health Grants for Health Care Professionals program, with a deadline to apply by Aug 1.

Make plans to join us August 13–14 for LeadingAge Minnesota’s Assisted Living Conference — designed with your day-to-day challenges in mind.

The 2025 special session of the Minnesota Legislature concluded in the early hours of Tuesday, June 10.

The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) has published an update to the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) diagnosis codes, which will become effective Oct. 1, 2025. This FY 2026 (Oct. 1, 2025, Update) Conversion Table includes the new ICD-10-CM codes and is provided to assist users in data retrieval. For each new code the table shows the effective date and its previously assigned code equivalent in bold. Unless otherwise specified, the code effective date is Oct. 1 of the year listed.

• 2026 Conversion Table (ZIP)
• 2026 Code Descriptions in Tabular Order (ZIP)
• 2026 Addendum (ZIP)
• 2026 Code Tables, Tabular and Index (ZIP) 

More information available here. 

Stay on top of your family's health with Docket, an optional digital tool that provides secure access to your Minnesota Immunization Information Connection (MIIC) immunization records. Easily view your immunization history, check for due or upcoming vaccines, and download printable PDF records for school, travel, or health needs. For other ways to access your MIIC record, visit Find My Immunization Record. MIIC does also have an app to download. To get started, go to your app store and search “Docket”. For more information, visit MIIC FAQ.

CDC's Project Firstline and the American Medical Association (AMA) recently hosted a webinar to share important measles updates and help providers and clinics stay prepared for measles. The recording is now available to watch and share. The webinar featured a panel of CDC experts covering current trends in measles epidemiology, clinical recognition of measles, the importance of vaccination, and infection prevention and control measures to help prepare and respond to measles in healthcare settings. "Continuing Medical Education" is available and can be accessed via the recording page. 

Additional measles resources: 

• Project Firstline's New Measles Micro-Learn: Resource for leading a quick, on-the-job training about recognizing measles and preventing spread. 
• CDC's Be Ready for Measles Toolkit: Tools and communication materials to make it easier for jurisdictions to communicate with the public, clinicians, and partners before and during a measles outbreak. 
• AMA Measles Resources: Resources and information from AMA for clinicians and public health professionals.

June District Meetings help make sense of what’s next with President and CEO Kari Thurlow on what’s shaping our sector. The meetings kicked off this week and continue next week.

February may seem very far away, but planning is already happening for the 2026 Institute & Expo, Feb. 11-12 (in-person) and March 3-5 (virtual).

The Quality Specialist Certificate Program begins August 20, and is expected to sell out. Register now to secure your seat.

Vista Prairie Communities recently to announced the appointment of Murray Finger as the new Executive Director at Vista Prairie at Ridgeway. With nearly 30 years of leadership experience in senior living, Murray brings a deep commitment to compassionate care and a passion for enriching the lives of older adults.

When renewing your Assisted Living Facility license you may find the MDH Renewal Checklist helpful in preparing documents to submit with the renewal application.

The State of Minnesota recently announced that staff from the Minnesota Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA) will be accompanying Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) surveyors during certain licensing surveys.

As reports of a measles outbreak linked to the Mall of America emerge, it serves as a timely reminder for nursing homes and assisted living facilities to revisit their infection control policies and ensure staff preparedness.

State legislative leaders have finalized the Human Services Budget Bill at the Capitol. As previously shared with members, the agreement includes several disappointing provisions.

Quality – it’s a big topic that impacts just about everything from resident experience to organizational success. The Quality Specialist Certificate Program supports individuals who are serving as quality leads within their organizations or have an interest in expanding their knowledge of quality, safety, and performance improvement.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Division of Nursing Homes has resumed regular calls with LeadingAge and other national stakeholder associations.

If you had a Civil Monetary Penalty (CMP) Project that was approved prior to Dec. 31, 2024, and have not yet invoiced the Department of Human Services (DHS) for your project, you must submit your invoices before June 30. After this date, you will no longer be able to invoice DHS for your project.

The Large Building Energy Benchmarking program is a state-wide program aimed at increasing energy efficiency while decreasing operating costs and greenhouse gas emissions in the building sector.

A New Americans Resource Map is now available on the LeadingAge Minnesota website! This interactive map of Minnesota’s community organizations, resources, and support is a new tool designed to connect your staff with resources and support that they need outside of work, and to subsequently strengthen our long-term care workforce.

LeadingAge Minnesota recently completed an updated version of our Sector Trends Report, which you can now access on our website.

You have knowledge and experience to share, and we invite you to do so! You are invited to submit one or more proposals to present educational programs at the 2026 Institute & Expo.