All News
Supreme Court Dumps Public Sector Union Fees
On July 10, 2018 by Guest Contributor
The U.S. Supreme Court in a 5-4 decision issued a long-awaited opinion holding that the First Amendment prevents public sector unions from forcing government employees to pay union dues. While the decision applies only to public sector workers (and not private sector union employees), the decision will have an immediate impact in states like Minnesota where compulsory dues are required by law.
Billing University for Care Centers is Aug. 8-9
On July 10, 2018 by Heidi Simpson
Care center billing office staff are encouraged to attend the annual Billing University on Aug. 8 and 9. Content is reviewed and updated each year to stay current with the business environment, so it is applicable to both new and seasoned staff.
This two-day intensive learning workshop is specifically designed to improve the financial health of the care center by equipping staff with the essential knowledge, skills and resources to capture appropriate reimbursement for services provided.
Find details and registration here.
Erin Hennessey Named CEO of Health Dimensions Group
On July 10, 2018 by Jodi Boyne
Health Dimensions Group announced that Erin Shvetzoff Hennessey has been named the company’s next chief executive officer. She takes over the top leadership position from Sergei Shvetzoff, who has served in that capacity since October 2015. Shvetzoff will continue as chairman of the board of directors.
Get Up to Speed on HUD Rent Proposals in 7 Minutes
On July 10, 2018 by Bobbie Guidry
A new, seven-minute QuickCast from LeadingAge is a fast way for members to get up to speed on HUD and Congressional proposals to change how rents of HUD-assisted residents, including older adult residents, would be calculated.
Billing University for Care Centers is Aug. 8-9
On July 10, 2018 by Heidi Simpson
Care center billing office staff are encouraged to attend the annual Billing University on Aug. 8 and 9. Content is reviewed and updated each year to stay current with the business environment, so it is applicable to both new and seasoned staff.
No Significant Changes in Medicaid on Congressional Agenda before November Elections
On July 10, 2018 by Jodi Boyne
As Congress broke for it July 4 recess, LeadingAge provided an update on where our legislative and regulatory issues stand on Capitol Hill and in the federal agencies.
What Happens after DHS Completes a Site Visit for HCBS Settings Rule Compliance?
On July 10, 2018 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is well underway with conducting site visits to Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) providers who are “presumed not to be HCBS settings.” As some of these site visits have now been completed, we are able to provide information on what happens once DHS completes its visit.
Care Centers: Improve Your 5-Star Rating with Quality Apex
On July 10, 2018 by Julie Apold
Are you looking for ways to boost your organization’s performance or 5-Star rating? Quality Apex is an affordable, secure, web-based analytics tool that translates your most current MDS 3.0 data into actionable information to improve quality and outcomes.
Sign Up for Live Demo of New Job Board
On July 10, 2018 by Jenna Kellerman
The new AgingServicesJobs.Org platform has launched! Sign up for a live webinar demo on July 31 from 9 a.m. - 10 a.m. to learn how to post a job.
CMS to Post Non-Nursing Staffing Data for Care Centers
On June 27, 2018 by Jonathan Lips
In November 2017, CMS began posting the number of hours worked by nursing staff submitted through the Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ) system on data.cms.gov (see S&C memorandum 17-45-NH).
Billing University is Aug. 8-9, Registration Open
On June 26, 2018 by Heidi Simpson
This annual two-day intensive learning experience for new and seasoned business office staff is Aug. 8-9. Billing University delivers training designed to improve the financial health of care centers with the knowledge, skills and resources necessary to capture appropriate reimbursement and revenue for services and care provided.
Minor Change Made to Home Care Law
On June 26, 2018 by Bobbie Guidry
While the legislative session did not result in the clarifications to the Home Care Law that we had worked on with the Minnesota Department of Health, the HomeCare Association and the Long-Term Care Imperative, a minor change was made to the law regarding life-sustaining treatment.
Care Center Financial Struggles Continue in Age of Value-Based Reimbursement
On June 26, 2018 by Jeff Bostic
The Long-Term Care Imperative's annual nursing facility financial indicators survey shows a continued a trend of improvement that started in 2016, largely due to the new Value-Based Reimbursement (VBR) system that began on Jan. 1, 2016. Despite the improvement, the data makes clear that providers continue to face significant financial challenges.
CAST Updates EHR Selection Tool with New Adoption Model and Matrix
On June 26, 2018 by Jodi Boyne
CAST has updated its EHR Selection Tool, which is designed to help aging services organizations plan for and choose the best electronic health record (EHR) system for their needs.
New Webinar: Learn How to Post a Job to New Job Board
On June 26, 2018 by Jenna Kellerman
The new AgingServicesJobs.Org platform has launched! Sign up for a live webinar demo on July 31 from 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. to learn how to post a job.
Similarities, Differences in House and Senate HUD Funding Bills
On June 26, 2018 by Bobbie Guidry
The U.S. House and Senate Appropriations bills have many similarities, but also some differences, as it relates to housing assistance for older adults with low incomes.
Tee Up for Scholarships: Register for Foundation Golf Fundraiser
On June 26, 2018 by Jenny Prosser
The LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation Golf Fundraiser is Wednesday, Aug. 8 at Keller Golf Course in Maplewood. You won’t want to miss this incredible opportunity to golf, network and raise money for one of our most meaningful initiatives – the statewide caregiver scholarship program.
Nursing Home Compare and Payroll-Based Journal Data Update
On June 26, 2018 by Julie Apold
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced the following updates to the Nursing Home Compare and Payroll-Based Journal Data:
Early Bird Deadline is Friday for July 29 Assisted Living Home Care Conference
On June 26, 2018 by Heidi Simpson
Register by Friday, June 29 for the early bird registration fee for the July 25 Assisted Living and Home Care Conference.
Finding Opportunities in Disruption
On June 26, 2018 by Jodi Boyne
Disruption happens when existing solutions can be disturbed by new, innovative solutions ― sometimes quickly and violently. In a new white paper from CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA), members can learn more about the tremendous potential for disruption within senior living and the opportunities the trends present to providers.
LeadingAge’s Ruth Katz Opens July 17 Adult Day Conference
On June 26, 2018 by Heidi Simpson
“We have met the future, and it is us.” Ruth Katz, senior vice president for public policy/advocacy for LeadingAge, opens the 2018 Adult Day Conference with a look at the evolution of aging services public policy discussions that has new growth opportunities for adult day programs and new initiatives in other states that are helping to fund adult day programs.
LeadingAge Pushes Back against State Attorneys General Complaint on CMPs
On June 26, 2018 by Jonathan Lips
Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson and Attorneys General from 16 states filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the moratorium on civil monetary penalties for deficiencies cited under Phase II of the care center Requirements of Participation.
Salary Survey Deadline Extended to July 27
On June 26, 2018 by Jeff Bostic
The deadline for our annual salary survey has been extended to July 27. By taking time today to complete this important survey, you will receive two free reports that will help you judge the competitiveness of your compensation program in this dynamic job market.
90% Pass Rate for OnTrack Nursing Assistant Students
On June 26, 2018 by Jenna Kellerman
OnTrack Nursing Assistant Training has been available for six months and has enrolled 120 students to date. Based on student outcomes, OnTrack is providing quality training: State Exam results are trending 6 percent higher than the statewide average, with a 90 percent overall pass rate.
SNF Provider Preview Reports for Publicly Reported Measures Available
On June 26, 2018 by Julie Apold
Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Provider Preview Reports are now available for review prior to public display of the performance data on the Nursing Home Compare site.
In Memory: Trent Carlson
On June 20, 2018 by Gayle Kvenvold
Long time LeadingAge Minnesota member and colleague in serving elders, Trent Carlson, passed away last Friday after a short illness.
Save the Dates for Upcoming Events
On June 19, 2018 by Jonathan Lips
Mark your calendars and plan for the following summer and fall events:
A Focus on Falls Prevention: Join the New Assisted Living Learning & Improvement Collaborative
On June 19, 2018 by Julie Apold
Falls are one of the top categories of substantiated OHFC reports in Home Care/Assisted Living settings in Minnesota. Members should be taking the necessary steps to prevent falls in their community. Our new Assisted Living Fall Prevention Learning & Improvement Collaborative will give you the tools you need to implement an effective falls prevention program and reduce costs for your organization.
Klobuchar Introduces Bill to Help Family Caregivers
On June 19, 2018 by Jodi Boyne
Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) has introduced the Americans Giving care to Elders (AGE) Act, which would provide a tax credit for caregivers faced with the difficult task of helping older adults remain in their home.
Post Jobs to the New Job Board Platform
On June 19, 2018 by Jennifer Mims
The new AgingServicesJobs.Org platform has launched! Want to trial the site by posting a job for free? The first 20 members to contact Jenna Kellerman will get a free promo code to post their next open position!