All News

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

LeadingAge Minnesota is pleased to present its 2025 legislative report. More than a summary, this report is designed to help you lead with insight and intention. It provides a clear-eyed look at the session’s outcomes and a summary of the decisions that will directly impact your organizations and the people you serve.

Health Dimensions Group® (HDG® ), a leading senior living, post-acute, and long-term care management and consulting firm based in Minneapolis, MN, is proud to celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2025, a milestone marking a quarter-century of empowering seniors across the nation to live their best lives.

Orchard Path, a Presbyterian Homes & Services (PHS) senior living community located in Apple Valley, MN, recently broke ground on a new expansion to its existing community. This expansion includes 75 new independent living apartments, as well as a beautiful new community room and an elegant outdoor patio.

Did you know that LeadingAge Minnesota teamed up with Marsh McLennan to provide a new member benefit that brings even more value to your membership? Check out LAMN Perks here.

Each month, Minnesota Housing posts an update for HUD providers called MOR Hot Topics. This publication recaps top items they’ve been finding in Management Occupancy Reviews (MOR) and other relevant updates for providers of HUD housing. 

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is updating the timeline for completing background studies consent and disclosures. Starting July 14, 2025, the process for study subjects will change significantly to align with federal requirements.

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.