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This was a big week at the Legislature, with committees speeding toward an April 3^rd deadline to hear all policy-related bills hoping to be passed this year. LeadingAge Minnesota and its Imperative partner provided testimony and feedback on ten bills this week, including three legislative priorities on our 2025 agenda.

Smartlinx, a leading provider of workforce management solutions, has acquired Bektek, a one-stop solution for human resources systems.

Our lawmakers in Washington appreciate hearing from their constituents on issues that are important to us. Protecting HUD affordable senior housing from any budget cuts is more important now than ever.

MDH invites you to participate in the Insight 2 Action focus groups to tackle the persisting challenges in infection prevention in our settings.

In case you missed it, the MDH Assisted Living Quarterly Update information that was presented on February 20, 2025, is now posted to the MDH Website.

On July 1, 2025, the Housing Support maximum monthly room and board rate will increase to $1,192.

Next Thursday, March 20, is the deadline for registering a team for this year’s ICan Quality Improvement Contest. The contest involves developing and implementing a Quality Improvement project identified and led by front-line staff.

DHS recently updated the provider associations on the financially distressed nursing facility program. That program was created by the 2023 Legislature to provide interest free loans to nursing facilities that are at risk of closure due to operating losses. DHS has now worked through the first round of applications for those funds.

On Tuesday, the U.S. House passed its desired continuing resolution (CR) to avert a partial government shutdown and fund federal agencies through September on a vote of 217-213.

Minnesota lawmakers received an updated budget forecast today that increases the chances that they will need to consider budget cuts to address future deficits. The forecast predicts a $456 Million surplus by the end of June 2027, down by $150 million since the last forecast in November of last year.

Registration is now open for the Technology Conference on April 30 at the Heritage Center of Brooklyn Center.

New and emerging nurse leaders in skilled nursing care centers, assisted living, or home care settings will gain a solid understanding of the foundational elements that make up the nurse leader’s role by attending LeadingAge Minnesota’s Nurse Leadership Program.

Outreach staff from Senator Klobuchar’s office have been travelling Minnesota to convene roundtable discussions with senior care providers, senior advocates, and community leaders.

The Office of Higher Education's (OHE) Dual-Training Pipeline Grant is open for applications until April 15.

The 2025 Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) Nursing Facility Performance-Based Incentive Payment Program (PIPP) Request for Proposals (RFP) information is now available.

Each Tuesday, the Department of Human Services (DHS) conducts scheduled maintenance for the NETStudy 2.0 system.

DHS recently updated the assisted living report card by posting new measures based on the inspection surveys conducted by MDH. Those measures are based on tags received the areas of resident health, safety and staffing.

The LTC Imperative recently completed a Workforce and Financial Data Survey and a Nursing Home Occupancy Survey. Thanks to all the members who contributed their data to those surveys.

This morning, HF500, a bill that restores important guardrails on the Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board, was passed out of the House Labor & Workforce Committee and sent to the floor to await debate before the full body.

Join us March 4-6 for the Virtual Institute. Three days of all-new sessions on even more topics important to you. All virtual sessions will be recorded and available for viewing through April 30.

Registration is now open for the Technology Conference on April 30 at the Heritage Center of Brooklyn Center. Join us for a day of innovation, collaboration, and exploration as we delve into the transformative power of technology in revolutionizing aging services.

LeadingAge Minnesota is thrilled to welcome Shelli Bakken to our staff. Shelli joins the association as Director of Housing Policy & Expert Support.

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) held a webinar earlier this month on Feb 19^th bringing together DHS and MDH to review assisted living licensure requirements and the policies and requirements of customized living (the payment program for residents receiving financial support under medical assistance waivers).

Minnesota statute 144G.64 establishes mandatory training in dementia care, mental illness, and de-escalation for all assisted living facilities. This ensures staff are equipped to provide quality care and manage challenging situations effectively.

On Feb. 24, the Department of Human Services posted notice the issue surrounding NETStudy 2.0 not accepting payments for applications submitted on Feb. 19 has been resolved.

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, March 19, 2025, and join us for LeadingAge Minnesota’s Day at the Capitol—your opportunity to advocate for aging services and make a lasting impact on the lawmakers and policies that shape senior care in Minnesota.

On Thursday, Feb. 27, LeadingAge Minnesota and our Imperative partner testified in support of HF1419 and HF500. Each bill was introduced in the House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee – HF1419 would fund the Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board’s (NHWSB) mandates and provide an annual update to the Elderly Waiver rates. HF500 would prevent any standards from going into effect unless they are fully funded by the legislature this year.

Join us March 4-6 for the Virtual Institute. Three days of all-new sessions on even more topics important to you. All virtual sessions will be recorded and available for viewing through April 30.

Beginning April 9, this 11-day interactive program is designed specifically for administrators, site leaders, and operational staff in assisted living and care center communities to build essential knowledge and practical skills to manage operations effectively.

On Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025, Vivie announced that Northfield Retirement Community is joining Vivie in its mission to enrich, empower, and elevate people throughout life’s journey.