All News

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) recently released a practical, evidence-based toolkit designed specifically for long‐term care organizations to reduce the risk of skin compromise and the spread of multidrug‐resistant organisms (MDROs). Because residents live in the same place where they receive care, the environment and resident interactions present unique prevention challenges.

Election day – Nov. 4 – is just around the corner. There are no statewide or federal elections happening this year, but throughout the state there are elections for crucial positions such as mayor, city council, school board, and various local ballot questions.

Maintaining a safe environment is fundamental in every healthcare facility, especially where staff care for residents who may not be able to respond quickly in an emergency. During October’s District Swing events, members received valuable guidance from the Minnesota State Fire Marshal (SFM) Healthcare Team on how to strengthen fire safety and emergency preparedness programs. The session emphasized best practices for conducting effective drills, maintaining critical equipment, and ensuring compliance with Life Safety Code documentation requirements.

On October 14, 2025, LeadingAge Minnesota hosted two back-to-back webinars to help providers prepare for the January 1, 2026 implementation of Minnesota’s new Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) and Meal and Rest Break laws. Presented in partnership with attorneys from Felhaber Larson, the sessions offered both foundational knowledge and advanced strategic guidance to help organizations update policies and train staff before the new year.

LeadingAge recently emailed complimentary copies of the 2025 compensation reports for nursing facilities and senior housing providers to members who participated in those surveys.  Copies of those reports are now available for purchase by members who did not participate.

As the federal government shutdown stretches beyond three weeks, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has clarified which survey and certification activities may continue — and which must halt — during the funding lapse. The updated guidance from CMS’s Quality, Safety & Oversight Group (QSOG) underscores the limited scope of oversight allowed, raising concern among nursing home providers about enforcement delays and regulatory uncertainty.

The LeadingAge Minnesota Quality Resource Page has been refreshed and expanded to make it easier for you to find the tools, training, and guidance you need to advance your organization’s quality and safety goals.

The latest Nurse Professional Liability Claim Report: 5th Edition, released by CNA and the Nurses Service Organization (NSO), reveals a growing concern for those working in our settings. Over the past five years, nearly half of all closed nurse malpractice claims have involved professionals working in long-term care, assisted living, or home health settings.

This week, the Minnesota Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA) will send out a questionnaire to licensed directors of assisted living facilities in Minnesota. We encourage you and other assisted living directors in your organization to participate by completing the questionnaire and answering the OLA’s questions.

LeadingAge Minnesota’s Community Engagement Workgroup recently gathered for a full day of collaboration and planning to strengthen local connections across the state. The event featured county commissioners and member leaders who shared insights and strategies to advance community partnerships statewide.

This week, Cassia has announced three executive leadership appointments in their organization. Join LeadingAge Minnesota is congratulating Cassia for these significant leadership transitions.

A LeadingAge Minnesota Quality Work Group has developed a Quick Guide to Understanding the Federal and State Nursing Home Quality Measures & Programs — a concise, easy-to-use resource designed to help providers navigate the complex landscape of quality programs that impact nursing homes.

An addition to Minnesota’s Assisted Living Bill of Rights was passed in the 2025 legislative session and is effective Jan. 1, 2026. The addition simply ensures the right to have a support person physically present at the times of a resident’s choosing.

LeadingAge Minnesota members are taking action to prevent mechanical lift falls by pledging to implement the Safe Lift: STOP for Safety process. These organizations are leading the way in creating safer, more respectful resident transfer practices.

LeadingAge Minnesota is hosting two consecutive webinars on Tuesday, Oct. 14, from 1–3 p.m. to help providers prepare for the Jan. 1, 2026 implementation of Minnesota’s new Paid Leave laws. Sessions will provide practical details and strategic guidance on navigating the state’s complex web of leave requirements.

It is with deep gratitude and a touch of sadness that I (Erin Huppert, VP of Advocacy) share with the LeadingAge Minnesota community that Bobbie Guidry, Vice President of Assisted Living & Adult Day Services, will retire in January 2026.

Data submission for Quarter 3, 2025 is now open in the LeadingAge Minnesota Data Portal. Data submission for all LeadingAge Minnesota Data Portal applications is due by Oct. 31. Take advantage of this opportunity to track your operational performance over time and benchmark your data against others at the state, regional and other comparison groups, such as groups with similar capacity and services. 

Saint Therese has opened the application process for its  annual Youth Volunteer Scholarships. These scholarships recognize and honor the dedication of youth who give their time to enrich the lives of older adults in Saint Therese communities.

Our New American Resource Map is an interactive tool that features local resources across the state of Minnesota. All housed in one centralized location, this resource highlights community, cultural, health, education, childcare, legal, food, and workforce resources to support New Americans’ journeys in making MN their home.

For nearly 30 years, the Senior LinkAge Line has been Minnesota’s primary aging resource connecting older Minnesotans, caregivers and others to the services and supports they need.

LeadingAge Minnesota submitted comprehensive comments to strengthen the State of Minnesota’s application to CMS’ new Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program. Our recommendations emphasize workforce solutions, improved access to care, and sustainable models for aging services in rural communities—ensuring older Minnesotans can continue to receive care close to home.

Late last week, we were asked by The Minnesota Star Tribune to provide comment on an article about a supposed trend of more seniors choosing assisted living than nursing homes. Despite our best efforts to obtain more information regarding these “trends,” the piece was already moving toward publication. We chose to provide a statement, which was included in the published article.

Congress did not reach agreement on appropriations for federal fiscal year 2026, and the federal government shutdown began on Oct. 1. HHS, CMS, and CDC have issued contingency and lapse plans outlining which activities will continue and which will pause. HUD has notified LeadingAge that they will be updating their contingency plan, leaning heavily on plans written in 2023.

District Meetings Begin Oct. 7.  

Fall District Meetings start Oct. 7 – featuring fire safety preparedness and expanding workforce. Join your regional colleagues for connection, education, and lunch. Includes 2 free CEUs. 

LeadingAge Minnesota is pleased to announce a new partnership with Reemo Health, a company delivering innovative technology solutions designed to support older adults and enhance independent living.

We’re excited to share news from LeadingAge Minnesota member, St. Francis Health Services of Morris. This month, they announced the launch of the St. Francis Legacy Foundation, a new effort to protect access to quality care in Minnesota communities.

LeadingAge Minnesota is hosting two consecutive webinars on Tuesday, Oct. 14, from 1–3 p.m. to help providers prepare for the Jan. 1, 2026 implementation of Minnesota’s new Paid Leave law. Sessions will provide practical details and strategic guidance on navigating the state’s complex web of leave requirements. 

A few weeks ago, DHS posted new rates for nursing homes on the nursing facility portal. The rate notices are incorrectly labeled as Jan. 1 rates, but they are effective Oct. 1.

On September 18, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) filed its motion to dismiss their appeal for our lawsuit challenging the CMS Minimum Staffing Rule.

Health Dimensions Group^® (HDG^®), a leading senior living, post-acute, and long-term care management and consulting firm based in Minneapolis, Minn., has named Erin Hilligan as its chief operating officer (COO). With this role, Hilligan joins HDG’s Executive Leadership Team.