News Archives
January 2018 Archives
Below is a list of all of the articles published in the selected month, ordered from most recent to least.
LeadingAge Seeks Input on Payment and Service Delivery Reform
On January 31, 2018 by Jodi Boyne
LeadingAge is seeking input on your organization’s level of activity or interest in payment and service delivery reforms. The short survey asks questions on activities you are engaged in currently and your interest in future participation models such as bundled payments, service-enriched housing and integrated services.
Long-Term Care Imperative Shares Reform Recommendations to Address Maltreatment
On January 31, 2018 by Kari Thurlow
Two Minnesota Senate committees held a joint hearing last week regarding the state’s handling of vulnerable adult maltreatment complaints. LeadingAge Minnesota and its partner in the Long-Term Care Imperative (LTCI) testified at the hearing, and shared several recommendations for policy reforms that could be passed in the next legislative session to address ongoing concerns.
Last Chance to Change How We Educate Our Workforce
On January 31, 2018 by Jenna Kellerman
This is your last chance to submit ideas to the Workforce Challenge! The Workforce Challenge is an opportunity for you to impact the educational experiences students have prior to entering the workforce.
Governor’s Consumer Task Force Releases Policy Recommendations for Senior Care Regulation
On January 31, 2018 by Kari Thurlow
In the wake of last fall’s dramatic and disturbing Star Tribune series on the rising number of abuse and maltreatment reports in Minnesota, Governor Mark Dayton created a special work group charged with developing recommendations to improve the care and safety of older and vulnerable adults in nursing homes and assisted living and “strengthen the rights of residents and their families.” The workgroup, delivered their report to the Governor on Monday, simultaneously releasing it to state legislators and the public.
Mark Your Calendars for 2018 Conferences
On January 31, 2018 by Heidi Simpson
Look ahead to signature conferences that are scheduled in 2018. Just added:
Governor Dayton Appoints Jan Malcolm as New MDH Commissioner
On January 31, 2018 by Kari Thurlow
Governor Mark Dayton has appointed former Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm to lead the state Health Department. Malcolm, a veteran health care executive with a national reputation in health policy, led the department under Governor Jesse Ventura from 1999 to 2003.
New LeadingAge Ziegler 150 Shows Continued Growth in Independent and Assisted Living
On January 31, 2018 by Jodi Boyne
In the last 10 years, the average annual growth rate in total units among the 150 largest nonprofit senior living systems in the United States was 3.1 percent, according to the 2017 edition of the LeadingAge Ziegler 150. Most growth occurred primarily through expansion.
Let’s Change How We Educate Our Workforce
On January 23, 2018 by Jenna Kellerman
This is your chance to shape the workforce of tomorrow! The Workforce Challenge is an opportunity for you to impact the educational experiences students have prior to entering the workforce.
Create an Engaging Onboarding Experience
On January 23, 2018 by Jenna Kellerman
Does your employee orientation need a re-boot? LeadingAge Minnesota has a new resource to turn orientation into an engaging onboarding experience.
65% of Caregivers are Always Looking for a Better Job
On January 23, 2018 by Jodi Boyne
When caregivers were asked their preferred work setting, assisted living and care centers failed to make the cut, according to the Caregiver Trend Report released by mycnajobs.
Therapy Caps Not Addressed in Continuing Resolution
On January 23, 2018 by Jeff Bostic
Every year since 2006, Congress has ultimately renewed the exceptions process for annual caps on outpatient therapy under Medicare Part B. Since that has not yet happened for 2018, the caps are currently in effect. This year the caps are $2,010 for physical and speech combined and another $2,010 for occupational therapy.
Uncovering Experiences and Trends of the New Skilled Nursing Facility Survey
On January 23, 2018 by Elizabeth Sether, RN, MHA, LNHA
Almost two months have passed since the new skilled nursing facility survey went into effect and provider feedback and data trends reveal meaningful differences in the survey process and experience. Hear about the experiences and trends by joining a facilitated conference call on Feb. 19 from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
HCBS: 2018 National Core Indicators Survey Begins
On January 23, 2018 by Bobbie Guidry
Older adults and people with disabilities who receive home and community-based services, including adult day services, may be called and invited to participate in an in-person interview for the National Core Indicators – Aging & Disabilities initiative. The calls will begin this week and continue through May.
Influenza Prevention and Response Webinar Available for Replay
On January 23, 2018 by Jonathan Lips
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has posted to its website the recording and presentation slides from its Jan. 12 webinar titled Preventing and Responding to Influenza in Minnesota Long-Term Care Facilities.
Home Health Conditions of Participation on Schedule, Guidelines Not Yet Available
On January 23, 2018 by Bobbie Guidry
Home health care agencies should now be complying with the new Conditions of Participation that went into effect Jan. 13. Unfortunately, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has yet to finalize the interpretive guidelines that offer more detailed information on certain measures.
Quarterly Payroll Based Journal Deadline Drawing Near
On January 23, 2018 by Jonathan Lips
Feb. 14 is the due date for care centers to submit Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) staffing data for the period Oct. 1, 2017 – Dec. 31, 2017. Submitting timely and accurate data may be especially important this quarter, as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has said it will utilize PBJ data in 2018 to calculate the staffing measures posted on the Nursing Home Compare website and used in the Five Star Quality Rating System.
Alzheimer’s Association Releases New Guidance for Dementia Care
On January 23, 2018 by Jodi Boyne
The Alzheimer’s Association last week released new recommendations designed to shape dementia care practices in care centers, assisted living, and home and community-based services.
Spread the Word: Promote the Face Aging MN Interactive Map
On January 23, 2018 by Jodi Boyne
We know it’s going to take a lot of us working together to best prepare Minnesota for the impact and opportunities of its fast-growing aging population. We need your help to start this important conversation in communities across the state. Join us in promoting the new Face Aging MN interactive map.
Congress Ends 3-Day Government Shutdown with Continuing Resolution
On January 23, 2018 by Jodi Boyne
A three-day government shutdown came to an end on Monday when the Senate advanced a continuing resolution to provide funding for the federal government through Feb. 8.
DHS Seeks Nursing Home PIPP Proposals
On January 23, 2018 by Julie Apold
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is seeking proposals for the next round of the Nursing Home Performance-Based Incentive Payment Program (PIPP). Proposals are due May 1. Incentive payments for selected projects will begin on Jan. 1, 2019.
Take the First Step to Continuous Quality
On January 23, 2018 by Julie Apold
The first step to quality improvement begins with recognizing that an opportunity for improvement exists. Do you know how to recognize opportunity? Watch our new Performance Excellence in Aging Services webinar to learn how to get started on a guided path to continuous quality.
Welcome New Members
On January 23, 2018 by Jodi Boyne
LeadingAge Minnesota continues to grow as a diverse and statewide cohort of individuals and organizations working together to transform and enhance the experience of aging. Our Board of Directors last week formally approved the following new members:
HHS Announces New Conscience and Religious Freedom Division
On January 23, 2018 by Jodi Boyne
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) last week announced the formation of a new Conscience and Religious Freedom Division in the HHS Office for Civil Rights.
Care Center Surveys Show Uptick in Activities Tags
On January 17, 2018 by Jonathan Lips
Thank you to all the members who turned out for our District Meetings last week. We are traveling to Districts A (Bagley), B (Grand Rapids) and C (Detroit Lakes) next week, and we hope to see many of you there. The program features a break out for care centers to discuss recent survey activities and outcomes. If the State surveyed your facility recently, please join us at Districts next week to share what you learned about the new process.
What Would a Government Shutdown Mean for LeadingAge Minnesota Members?
On January 17, 2018 by Jodi Boyne
Congress has until Friday, Jan. 19 to find agreement on an appropriations bill. If they fail to meet that deadline or fail to pass a continuing resolution to keep the government open, a partially government shut down will begin at midnight on Jan. 20. What does a government shutdown mean for LeadingAge Minnesota members and the people they serve?
Department of Labor Fines Increase for 2018
On January 17, 2018 by Kari Thurlow
Employers that violate laws enforced by the Labor Department’s Wage and Hour Division could face slightly higher civil penalties in 2018.
Paying a Ransom in Bitcoin? Yes, It Can Happen to You
On January 17, 2018 by Jodi Boyne
A few weeks ago in Advantage, we featured new Cybersecurity resources from LeadingAge with a cautionary note that providers of long term services and supports were especially vulnerable to ransomware. We have since learned of a ransomware attack that hit close to home right here in Minnesota, locking up files for nearly a week and forcing the provider to pay a fee – in bitcoin -- or risk losing their data with no way to replace or restore it. Are you prepared for a potential attack?
OnTrack Nursing Assistant Training Available Now!
On January 16, 2018 by Jenna Kellerman
Sign up today! LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation’s OnTrack Nursing Assistant Training program is now available. Contact the OnTrack team at 651.425.1110.
Tired of the Roadblocks and Detours? Take the First Step to Continuous Quality Improvement
On January 16, 2018 by Julie Apold
We are getting ready to kick-off the next round of our Performance Excellence in Aging Services program. If you’re tired of the roadblocks and detours that prevent you from achieving positive outcomes, satisfied customers and an engaged workforce, join us on the path to continuous quality improvement. Sign up today and plan to attend our March 15 kick off meeting.
Influenza Rates Spike with 55 Reported Long Term Care Outbreaks
On January 16, 2018 by Elizabeth Sether, RN, MHA, LNHA
Flu activity season is in full swing. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, influenza activity has moved from low rates to widespread. Hospitalization rates for 2017 – 2018 indicate that the 65+ age group has almost tripled all other flu cases for those who have been hospitalized. There have been 55 reported influenza-like illness outbreaks in long term care.
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