News Archives
June 2018 Archives
Below is a list of all of the articles published in the selected month, ordered from most recent to least.
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!
Rest in Peace, Helen
On June 19, 2018 by Jodi Boyne
Helen Miller, who served as the “face” of the Face Aging MN campaign, passed away on June 17. Helen’s story and her ongoing contributions to Helen’s Corner on the Face Aging MN blog helped raising awareness of issues that accompany our rapidly aging society. Her stories about growing older and advice on what it means to age well and live fully resonated with all audiences and were a key factor in the campaign’s success to date.
Looking for an Effective and Systematic Approach to Strategic Planning?
On June 19, 2018 by Julie Apold
Bring your team to discover new tools and approaches to your strategic planning process. As part of LeadingAge Minnesota’s Performance Excellence in Aging Services platform, the July 19 workshop A Systematic and Effective Approach to Strategic Planning unfolds the strategic planning process from preparation and prioritization to deployment and sustaining the plan.
Out of Reach: Wages Don’t Support Housing Needs for Senior Living Workers
On June 19, 2018 by Jodi Boyne
Jobs in senior living and care centers will continue to be among the fastest-growing types over the next decade, but wages continue to be a barrier to staff recruitment and retention.
DHS Conducting HCBS Transportation Access Study
On June 19, 2018 by Jeff Bostic
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has contracted with Navigant Consulting, the company that is also conducting studies on Elderly Waiver rates and the role of Adult Day services, to conduct a study of transportation access for home and community-based service enrollees, including both the elderly and disabled populations.
Share Your Data for Argentum’s Annual Largest Providers List
On June 19, 2018 by Jodi Boyne
Argentum is seeking participation from senior living providers that may qualify for its 2018 Largest Providers List.
OnTrack: State Exam Results Trending 6% Higher than Statewide Average
On June 19, 2018 by Jenna Kellerman
OnTrack Nursing Assistant Training has been available for nearly six months and has enrolled 106 students to date! Find out what everyone is raving about – call 651.425.1110 to schedule your OnTrack demo today.
LeadingAge Strikes Back on MedPAC Call to Lower SNF Pay Rates
On June 19, 2018 by Jeff Bostic
LeadingAge distributed a critical response to a recent recommendation by the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) to lower pay rates for skilled nursing facilities.
CMS Intends to Reverse Policy on Liquid Oxygen for Existing Buildings
On June 19, 2018 by Jonathan Lips
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) intends to issue guidance clarifying that existing care centers may store and use liquid oxygen in resident rooms without having to meet a fire-resistance enclosure rating.
CMS Finalizes Revisions to Remedies Policy
On June 19, 2018 by Jonathan Lips
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has finalized revisions to its policies regarding mandatory immediate imposition of federal remedies. Quality Safety and Oversight Memorandum 18-18-NH describes the changes and replaces two Survey & Certification memos previously issued on this topic.