News Archives
October 2019 Archives
Below is a list of all of the articles published in the selected month, ordered from most recent to least.
Federal Policy Update; Capitol Hill Insights Call on Oct. 24
On October 15, 2019 by Jodi Boyne
In late September, Congress passed a continuing resolution that funds federal programs through Nov. 21. This means there is much work to be done when Congress returns from recess this month. LeadingAge has provided a Federal Policy Update on issues that matter most to you and will cover key issues on its Capitol Hill Insights call on Oct. 24.
Federal Judge Blocks Public Charge Rule
On October 15, 2019 by Jodi Boyne
A federal judge last week issued a nationwide preliminary injunction blocking the Public Charge final rule that would have allowed the government to base green card decisions on whether an immigrant could be later seen as a financial burden on taxpayers.
Senior Linkage Line: Support for Residents & Clients During Open Enrollment
On October 15, 2019 by Jodi Boyne
Medicare open enrollment runs from Oct. 15 – Dec. 7. The Senior LinkAge Line can help your residents and clients on Medicare navigate changes and ensure they have a plan Jan. 1 that meets their needs.
Are You Listed on the Safe Care for Seniors Committed Organization List?
On October 15, 2019 by Jodi Boyne
More than 425 LeadingAge Minnesota member sites have made the Safe Care for Seniors Pledge and the commitment to implement a 5-Step Action Plan that will help create safe, trusted and inclusive environments and prevent harm that can occur in the course of caregiving. We will soon release our Safe Care for Seniors Committed Organization list. Are you on it?
Care Centers: Negative Trend in Financial Results Continues; State-Specific Analysis Available
On October 15, 2019 by Jeff Bostic
The 34th Annual Skilled Nursing Facility Cost Comparison and Industry Trends Report released by CliftonLarsonAllen last week shows the median operating margin in care centers has dipped below zero.
CMS Will Issue Consumer Alert Icon to Highlight Abuse Citations on Nursing Home Compare & Penalize Care Centers through 5-Star System
On October 9, 2019 by Jonathan Lips
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced this week that it will use a Consumer Alert Icon on the Nursing Home Compare website to identify nursing homes with instances of non-compliance related to abuse, neglect and exploitation and will penalize these settings under the Five-Star Quality Rating System.
Care Centers Must Continue to Prepare for Phase 3
On October 9, 2019 by Jonathan Lips
With seven weeks to go until the effective date of the Phase 3 requirements for care centers, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has not finalized its proposed rule (“Regulatory Provisions to Promote Efficiency and Transparency”) published July 18 that would delay implementation of certain Phase 3 requirements and lighten other existing regulatory burdens for settings.
CMS Removes Two Quality Measures Relating to Pain
On October 8, 2019 by Julie Apold
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) plans to remove two quality measures relating to pain from the Nursing Home Compare website and the Five Star Quality Rating System.
Infection Prevention & Control: It’s Everybody’s Job
On October 8, 2019 by Heidi Simpson
Join our Oct. 25 webinar, The Important Role of Environmental Services in Infection Prevention and Control, for practical guidance on minimizing infection risks in your community.
What’s New in Assisted Living Surveys? Oct. 31 Webinar
On October 8, 2019 by Heidi Simpson
Surveyors are now looking at new areas based on 2019 legislative changes to the Comprehensive Licensure statutes. Learn what these new changes are and how MDH surveyors are incorporating them into assisted living surveys now by attending the Oct. 31 webinar Maintaining Compliance with Today’s Assisted Living Licensure Requirements. Register here.
Registration Instructions During System Upgrade (Oct. 8-15)
On October 8, 2019 by Heidi Simpson
Due to a system upgrade, LeadingAge Minnesota online registration will be unavailable Oct. 8 – Oct. 15. Please click here to register for any of our educational programs.
Senior LinkAge Line Reminder: Medicare Open Enrollment Begins Oct. 15
On October 8, 2019 by Bobbie Guidry
LeadingAge MN members are encouraged to share the following information with their residents: Medicare Open Enrollment will begin on Oct. 15 and run through Dec. 7. Senior LinkAge Line®, the state’s designated State Health Insurance & Assistance Program (SHIP), provides unbiased counseling and support to Medicare beneficiaries who would like to review their plan options. As a result, the Senior LinkAge Line’s call volume and wait time may be longer than usual during this busy time of the year.
Last Call: Register for October ALNET Meetings
On October 8, 2019 by Sue Boyd
Nurse Leaders -- Don’t let the month of October slip by and miss your chance to attend the final 2019 Assisted Living/Home Care Nurse Leader Network (ALNET) meetings.
Genevive, Medica and 10 Senior Care Organizations Partner to Offer Innovative Medicare Advantage Plans
On October 8, 2019 by Jodi Boyne
Seniors living in 78 Twin Cities-area long-term care and assisted living communities will have a new Medicare Advantage health coverage option to select for 2020 coverage if they qualify for its coverage requirements.
Shirley Barnes, Crest View Senior Communities, Re-Appointed to Governor’s Workforce Development Board
On October 8, 2019 by Jodi Boyne
Governor Tim Walz announced last week that Shirly Barnes, CEO of Crest View Senior Communities, has been re-appointed to the Governor’s Workforce Development Board.
Engage Staff in Decision Making
On October 8, 2019 by Jenna Kellerman
Getting staff input on decisions is important. When staff feel their opinion matters, they feel empowered in their roles and connected to the organization.
Medicare Advantage: 2020 Brings New Plans, Benefits and Opportunities for Providers
On October 8, 2019 by Jodi Boyne
Open enrollment for Medicare Advantage and Special Needs Plans begins Oct. 15 and presents a great opportunity for all housing and service providers to engage with those individuals whom they serve about their options.
CMS Releases Corrected PDPM Grouper Package
On October 8, 2019 by Sue Boyd
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has posted a corrected version of the latest PDPM DLL Package (V1.0003 FINAL), which includes identified grouper discrepancies and updated test files and documentation.
Ombudsman Recognizes Volunteers Who Advocate for Older Adults
On October 8, 2019 by Jodi Boyne
The Minnesota Office of Ombudsman for Long Term Care is recognizing Minnesotans who volunteer to advocate for the rights of residents in long-term care facilities as part of Resident Rights Month in October.
DHS Launches HCBS Provider Toolkit
On October 8, 2019 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has released a new Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Provider Toolkit that provides guidance, frequently asked questions, and examples of provider practices that support choice and autonomy for people who receive these services.
Leadership Rounding: New Resource & Video from Safe Care for Seniors
On October 8, 2019 by Jodi Boyne
Looking to create and enhance safe, trusted and inclusive environments where staff feel connected and appreciated, engaged in their work and your mission, and know they can speak up to prevent harm and ensure respect and dignity for all who live and work in your setting? Introducing: Leadership Rounding -- the latest tool from Safe Care for Seniors.
Mitch Boser, Elim Care & Rehab in Princeton, Receives Make Zero Harm Possible Award
On October 8, 2019 by Jodi Boyne
Mitch Boser, Environmental Services Director at Elim Care & Rehab Center in Princeton, recently received the Make Zero Harm Possible Award from LeadingAge Minnesota.
It’s Time to Get Nimble! New Member Portal Coming Soon
On October 1, 2019 by Lori Meyer
LeadingAge Minnesota is excited to launch Nimble—our new membership database—this month. As part of the launch, members will have access to Community Hub—a new member facing online portal that will allow you to:
Person-Centered Training for Dementia Care – Space Available for Oct. 22-23 Session
On October 1, 2019 by Heidi Simpson
The final installment of the 2019 Dementia Care Certificate Program, which takes place Oct. 22-23, is a two-day hands-on workshop focused on Person-Centered Care and Strategies to Avert Challenging Behaviors.
Free HUD 202 Webinar: RAD for PRAC - What 202 Owners Need to Know
On October 1, 2019 by Bobbie Guidry
Need an overview of the new RAD for PRAC authority and what it means for the preservation of 202/PRAC communities? Participate in free, members-only webinar on Wednesday, Oct. 16 at 3 p.m.
Time is Running Out: Register for Oct. 8 Safe Table on DNR Status and Response
On October 1, 2019 by Julie Apold
On Oct. 8, LeadingAge MN members have the unique opportunity to participate in a virtual Safe Table discussion that will provide insight and practical tips on how a Rapid Evaluation Team (RET) process can improve how staff call for and receive support in urgent or unexpected situations. An added bonus? Participating in this Oct. 8 virtual event will help you complete Action #3 in the Safe Care for Seniors 5-Step Action Plan.
Mike Demmer, Craig Kittelson Receive Lifetime Achievement Awards
On October 1, 2019 by Jodi Boyne
In recognition of their leadership to the field of the aging services and their many contributions to LeadingAge Minnesota, Mike Demmer and Craig Kittelson were honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards.
When Staff Survey Says ‘Lack of Communication’
On October 1, 2019 by Jenna Kellerman
A common concern on staff engagement surveys is “lack of communication” or “leadership doesn’t follow up on my concerns.” Often it feels like there is a disconnect as supervisors say they follow up on concerns raised by staff. So that begs the question: Do staff feel they aren’t being listened to because the follow-up loop was not completed?
GAO Examines Abuse Reporting in Nursing Homes vs. Assisted Living
On October 1, 2019 by Jodi Boyne
A recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, Elder Abuse: Federal Requirements for Oversight in Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities Differ, examined the variations in oversight and abuse reporting requirements between nursing homes assisted living.
Direct Care Workforce Provisions in New OAA Legislation
On October 1, 2019 by Jodi Boyne
A bill to reauthorize the Older Americans Act (OAA) would increase funding for programs that support older adults aging in place and includes provisions to help develop and expand the direct care workforce.