News Archives
February 2020 Archives
Below is a list of all of the articles published in the selected month, ordered from most recent to least.
Dr. Sharon Aadalen Named Board Trustee of the Year
On February 29, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
Dr. Sharon Aadalen, a member of the Board of Directors for Jones-Harrison in Minneapolis, was recently named Board Trustee of the Year by LeadingAge Minnesota.
Day at the Capitol - REGISTER BY MARCH 6
On February 29, 2020 by Libbie Chapuran
Have you signed up for our annual Day at the Capitol yet? It's not too late! Join us at the Capitol on March 19 to show lawmakers that we are committed partners in our shared goal to assure access to safe, quality care for older Minnesotans in the communities they call home.
Clinical Care and Nurse Consultant Resource Available for LeadingAge MN Members
On February 29, 2020 by Lori Meyer
We are in the process of filling our open Director of Clinical Care/Nurse Consultant position. In the meantime, we are pleased to announce that Kari Everson, RN, BSN, MSN, MHA, LNHA, has been engaged by LeadingAge Minnesota to provide clinical support to our members until a permanent replacement is found.
What to do with a $1.5 Billion Surplus?
On February 29, 2020 by Jeff Bostic
Minnesota’s latest budget forecast shows a slight increase in the projected budget surplus - $1.513 billion, up $181 million since November. What does this mean for this legislative session and aging services providers?
HCBS Scholarship Bill Advances in the House
On February 29, 2020 by Libbie Chapuran
The House Health and Human Services Policy Committee last week heard a bill to expand the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) employee scholarship program to allow loan forgiveness and expenses related to obtaining a licensed assisted living director credential.
Ecumen Advances Sanctuary Services Bill at State Capitol
On February 25, 2020 by Libbie Chapuran
Ecumen advanced legislation last week to launch a pilot project that will provide, short-term shelter, safety and advocacy for older adults affected by elder abuse.
CMS Accelerates Denial of Payment Remedy for Harm Level Citations
On February 25, 2020 by Jonathan Lips
Effective March 1, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) will impose Discretionary Denial Payment for New Admissions (DDPNA) on an accelerated basis for actual-harm level citations. The CMS-Chicago regional office has directed survey agencies in all Region V states (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin) to implement this new policy, citing a heightened level of surveys resulting in a deficiency at scope/severity level G or above during federal fiscal year 2019.
Registration Open for Health Care Engineers Conference
On February 25, 2020 by Jonathan Lips
Registration is open for the Minnesota Health Care Engineers Association (MHCEA) Spring Conference, set for Friday, May 1 at Treasure Island Resort & Casino.
Leadership Academy Applications Due March 2
On February 25, 2020 by Barbara Landeen
Applications to become a fellow in the 2020 Leadership Academy are due on March 2. This acclaimed program focuses on developing and strengthening personal and professional leadership qualities.
Quality Improvement: It’s Time for a New Direction
On February 25, 2020 by Julie Apold
Quality. It’s the leading indicator of your reputation, reimbursement and capacity to thrive in the evolving healthcare and consumer marketplace. Need help removing the roadblocks and detours on your path to quality improvement? We have a new direction. Take the first steps toward Performance Excellence in Aging Services in March.
Craig Stewart, Ecumen Meadows in Worthington, Named Volunteer of the Year
On February 25, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
Craig Stewart has been described as the enduring spirit of Ecumen Meadows in Worthington who makes life better for residents and staff alike. He recently received our prestigious Volunteer of the Year award for his deep commitment to the well-being of others and mission to give people with dementia the gift of memory.
Jennifer Pfeffer, Senior Regional Director of Operations at Ecumen, Receives Leadership Award
On February 25, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
Visionary Leader. Consummate professional. Highly skilled operator. Those words define Jennifer Pfeffer, Senior Regional Director of Operations at Ecumen, who was recently honored by LeadingAge Minnesota with the Kal Michels Outstanding Leadership Award.
The Real Truth of PDPM: HDG Provides Early Learnings for Senior Leadership
On February 25, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
It’s been five months since the Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM) went live. What have we learned since then? Let’s check in with Health Dimensions Group, who recently shared some early learnings at our Institute & Expo and recapped their presentation in a new blog post “The Real Truth of PDPM.”
MFAR Receives Bipartisan Pushback on Capitol Hill
On February 25, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
There are strong bipartisan concerns from federal lawmakers about the proposed federal rule that could eliminate up to $50 billion from the Medicaid program annually and have serious implications on aging services providers’ supplemental payments.
CMS Proposes Revisions to PASRR Rule
On February 25, 2020 by Jonathan Lips
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published a proposed rule on Feb. 20 that would revise requirements for Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR). While many of the changes seek to clarify or reinforce requirements already in statute, this overhaul could have significant implications for nursing homes.
Do the Right Thing: Rapid Evaluation Teams
On February 25, 2020 by Julie Apold
Safe Care for Seniors has released a new training video that will help staff know the right thing to do when they find a resident unresponsive or respond to urgent or unexpected situations. The 10-minute Rapid Evaluation Team video demonstrates a real-life scenario, provides an implementation action plan, and showcases the positive outcomes Carris Health Care Center & Therapy Suites in Willmar is experiencing as a result of this process.
Hot Off the Presses: 3rd Edition of Comprehensive Home Care Manual
On February 25, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
The LeadingAge Minnesota Comprehensive Home Care Manual – 3rd Edition is now available. This vital tool for Home Care Managers and RNs includes more than 140 sample policies and procedures, forms and checklists to comply with and manage operations of a Comprehensive Home Care Agency. Other new features include:
BENHA Seeks Comments on Proposed Rules for Health Service Executive
On February 18, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Board of Examiners for Nursing Home Administrators (BENHA) has published the notice of proposed rules for the Health Service Executive, which applies to individuals eligible or desiring the national Health Service Executive credential.
Sharpen Your Sales & Marketing Skills: Certificate Program Begins March 31
On February 18, 2020 by Heidi Simpson
Today’s consumers are more informed, prepared and savvy than ever before, requiring sales and marketing professionals in senior living to be prepared for a very personalized, multi-faceted approach. Our Sales & Marketing in Senior Living certificate program provides the tools, training and resources needed to successfully market your community, help consumers make informed choices and increase occupancy.
Now Active: VA Community Care Network
On February 18, 2020 by Roni Falck
The Community Care Networks (CCNs) from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are now active. CCNs replace the Veterans Choice Program and are designed to expand the provider network and improve customer service for veterans and timeliness of payments for providers. Along with Veterans Care Agreements, the CCNs are the main vehicle through which VA pays non-VA providers.
Apply Now for Live Well at Home Grants
On February 18, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is seeking proposals to develop and/or provide services for older Minnesotans to live and age in the community of their choice.
Early Bird Discount: MAPS “All In. Safer Together” Conference
On February 18, 2020 by Julie Apold
Early bird registration ends March 6 for the 2020 Minnesota Alliance for Patient Safety (MAPS) Conference. “All In. Safer Together.” takes place April 30 and May 1 in Brooklyn Park.
Spirit of Aging: Harold Hansen, Resident, Advocate and Volunteer at Saint Therese of Woodbury
On February 18, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
Harold Hansen, who lives at Saint Therese of Woodbury, was recently honored by LeadingAge Minnesota with the Spirit of Aging Award.
Scholarship Available: Advanced Degree in Long-Term Care
On February 18, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
The Robert L. Kane Endowed Chair in Long-Term Care and Aging has announced it will provide $40,000 in scholarship funding during the 2020-2021 academic year.
New Study: Less Nursing Homes, Growth in Post-Acute Care, Improved Quality
On February 18, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
A new study shows dramatic changes in nursing home over the past 30 years: a loss of 400 nursing homes, significant growth in post-hospital admissions and dementia care, a growing number of residents who are racial or ethnic minorities residents, and a dramatic drop in the use of restraints and inappropriate antipsychotic use.
HUD Seeks 15% Budget Cut but More Funding for Section 202 Housing
On February 18, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
Yes. You read that correctly. The U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) is seeking a 15% cut to its own funding in fiscal year 2021 that will have a detrimental impact on programs that serve older adults.
New Video Resource: PRACtical RAD Overview
On February 18, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
The U.S. Housing & Urban Development Department (HUD) has released the first of a series of short videos on RAD for PRAC.
1 in 6 Medicaid Dollars at Stake: Medicaid Takes a Hit in Trump Budget
On February 18, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
We delved deeper into the proposed fiscal year 2021 budget from the Trump Administration and discovered a $1 trillion spending cut that could impact aging services and the people you serve. While there is a lack of detail on where these cuts would come from and the budget is likely dead on arrival, it provides perspective on the Administration's vision for Medicaid that could come into play as part of the November election.
Safe Care for Seniors Action Honor Roll Announced
On February 18, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
Fifty-one LeadingAge Minnesota members have been named to the Safe Care for Seniors Action Honor Roll. The Action Honor Roll recognizes aging services providers who have made the Safe Care for Seniors pledge and demonstrated action and outcomes in prevention, safety, respect, learning and improvement, and collaboration.
We Count. Minnesota: 2020 Census Underway
On February 18, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
A new collaboration of businesses, governments, non-profits and community groups across the state have formed We Count. Minnesota to support a fair and accurate 2020 Census. Why do we need to count every person in Minnesota?