News Archives
December 2020 Archives
Below is a list of all of the articles published in the selected month, ordered from most recent to least.
Metro Health & Medical Preparedness Coalition Hosts PPEManagement Webinar
On December 23, 2020 by Libbie Chapuran
The Metro Healthcare Coalition is offering a mini-webinar on management and tracking of PPE on Monday, December 28, at 1:00pm. Mary Ryan and Aaron Aslakson from Walker Methodist will share tools created and used at their organization to track and manage PPE supplies. The webinar will be approximately 30 minutes and will include time for Q&A. If you’d like to attend this webinar, register HERE.
New Staff for the New Year
On December 23, 2020 by Jenna Kellerman
Start 2021 off with new staff joining your team!
Skilled nursing facilities have the ability to train caregivers quickly using the Basic Care Aide and Paid Feeding Assistant programs from EduCare. The expedited training programs are eligible under the current 1135 waiver, allowing you to train Basic Care Aides in just 9 hours and paid feeding assistants within 2 hours. Basic Care Aides are eligible to work in place of traditional nursing assistants.
JOIN US: Learn How You Can Impact the Assisted Living Licensure Rulemaking Process
On December 23, 2020 by Libbie Chapuran
Last week, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) published Proposed Rules and Notice of Hearing in the State Register. This effectively begins the formal public comment period on the proposed rules that will govern licensed assisted living settings after Aug. 1, 2021. This is a significant advocacy opportunity for LeadingAge Minnesota members, as the process invites the public to weigh in on the rules and express support or concerns.
Policy and Regulatory Considerations to Address Urgent Needs During the Pandemic Recommendations from
On December 23, 2020 by Libbie Chapuran
Minnesota's Serious Illness Action Network
To address urgent needs in serious illness care during (COVID-19), Stratis Health and Minnesota Network of Hospice & Palliative Care (MNHPC) convened a virtual forum in August 2020, resulting in a new report that includes action plans for the pandemic and beyond.
Carbon Monoxide Alarms in HUD and USDA Housing – Funding included in Bill
On December 23, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
Included in the passage of the 5,593 page COVID-19 relief and FY21 appropriations bills package is H.R. 1690, which requires HUD- and USDA-subsidized housing to have carbon monoxide alarms in units that have combustion-fueled appliances or a ventilation system that connects them to such units.
It’s Not Too Late! Nurse Loan Forgiveness Program Accepting Applications
On December 23, 2020 by Jenna Kellerman
The Minnesota Health Care Loan Forgiveness program cycle is now open and accepting applications through January 15, 2021. The Loan Forgiveness program is available for various health care professionals serving in high-need areas including nurses in long term care.
Resilience Tip: Holidays in the COVID-19 Era
On December 23, 2020 by LeadingAge
Featuring Dr. Alyson VanAhn, Associated Clinic of Psychology
You might have a familiar feeling during the holiday season: some feel excited, others may dread it, some are ambivalent, and others feel a mix of everything. Whatever your usual, this year brings new challenges as we all face the holidays without our typical freedom to celebrate (or avoid celebration) as we see fit.
Get Vaccinated - Be a Safe Care Hero
On December 23, 2020 by Julie Apold
Strategies to Boost Vaccination Rates
As the COVID-19 vaccine is becoming a reality, it is important to continue to address barriers that may cause staff or residents to be hesitant about getting the vaccine. The CDC outlines steps that may increase confidence in the vaccine and boost vaccination rates in your organization.
Update on Monoclonal Antibody Therapies
On December 23, 2020 by Kari Everson
LeadingAge Minnesota received information this week from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) about the status of implementation of monoclonal antibody therapies for COVID-19, and we wanted to share the lates with members.
Federal Aid Package Faces Uncertain Future
On December 23, 2020 by Jeff Bostic
On Monday evening, the Congress passed a $900 billion COVID-19 relief package that includes provisions that provide some additional assistance to long-term care providers. However, last night President Trump threatened to derail the bill and called on Congress to send a more suitable bill or wait until the next administration to deliver a COVID relief package.
Connect Conference and Annual Meeting Sampler Packages Now Available
On December 16, 2020 by Heidi Simpson
Did you miss this summer’s Connect Conference for senior living, assisted living and home care? Or the Annual Meeting & Leadership Forum in September? Not to worry – one of the benefits of hosting virtual events is the ability to record education sessions. Now you can purchase select sessions or a “sampler package” from these signature conferences for viewing on your own and with your staff.
Your Awesome Staff Deserve Recognition – Nominate them for Stars Among Us Awards
On December 16, 2020 by Barbara Landeen
Your staff has been working extremely hard this year in unprecedented conditions. Want to do something special for them? We have just the thing – our annual Stars Among Us Awards honor and celebrate caregivers, leaders and rising stars in our settings throughout Minnesota.
Carley, Koranne, and Kvenvold Named Three of Minnesota’s “100 Most Influential Health Care Leaders”
On December 16, 2020 by Libbie Chapuran
This year’s “100 Most Influential Health Care Leaders” list published by Minnesota Physician, a medical business journal, includes three prominent leaders at LeadingAge Minnesota: Jerry Carley, President and CEO; Benedictine; Dr. Rahul Koranne, President and CEO, Minnesota Hospital Association; and Gayle Kvenvold, President and CEO, LeadingAge Minnesota
2020 Leadership Academy Finishes Year as the Elite COVID Cohort
On December 16, 2020 by Barbara Landeen
We are proud to announce the 2020 Leadership Academy cohort has completed their program year in the most remarkable of circumstances. In a year like none other, this year’s class of 26 fellows gathered entirely in the virtual world for personal and professional leadership development, concluding with last week’s session on Transformational Leadership.
HUD releases first evaluation of Supportive Services Demonstration
On December 16, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
(HUD) research arm released the first of three evaluation reports of the Integrated Wellness in Supportive Housing (IWISH) demonstration program, which funds a full-time resident wellness director and part-time wellness nurse to work in HUD-assisted housing communities serving older adults. Launched in 2017, the three-year demonstration program aims to determine whether a well-funded, planned model of supportive services coordination in HUD-assisted senior housing provides compelling benefits.
Nurse Loan Forgiveness Program Accepting Applications
On December 16, 2020 by Jenna Kellerman
The Minnesota Health Care Loan Forgiveness program cycle is now open and accepting applications through Jan. 15, 2021. The Loan Forgiveness program is available for various health care professio
HUD releases first evaluation of Supportive Services Demonstration
On December 16, 2020 by Libbie Chapuran
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) research arm released the first of three evaluation reports of the Integrated Wellness in Supportive Housing (IWISH) demonstration program, which funds a full-time resident wellness director and part-time wellness nurse to work in HUD-assisted housing communities serving older adults. Launched in 2017, the three-year demonstration program aims to determine whether a well-funded, planned model of supportive services coordination in HUD-assisted senior housing provides compelling benefits.
DHS Awards Grants to Help Older Minnesotans Stay Independent
On December 16, 2020 by Lori Meyer
Helping older Minnesotans maintain their health, independence and community involvement is the goal of more than $7 million in grants the Minnesota Department of Human Services is awarding to organizations and facilities around the state.
COVID-19 Resource Round-Up: Vaccine Education Presentations
On December 16, 2020 by Terri Foley
One element of your vaccination education plan with your staff may be a Town Hall meeting or short presentations at staff meetings. Here are two Powerpoint slide decks that you can modify to meet your needs.
Detailed scripts accompany the presentation. They were developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and are part of the CDC COVID-19 Vaccine Communication Toolkit.
Building Team Resilience: Acknowledgement
On December 16, 2020 by LeadingAge
Featuring Dr. Alyson VanAhn, Associated Clinic of Psychology
Acknowledging what is right in front of us seems easy enough. We’re living through the shared experience of the devastating COVID-19 pandemic. However, on a regular basis, we tend to move through even the most difficult situations without acknowledging the huge impact it’s having on all of us.
PRF Phase Three Payments Going out to Providers
On December 16, 2020 by Jeff Bostic
Today, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) started distributing payments to providers who applied for phase three of the Provider Relief Fund (PRF) general distribution. Nationally, they are distributing $24.5 billion to more than 70,000 health care providers. The basis for the payments is half of the reported lost revenue and increased expenses from the first half of this year. Combined with previous PRF payments this is designed to cover the majority of the lost revenue and higher expenses experienced by health care providers through June.
MDH to Post Cumulative COVID-19 Data to Its Website
On December 16, 2020 by Jonathan Lips
The MN Department of Health (MDH) plans to post more data to its website about the impact of COVID-19 on nursing homes and assisted living settings than it is posting now.
MDH Publishes Proposed Assisted Living Licensure Rules and Notice of Hearing
On December 16, 2020 by Kari Thurlow
On Monday, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) published Proposed Rules and Notice of Hearing in the State Register. This effectively begins the formal public comment period on the proposed rules that will govern licensed assisted living settings after Aug. 1, 2021. This is a significant advocacy opportunity for LeadingAge Minnesota members, as the process invites the public to weigh in on the rules and express support or concerns.
Assisted Living Licensure Technical Changes Legislation Advances in 7th Special Session
On December 16, 2020 by Kari Thurlow
Legislature Adjourns without Bridge Funding for LTC COVID-19 Response
The Minnesota Legislature met yesterday for the seventh special session of 2020, required as the Governor extended the Peacetime Emergency for another 30 days, and to pass the latest round of COVID-19 relief. A $216 million COVID 19 relief package received bipartisan support in both the House and the Senate and is on its way to the Governor for his signature. The bill includes:
Welcome Luke Jenkins to LeadingAge Minnesota
On December 9, 2020 by Libbie Chapuran
We are excited to announce that Luke Jenkins has joined our team as the Director of Membership. Luke comes to LeadingAge Minnesota with almost 10 years of experience in the senior care field, most recently serving as Director of Community Relations and then Corporate Marketing & Sales Consultant with Ebenezer.
The Mentor’s Voice Launched
On December 9, 2020 by Jenna Kellerman
LeadingAge National has launched a new podcast called The Mentor’s Voice. This podcast, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, and other platforms, provides students and young professionals an opportunity to candidly learn from leaders in the field of aging. The goal is to disseminate wisdom and knowledge to emerging leaders and to inspire and inform their career journey.
Train Caregivers Fast with Basic Care Aide and Paid Feeding Assistant
On December 9, 2020 by Jenna Kellerman
Skilled nursing facilities have the ability to train caregivers quickly using the Basic Care Aide and Paid Feeding Assistant programs from EduCare. The expedited training programs are eligible under the current 1135 waiver, allowing you to train Basic Care Aides in just 9 hours and paid feeding assistants within 2 hours. Basic Care Aides are eligible to work in place of traditional nursing assistants.
HUD Disaster Preparedness Toolkit now available – Informational Webinar on Dec. 10
On December 9, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has issued a disaster preparedness toolkit for multifamily housing. Announced yesterday, the disaster preparedness “business continuity” toolkit for multifamily housing providers is now available. HUD will also be hosting a webinar on Thursday, Dec. 10, from 12:30-2 pm CST to share information on the new resource.
CMS Announces Updates to Five Star Quality Rating System
On December 9, 2020 by Jonathan Lips
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced (QSO-21-06-NH) on December 4 that the Five Star Quality Rating system will resume all updates with the January 2021 refresh. Due to the public health emergency (PHE) first issued in March 2020, the 3 domains of the rating system had previously been held constant at varying times throughout the past 9 months as a result of changes to health inspections and certain temporary regulatory waivers. During this time, CMS also unveiled the new Care Compare site, which officially replaced all legacy sites, including Nursing Home Compare, on December 1, 2020. Complete updates to the Five Star Quality Rating system will be available at the new Care Compare site on January 27, 2021.
Grant Applications for Technology to Ease Isolation coming in January
On December 9, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Home Care and Assisted Living Advisory Council announced their first project utilizing funds from the special revenue account established from fines related to home care survey findings. The Commissioner has approved an expenditure of $100,000 with a maximum per provider of $2500 to be granted for the purchase of technology and for training of staff to use devices to ease isolation for individuals served in assisted living and through home care agencies. More information and an application will be issued soon with an application period expected in January.