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.
DHS Issues Memo on Temporary Absence Waiver for Housing Support (GRH) Recipients
On December 9, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) Housing Support team has published a memo regarding the end of the temporary absence waiver that has been in place under the authority of the Governor's Emergency Executive Order 20-12, under which the DHS Commissioner waived certain absence day requirements for Housing Support recipients. The absence waiver allowed for absences longer than 18 days per absence and/or beyond 60 days total in this calendar year. The absence waiver is for people who are temporarily absent due to offsite quarantine, isolation, or hospitalization. The absence waiver is ending on Dec. 30, 2020. There is no authority to extend beyond this date.
New Confirmed COVID-19 Case Guidance for ADS Centers
On December 9, 2020 by Roni Falck
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) recently released guidance for Adult Day Centers relating to policies and processes for confirmed cases of COVID-19 amongst staff and participants. The new guidance must be added to each center’s COVID-19 Preparedness Plans and includes the following elements:
COVID-19 Resource Round-Up: Vaccination Education
On December 9, 2020 by Terri Foley
Two COVID-19 vaccines are close to being approved for Emergency Use Authorization by the FDA. To help you prepare staff and residents for vaccination availability, here are some tools to customize.
Building Team Resilience During COVID-19: Nurturing for Self and Team
On December 9, 2020 by LeadingAge
Featuring Dr. Alyson VanAhn, Associated Clinic of Psychology
Our focus this week is on providing small doses of nurturing—for yourself and your team— in order to build resilience for all. In addition to the compliments we discussed in last week’s article, a focus on what’s most nurturing at a basic level can be very helpful to restore a sense of comfort in the most difficult times.
Be a Safe Care Hero: Get Vaccinated
On December 9, 2020 by Julie Apold
Safe Care Vaccine Campaign Underway
The COVID-19 vaccine is coming, but we know that it will not be effective if people don’t get vaccinated. Over the coming weeks we will be promoting the importance of getting vaccinated through the Safe Care for Seniors Living the Pledge Campaign.
Fewer Minnesota Providers Qualified for October Infection Control Incentives
On December 9, 2020 by Jeff Bostic
Today, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) started distributing the second round of infection control incentive payments to care centers who earned them for the month of October. They also released the details about which providers received payments and how much the payments were.
COVID-19 Screening Protocol Changes
On December 9, 2020 by Kari Everson
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) modified how surveyors should look at staff screening procedures and they have removed the requirement for active screening. Requirements for the organization in reference to staff screening include the need for a screening process that all staff must complete prior to or at the beginning of their shift.
MDH Issues Vaccine Prioritization Guidance
On December 9, 2020 by Kari Everson
First Phase to Include Healthcare Personnel and LTC Residents
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) issued two documents on Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2020 discussing several topics regarding vaccines. Recommendations for initial Phase 1a vaccination include healthcare personnel and residents of long-term care facilities.
Nursing Leadership Certificate Program Begins Dec. 16
On December 2, 2020 by Heidi Simpson
If ever there were a time to develop and support nurse leaders in our field, this is it. They are looked upon to deliver best in class service, meet stringent regulatory requirements, develop an effective quality process, navigate the evolving challenges of a pandemic, lead and motivate a staff team that is stretched to capacity – and so much more.
Safe Practices for Glove Use: New Video Available
On December 2, 2020 by Julie Apold
Appropriate use of gloves and hand hygiene practices related to glove use is an important component of effective infection prevention practices and is a practice that is frequently cited during infection control surveys.
Safe Care for Seniors: Dec. is Hand Hygiene and Glove Month
On December 2, 2020 by Julie Apold
Join Your Colleagues in Creating Safe Hand Hygiene and Glove Use Habits across our communities. The Living the Pledge Campaign monthly infection prevention campaign is now entering its second full month to help keep residents and fellow team members safe from harm.
DHS Posts Rate Notices for Most Care Centers
On December 2, 2020 by Jeff Bostic
DHS recently posted 2021 calendar year Medicaid rate notices for almost all care centers in the Nursing Facility Provider Portal. These rates are based on the cost reports for the year ended September 30, 2019 and will not reflect any COVID-19 related cost increases.
Licensed Assisted Living Director Rules Published
On December 2, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Board of Executives for Long Term Services and Supports (BELTSS) has published the draft rules for the licensure of assisted living directors and has reached the hearing process. Included in the draft rules (pages 515-539) are requirements for licensure, courses, the director in residence requirements, course provider program review and continuing education. The draft rules and Statement of Need and Reasonableness (SONAR) for the Licensed Assisted Living Directors (LALDs) can be accessed on the BELTSS website.
MDH Home Care Matters Call Provides Information on Transition to Assisted Living Licensure
On December 2, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
In a special “Home Care Matters” call this week, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) provided basic information on assisted living licensure and the transition for settings currently registered as Housing with Services Establishments with “arranged home care providers” to licensure as assisted living facilities.
CMS Updates Nursing Home Infection Control Survey Tools
On December 2, 2020 by Jonathan Lips
CMS last week posted updates to several nursing home survey tools and documents:
Updated Quarantine Guidance
On December 2, 2020 by Kari Everson
Information is circulating that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is updating its quarantine guidance to say quarantine can be shortened to 7 days if the individual is asymptomatic and has a COVID negative test.
Not too late! Register for the Pharmacy Provider Program (PPP) by Dec. 4
On December 2, 2020 by Kari Everson
Long-term care providers were asked to sign up with a pharmacy partner to administer vaccines to residents when a COVID-19 vaccine becomes available. The PPP program sign-up deadline has passed and LeadingAge Minnesota recently received several questions about what to do if an organization was unable to sign up for the PPP program within previous deadline.
If you have not signed up with a pharmacy vaccine partner and would still like to, please email MDH at health.covid.vaccine@state.mn.us as soon as possible. MDH and CDC would like this finalized by the end of day on Friday, Dec. 4, 2020.
Billing Guidance for Care Center Staff Testing
On December 2, 2020 by Jeff Bostic
Due to the overlapping mandates for testing of staff and residents during outbreaks and of staff based on the positivity rate in the county, the Long-term Care Imperative has been working with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Department of Human Services (DHS) on clarifying how staff testing should be billed when both requirements apply.
MDH Updates Guidance on Return to Work by Healthcare Personnel Exposed to COVID-19
On December 2, 2020 by Jonathan Lips
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) shared updated information this week on the issue of whether a healthcare worker who experiences a high risk exposure to COVID-19, but who is asymptomatic and has not tested positive for the virus, may return to work prior to the end of his or her 14-day quarantine if staffing needs are acute. The information is consistent with prior guidance from MDH, but we want to be sure members have access to the latest published standards on this and on the related issue of asymptomatic staff who have tested positive.
Long-term Care Residents to be Included in Phase 1A COVID-19 Vaccine Plan
On December 2, 2020 by Kari Everson
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) held an emergency meeting on Dec. 1 to review allocation recommendations for vaccines in phase 1 distribution. The advisory committee voted to include resident’s of long-term care communities in Phase 1A of vaccination. Long-term care residents now join healthcare workers in Phase 1A vaccination recommendations. For more information on ACIP you can visit the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices website.
State Budget Forecast Shows Improved Financial Picture
On December 2, 2020 by Jeff Bostic
Earlier this year, the state produced two special budget updates to look at the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the state’s economy. Those updates showed disturbing projected budget shortfalls of $2.4 billion for the current biennium and $4.7 billion for the biennium starting July 1, 2021. Since that time, state revenue collections have exceeded expectations and the budget looks more positive.