News Archives
March 2021 Archives
Below is a list of all of the articles published in the selected month, ordered from most recent to least.
NEW! Assisted Living Licensure Implementation Tools
On March 10, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
In preparation for licensure of Minnesota’s assisted living settings on Aug. 1, LeadingAge Minnesota has prepared several new tools to help you prepare for implementation.
Assisted living settings will be required to apply for licensure by June 1. Although the rules have not yet been finalized and legislative discussions continue, it is important to prepare for your setting’s application for licensure and for implementation. To aid you in your efforts, we have launched tools and checklists to help you as you prepare for licensure:
Work to Craft Assisted Living Licensure Technical Legislation Stalls
On March 10, 2021 by Kari Thurlow
Over the past several weeks, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has convened provider, consumer and agency stakeholders in a series of meetings to identify additional changes to the assisted living licensure law in order to pass a bill during the 2021 legislative session. The goal was to reach stakeholder consensus on a set of changes that are critical to the smooth, timely implementation of the assisted living licensure law later this year and work with lawmakers to pass those changes in this legislative session.
Governance Workshop for Executive and Board Teams
On March 3, 2021 by Alecia Crumpler
A two-part governance workshop series for executive and board teams explores how to position your organization for strength and growth as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Learn More about Safe Care for Seniors: 3-part Virtual Workshop
On March 3, 2021 by Julie Apold
Want to know more about Safe Care for Seniors? Join our 3-part virtual workshop A Practical Guide to Providing Safe Care for Seniors on April 6, 13 and 20. This series is for organizations wanting to learn about this initiative and staff in participating organizations who have not yet completed training.
Click here to see details and register.
Register by March 6 for Week at the Capitol
On March 3, 2021 by Matt Steele
Calling all members – join our largest advocacy event of the year, the virtual Week at the Minnesota State Capitol, March 15-19. We need your voice to raise awareness for the needs of older adults and their caregivers with lawmakers.
Employer Applications for Summer Health Care Internship Program Due April 9
On March 3, 2021 by Jenna Kellerman
Employer applications are being accepted for the 2021 Summer Health Care Internship Program (SHCIP). Hospitals, clinics, nursing facilities, home care providers and adult day services facilities are encouraged to participate on behalf of qualified students in their community.
DHS Offers Grants for Online Dementia Training and Certification for Nursing Facilities
On March 3, 2021 by Lori Meyer
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), through the State Civil Monetary Penalties (CMP) Initiative, is seeking proposals from qualified Minnesota Medicaid-Certified Nursing Facilities that are interested in implementing an online Dementia Care Training and Certification Program.
Safe Care for Seniors News: Addressing COVID-related De-conditioning in the Elderly
On March 3, 2021 by Julie Apold
As part of our Safe Care for Seniors work, we have a process in place for collaborative learning and sharing called “Safe Tables.” A Safe Table is a safe space to come together and explore a specific and actionable quality/safety issue by conducting a deep dive into the key factors contributing to the issue and developing and sharing successful strategies and tools.
Federal COVID-19 Package Passes House, Moves to Senate
On March 3, 2021 by Kari Thurlow
Federal lawmakers continue to move forward with a COVID-10 response package. Last weekend, the House passed the $1.9 trillion package and now the legislation is being considered in the Senate.
While the current package includes investments in infection control teams for care centers and an enhanced Medicaid match for HCBS Waivers, it fails to provide to the existing Provider Relief Fund.
MDH to Host Two Assisted Living Licensure Webinars
On March 3, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Department of Health will host two webinars on assisted living licensure in upcoming days.
First, on March 4 from 10-11:30 a.m., MDH will host a presentation regarding assisted living licensure in relation to customized living providers. Presentation materials will after the call at Assisted Living Fact Sheets.
Updated Date and Time: Legacy Licensed Assisted Living Director Application Process Coaching Room
On March 3, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
Join us on March 17 at 2 p.m. for an open discussion on the application process for licensing as an Assisted Living Director (LALD). To accommodate a Minnesota Department of Health webinar on assisted living licensure on March 18 from 10 - 11:30 a.m., we moved the LALD Coaching Room from its original date and time.
HCBS Scholarship Application Webinar Coming Soon
On March 3, 2021 by Jenna Kellerman
The Minnesota Department of Health, Office of Rural Health and Primary Care, is soliciting grant proposals from providers of adult day care, home care, and housing with services to provide educational scholarships for their employees. You can find the HCBS Scholarship Program details, application, and forms on the MDH website.
CMS Updates Isolation Coding on the MDS
On March 3, 2021 by Kari Everson
The Minnesota Department of Health Case Mix Review team released information on updated documentation requirements when isolation is coded on the MDS under O0100M. This updated information will be effective for all MDS’ with an assessment reference date (ARD) on or after Friday, March 5. In order to correctly code O0100M, Isolation on the MDS, case mix review auditors will check for required documentation in the resident’s medical record. This required documentation includes:
DHS Works to Align Customized Living with Assisted Living Licensure
On March 3, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
On Feb. 18, DHS sent a communication to all enrolled customized living providers about new assisted living facility licensure requirements and how they affect providers’ ability to provide customized living services. The communication was sent to each provider’s MN-ITS.
DHS Funding Available for Dementia Live Training Program
On March 3, 2021 by Lori Meyer
The Minnesota Department of Human Services, through the Nursing Facility Rates and Policy (NFRP) Division and the State Civil Monetary Penalties (CMP) Initiative, is seeking proposals from qualified Minnesota Medicaid-Certified Nursing Facilities that are interested in implementing a Dementia Live Training Program.
COVID-19 Courage Fund Grant Responders’ Call for Rural Providers
On March 3, 2021 by Terri Foley
If you have questions about applying for a Courage Fund through LeadingAge MN Foundation (LAMF), join a 45-minute Grant Responders’ Call from 11 - 11:45 a.m. on March 11. Register for call in advance.
Resilience Tip: Trauma & Resilience
On March 3, 2021 by LeadingAge
Featuring Dr. Alyson VanAhn from Associated Clinic of Psychology
In senior care, many of us are doubling up on trauma exposure, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is one thing to experience a traumatic event personally—and another to do this in addition to watching others cope with trauma daily. This can have negative effects on our well-being. Fortunately, we can experience post-traumatic stress without this becoming a long-term issue. Our resilience strategies can help.
CDC Updates Guidance on Well-Fitting Masks In Q&A Document
On March 3, 2021 by Kari Everson
On February 10th, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a MMWR article discussing well-fitting masks. The study shows the better a mask fits around the user’s face, the better the protection against contracting COVID-19. Methods to increase mask fitting include a mask fitter, tucking and looping a surgical or procedural mask, or wearing a cloth mask over the surgical or procedure mask.
COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics in Long-Term Care Nearing Completion
On March 3, 2021 by Jeff Bostic
In the most recent update from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), based on data through last Wednesday, clear progress on completing vaccination clinics has been made. At that point, 43% of care centers had completed their third vaccination clinics, and 56% of assisted livings had conducted a second clinic. Both numbers rose dramatically in just the last week, keeping the program on track to complete all clinics in a few weeks.
Johnson & Johnson Vaccination Clinic Slated for the Weekend in Eagan
On March 3, 2021 by Kari Everson
MDH was able to order a large number of doses of the newly authorized Johnson & Johnson Janssen Ad-Vac (J&J), which utilizes 1 dose to vaccinate against COVID-19. The doses will be delivered to the state mid-week.
Hot Topic: Health Care Workers Travel & Quarantine
On March 3, 2021 by Kari Everson
Heath care workers (HCW) and travel is a topic that continues to elicit questions because of the complexity and multivariate nature of the guidance. Current guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health recommends abstaining from travel due to the pandemic. If HCWs decide to travel, you should consider the following information as you create organizational protocols that best address your expectations regarding travel to keep staff and residents safe.
At the Capitol: Vaccine Rollout Remains Top Priority for Lawmakers
On March 3, 2021 by Matt Steele
As March begins, state health officials reported a new vaccine milestone. As of March 2, 53% of Minnesota seniors received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Building off this announcement, Governor Tim Walz stated that his administration will not move on from the current vaccine distribution phase until 70% of Minnesotan’s ages 65 and over have been fully vaccinated. With the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine arriving in Minnesota this week, Walz believes the state can reach the 70% senior benchmark by April. Here is what you need to know about what’s happening at the Capitol: