News Archives
April 2021 Archives
Below is a list of all of the articles published in the selected month, ordered from most recent to least.
Registration Open for MHCEA Virtual Spring Conference
On April 28, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
Registration is now open for the Minnesota Healthcare Engineers Association (MHCEA) 2021 Spring Conference on May 27-28.
This year’s event will be virtual given the on-going impact of COVID-19. It features two half days of educational opportunities on regulatory compliance, maintenance, and safety issues, and sponsors will build virtual exhibit booth pages with information, photos and videos for you attendees to review and connect with them within the virtual platform.
Metro Mobility Community Conversation
On April 28, 2021 by Roni Falck
LeadingAge Minnesota will host a Community Conversation with Metro Mobility on Monday, May 3 from 10 – 11:15 a.m. via Zoom. Metro Mobility will share information on important service updates and much of the time will be used for questions. Our goal is to facilitate a discussion on barriers for service and potential improvements. If you have questions you would like shared with the Metro Mobility team in advance, please let us know. Please RSVP to Roni Falck if you would like to participate.
Mark Your Calendar: May 4 Coaching Room for Assisted Living Licensure Applications
On April 28, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
On May 4 from 3-4 p.m., LeadingAge Minnesota will focus the regularly occurring Coaching Room on applications for assisted living licensure and the Uniform Checklist Disclosure of Services, a component necessary for application.
Volunteer Opportunities Available for the Virtual 2021 Institute
On April 28, 2021 by Heidi Simpson
LeadingAge Minnesota is seeking volunteers to help facilitate sessions at the 2021 Institute, which is occurring virtually from May 18-21.
Even in a virtual environment, it takes a tremendous amount of behind-the-scenes work to make the Institute run as smoothly as possible. There are two opportunities to serve. One is acting as a session host. The role requires no previous experience, no public speaking, no need to appear on the screen and a very minimal time commitment, particularly for a session you might have been planning on attending anyway. We will provide a short list of simple instructions.
Safe Care for Seniors “I Pledge” Pins Available to Order
On April 28, 2021 by Julie Apold
Safe Care for Seniors “I Pledge” pins are now available for purchase on the LeadingAge Minnesota store for you to use as you bring new staff on-board, or take steps to engage or re-engage your staff in Safe Care. These pins have been a visual way for staff to show their on-going commitment to care that is safe from harm and provided with respect and dignity – always.
HUD Announces June Return To Physical Inspections
On April 28, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
On April 23, HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge announced that HUD will substantially increase housing inspections for Multifamily Housing communities and Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) during the public health emergency, including properties participating in the NSPIRE demonstration program, beginning June 1. The restarted inspections will temporarily provide properties with 28 days advance notice instead of the regular 14-day notice.
Expanded Emergency Preparedness Guidelines for Long-Term Care Facilities
On April 28, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
As we reported earlier this month, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued memorandum QSO-21-15-ALL providing updated guidance (Appendix Z) for all providers covered by the federal Emergency Preparedness requirements.
At the Capitol: The Legislature Debates the Health and Human Services Budget Proposals
On April 28, 2021 by Matt Steele
This week, lawmakers are debating the Health and Human Services (HHS) omnibus budget bills on the House and Senate floor. The proposals contain most of the policy priorities affecting the senior services sector. Here is what you need to know about each version of the bills and what the next few weeks ahead look like as we approach the end of the legislative session:
Layaway and Planned Closure Options for Addressing Low Occupancy in Care Centers
On April 28, 2021 by Jeff Bostic
The LeadingAge Minnesota and our partner in the Long-Term Care Imperative recently completed analysis of care center occupancy in 2020, which showed a historic drop due to the pandemic. While providers wait to see what happens with occupancy going forward, they do have a couple of options to address that issue.
Governor Walz Signs Bill Extending Protections for First Responders, Frontline Workers
On April 28, 2021 by Kari Thurlow
Governor Tim Walz has signed Chapter 12, HF 2253, into law, extending presumptive workers’ compensation eligibility for emergency first responders and front-line workers.
Resilience Tip: Loss, Revisited
On April 28, 2021 by LeadingAge
Featuring Dr. Alyson VanAhn from Associated Clinic of Psychology
Just when things are looking hopeful on the COVID front, we may find ourselves less than elated. We may have encouragement from lower COVID case counts, hospitalizations and death rates. This is progress. But, sometimes progress and hope improve our outlook and at the same time we are left perhaps more discouraged when losses continue or resurface.
Unemployment Insurance Relief Credited to Providers
On April 28, 2021 by Jeff Bostic
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is notifying providers that they have applied federal relief to 2020 unemployment insurance charges. Many not-for-profits are “reimbursing” providers under that program, meaning that they do not pay the regular unemployment insurance tax but must cover actual unemployment insurance costs. During the pandemic, those costs spiked due to employees who did not want to take the risk of working during the pandemic.
Providers and MDH Continue Working Toward Vaccination Goal
On April 28, 2021 by Jeff Bostic
In the most recent Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) update, staff rates for full vaccination were 58% in all reporting care centers and 49% in all reporting assisted living settings. These numbers both increased 1% from the previous week. To reach the MDH goal of 70% staff vaccination rates, providers will need to continue encouraging vaccinations among staff. MDH is now limiting reporting for providers who are meeting the goal rates for residents and staff, and as of the most recent report, 26% of providers are meeting the goal.
MDH Submits Modifications to Assisted Living Licensure Rule, Requests Reconsideration
On April 28, 2021 by Kari Thurlow
On April 16, MDH filed a response to the Proposed Assisted Living Licensure Rules to the Office of Administrative hearings and requested that Chief Judge Starr review and approve the rule with the modifications proposed. Modifications were made necessary dues to the disapproval of certain aspects of the rule as originally submitted. Other modifications were suggested by the Administrative Law Judge for clarity.
CDC, CMS Publish Updated Guidance for Healthcare IP&C in Response to COVID Vaccinations
On April 28, 2021 by Kari Everson
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published updated infection prevention and control recommendations in response to COVID-19 vaccinations yesterday. Following closely behind the CDC, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published two revised memos yesterday as well: QSO 20-38 and QSO 20-39. The QSO memos are revised with the recent CDC guidance updates.
Waiver Reimagine Office Hours
On April 21, 2021 by Roni Falck
The Minnesota Department of Human Service’s Waiver Reimagine project team is hosting open office hours to discuss and understand the recent changes to Minnesota’s waiver programs. DHS will provide updates and review some common questions received about how to implement changes related to the simplified service menu.
Deadline Approaching! Apply for Leadership Academy
On April 21, 2021 by Barbara Landeen
The deadline to apply for LeadingAge Minnesota’s Leadership Academy is Monday, April 26. Invest in developing your leaders through this multi-session program that includes leadership theory, applied learning and coaching by seasoned mentors.
It’s Not Too Late! Participate in Careers in Aging Week
On April 21, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran
LeadingAge and Argentum, our national partners, are joining the Gerontological Society of America and AHCA/NCAL to promote Careers in Aging Week from April 18-24.
HUD Updates Section 202 NOFA FAQs
On April 21, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
On April 15, HUD updated the Frequently Asked Questions associated with the Section 202 Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA), applications for which are due May 26. Based on the questions submitted, HUD has updated the FAQs. The new update includes questions on Opportunity Zones, FHA-insured financing in the development of projects, Environmental Review contacts, Appraisals, Physical Design, and Income Restrictions. The new questions are numbered 4, 16, 17, 30, 31, 32, 33, and 61 in this updated FAQ on the 202 NOFA website.
Round Two of FCC COVID-19 Telehealth Program Announced
On April 21, 2021 by Lori Meyer
The Federal Communications Commission’s Wireline Competition Bureau will begin accepting applications for Round 2 of the COVID-19 Telehealth Program on Thursday, April 29 at www.fcc.gov/covid19telehealth. The filing window will last seven calendar days and close on Thursday, May 6 at 11 a.m. CT. Round 2 of the COVID-19 Telehealth Program is a $249.95 million federal initiative that builds on Round 1—a $200 million program established as part of the CARES Act.
Dementia Live Training Grants Available
On April 21, 2021 by Lori Meyer
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), 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.
PIPP Program Applications Open
On April 21, 2021 by Jeff Bostic
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has posted materials related to applying for the Performance Incentive Payment Projects (PIPP) program on the nursing facility provider portal (see the links posted about halfway down the main page). Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, DHS has adjusted the timeline for PIPP this year. PIPP proposals are due to DHS by July 1, and DHS indicates that it will still work to complete the contracting process and start rate increases by Jan.1, 2022.
Assisted Living Licensure Rules Report Update
On April 21, 2021 by Kari Thurlow
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has filed a response to modify the Proposed Rules Governing Assisted Living Facilities, requesting that the judge review and approve the rule in its entirety with its suggested modifications.
Now Available - Vaccine Ambassador Training
On April 21, 2021 by Jenna Kellerman
According to the Institute of Healthcare Improvement, the most effective way to address vaccine hesitancy is through conversations with trusted peers. LeadingAge Minnesota has piloted COVID-19 Vaccine Ambassador training, a new Safe Care for Staff initiative for frontline staff. We have scheduled additional training opportunities on April 30, May 3, and May 6. The training is free. Please register by April 28.
Providers and MDH Continue Working Toward Vaccination Goal
On April 21, 2021 by Jeff Bostic
In the most recent Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) update, staff rates for full vaccination were 57% in all reporting care centers and 48% in all reporting assisted living settings. These numbers are essentially unchanged from the previous week. To reach the MDH goal of 70% staff vaccination rates, providers will need to continue encouraging vaccinations among staff. MDH is now limiting reporting for providers who are meeting the goal rates for residents and staff, and as of the most recent report, 25% of providers were meeting the goal.
COVID-19 Guidance & Resource Round-Up
On April 21, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) posted an update on April 20 to its Long-term Care Visitation Guidance Flowchart for Outbreak Status tool. MDH first released this resource a few weeks ago as a companion to its updated guidance on indoor visitation. The April update provides additional information to explain how outbreak testing and visitation intersect.
HHS Renews Public Health Emergency Declaration
On April 21, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services took action to extend the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) for another 90 days, effective April 21, 2021.
The PHE will now be in place until July 20, and the Section 1135 emergency blanket waivers for nursing facilities will continue over that time unless CMS terminates explicitly one or more of the waivers before that date.
Rising Positivity Rates Means More Testing for Care Centers
On April 21, 2021 by Jeff Bostic
After rising to very high levels in late 2020, positivity rates of COVID-19 tests in Minnesota dropped dramatically in early 2021. In addition to providing a welcome drop in cases in long-term care settings, it also meant a reduced testing burden in care centers where a federal mandate ties surveillance testing frequency to the county positivity rate.
Proposals Advance in Minnesota House that Could Impact Housing Providers
On April 21, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
Last week, after a lengthy debate, the Minnesota House approved the Omnibus Housing Bill (HF 1077) on a 69-62 vote. The bill, authored by Rep. Alice Hausman (DFL-St. Paul), includes a variety of budget and policy provisions related to housing and will now move to the Senate, where Sen. Rick Draheim (R-Madison Lake) is the sponsor of the companion bill (SF 969). However, there are stark differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill, so lawmakers will likely need a conference committee to work out differences between the two legislative bodies.
Leadership Academy Application Deadline is April 26
On April 14, 2021 by Barbara Landeen
The deadline to apply for LeadingAge Minnesota’s Leadership Academy is Monday, April 26. Invest in developing your leaders through this multi-session program that includes leadership theory, applied learning and coaching by seasoned mentors.