News Archives
May 2021 Archives
Below is a list of all of the articles published in the selected month, ordered from most recent to least.
Join the ECHO Collaborative
On May 26, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran
The Upper Midwest Nursing Home COVID-19 ECHO Collaborative invites you to join the ECHO community.
Drop into one of our Minnesota Training Center weekly 60-minute real-time interactive sessions. Prior participation is not required. Sessions are open to participants from both skilled nursing and assisted living.
DHS Offering Webinar on Disability Waiver Cost Reporting
On May 26, 2021 by Jeff Bostic
Beginning this year, providers of services to disability waiver clients must submit information on the cost of providing services to DHS. Providers are selected to submit information through the Disability Waiver Rate System (DWRS) cost reporting platform every five years. Providers selected for this first year were notified at the end of March.
Sign Up Today – Summer 2021 District Meetings
On May 26, 2021 by Luke Jenkins
This summer’s District Meetings will be held starting on June 8. Except for District F, which will meet in person in July, all meetings will be held virtually and will go from 1 – 3 p.m.
Assisted Living Licensure Clinical Workshop June 29 and 30
On May 26, 2021 by Heidi Simpson
There are new requirements for clinical departments related to the new assisted living licensure. A two-part virtual webinar series, Assisted Living Licensure Clinical Workshop, on June 29 and 30, provides nurses an in-depth review of the requirements for clinical departments related to the new assisted living licensure.
2021 Institute: Registration Open for On-Demand Content Access
On May 26, 2021 by Heidi Simpson
More than 3,300 professionals attended the 2021 virtual Institute last week. All sessions and keynote presentations are available for registered individuals to access on-demand viewing and earning CEUs from June 1 through July 31.
Leadership Academy Class of 2021 Announced
On May 26, 2021 by Barbara Landeen
LeadingAge Minnesota’s Leadership Academy 2021 Class of Fellows has been selected and will convene virtually on June 2.
Since 2010, Leadership Academy has developed leadership capacity and core competencies of more than 300 aging services professionals by tapping their natural talents and authentic leadership style. It blends leadership theory, applied learning, and personalized coaching to mentor current and emerging leaders in our field.
Save the Date: Pre-1974 HUD Section 202 Preservation
On May 26, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
Please join LeadingAge on Thursday, June 10 at 1 p.m. CT for a conversation about preserving pre-1974 Section 202 Direct Loan affordable senior housing communities. Nationally, there are more than 10,000 pre-1974 Section 202 Direct Loan apartments.
Resource Tip: Life Safety Code Documentation Forms Available to Care Centers
On May 26, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
The Minnesota State Fire Marshal (SFM) Healthcare Inspections team has posted several forms that nursing facilities can use to document required inspection of certain life safety features in your buildings. During our Institute last week, SFM inspector Roy Kingsley presented a session on commonly-cited life safety code deficiencies. As part of that, he emphasized the importance of thorough documentation.
Updated Information on Provider Enrollment for Assisted Living Providers
On May 26, 2021 by Jeff Bostic
With Assisted Living Licensure taking effect on Aug. 1, those settings that provide customized living services under the DHS waiver programs need to take action to ensure continued waiver payment. This document from the Long-term Care Imperative covers various scenarios and how to proceed with updating provider enrollment. Note that we have updated this document based on some DHS comments since the version in Advantage last week.
Care Centers Asked to Make Annual Case Mix Election
On May 26, 2021 by Jeff Bostic
Care centers are asked to make an annual Case Mix Election to determine the rate for Medical Assistance and private pay residents who stay 14 days or less. Providers choose either to do a Minimum Data Set (MDS) for all such residents and bill based on that case mix or decide not to do MDS and bill at the default (DDF case mix) rate.
July 1 Housing Support Rate Increases
On May 26, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
The annual recalculation of the Housing Support, formerly Group Residential Housing (GRH), which covers rent and raw food for eligible participants, has increased by $20 per month. The new rate of $954 will be effective July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022.
BELTSS Press Release Updates Status of LALD Applications
On May 26, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
Earlier this week, the Board of Executives for Long-term Services and Supports (BELTSS) requested patience from Licensed Assisted Living Director (LALD) applicants, provided an update on the licensing of Assisted Living Directors, and communicated a delay in the opening of applications for AL Directors in Residence.
At the Capitol: Deadlines loom for budget details and the upcoming special session
On May 26, 2021 by Matt Steele
This week, lawmakers are approaching a May 28, self-imposed deadline to decide how to allocate the money announced in the recent budget deal by legislative leaders last Monday. Throughout the week, only one legislative committee met publicly. There have yet to be any specific spending details released by budget area. With a looming special session presumed to happen on or before June 14, here is what you need to know about what is happening at the capitol this week.
Vaccination Rates Moving Closer to Goal for Long-Term Care Staff
On May 26, 2021 by Jeff Bostic
LeadingAge Minnesota has pulled together recent data on vaccination rates, both for long-term care staff in Minnesota as well as the general population in Minnesota.
Time for Care Centers to Select new QIIP Goals
On May 26, 2021 by Jeff Bostic
DHS recently prepared the data needed for all care centers in the Medical Assistance program to select a new goal to work on for another round of the Quality Improvement Incentive Payment Program (QIIP). Each year, based on their progress toward the goal they select, care centers receive a rate increase of $0 to $3.50 per resident day.
Lifting of Restrictions at Adult Day Centers
On May 26, 2021 by Roni Falck
Effective May 28, 2021, DHS is lifting all COVID-19 restrictions issued by DHS for operating adult day centers.
The Deadline to Convert to Assisted Living Licensure is June 1
On May 26, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
Time is almost up for current assisted living service providers to submit a conversion application to assisted living licensure. After June 1, a provider needs to apply for a new or “provisional” license with additional standards applied and no assurance that the license will be approved. Unlicensed settings are prohibited from providing assisted living services after Aug. 1.
FAQ: Can I Correct NHSN Data Once It Is Submitted?
On May 19, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
With CMS announcing that it will make public vaccination rate data submitted by nursing homes to the CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network, it reminds us of the need for providers to ensure accurate data reporting.
Register Now to Learn About Health Information Exchange Opportunity for Nursing Homes
On May 19, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
Audacious Inquiry (Ai), a health information technology company, will present a free webinar on May 25 from 9-10 a.m. to share information with LeadingAge Minnesota nursing home members about a health information exchange opportunity available until June 30.
Lifesprk and Tealwood Senior Living Partner as Lifesprk Senior Living
On May 19, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran
Lifesprk and Tealwood Senior Living have partnered to bring 35 senior living properties across multiple states under Lifesprk Senior Living.
"The current senior housing market, accelerated by the pandemic, created significant opportunity to provide a markedly different approach to senior living," said Joel Theisen, RN, BSN, Lifesprk CEO.
St. Francis Health Services Recognized for Achievement in Quality and Performance Excellence
On May 19, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran
St. Francis Health Services received the Award of Honor for Performance Excellence in Aging Services from LeadingAge Minnesota. The award recognizes an advanced level of continuous quality improvement and outstanding achievements in 24 management practices focused on leadership, strategy, customers, measurement, workforce and operations.
Transition to Assisted Living Notices Due Out by the End of May
On May 19, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has posted flow charts to assist settings in determining what, if any, notices must be issued to current residents and clients related to the transition to assisted living licensure. Notices, if needed, must be sent by May 31.
Minnesota Legislative Session Ends with Unfinished Business
On May 19, 2021 by Kari Thurlow
The Minnesota Legislature has adjourned the 2021 regular session, hours before the constitutionally required midnight adjournment, without passing a biennial budget. Lawmakers will need a special session to finish the job. For senior care providers, there are several key priorities left unresolved at this time. We are hopeful that legislators will address these in the special session.
DHS Provides Information on Provider Enrollment for Assisted Living Providers
On May 19, 2021 by Jeff Bostic
With assisted living licensure taking effect on Aug. 1, settings that provide customized living services under the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) waiver programs wonder what steps they need to take to maintain continued waiver payment. This document from the Long-Term Care Imperative covers various scenarios and how to proceed with updating provider enrollment. Based on information from DHS, here is what needs to be done for provider enrollment after licensure:
Resilience Tip: One Thing at a Time
On May 19, 2021 by LeadingAge
Featuring Dr. Alyson VanAhn from Associated Clinic of Psychology
By now, you’ve probably been bombarded with one stress after another. And then you hear one way to handle it after another. Resilience isn’t about doing anything perfectly or all at once.
Last Chance for Free COVID-19 Vaccine Ambassador Training
On May 19, 2021 by Jenna Kellerman
LeadingAge Minnesota will offer the final sessions of our COVID-19 Vaccine Ambassador training on Monday, June 7 and Thursday, June 10. The training is free. If you're interested in signing up, please email Jenna Kellerman to register by June 2.
Governor’s Order Rescinds Flexibility for Out-of-State Healthcare Professionals
On May 19, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
Governor Tim Walz has acted to roll back temporary workforce flexibility relating to out-of-state licensed healthcare professionals.
In April 2020, Gov. Walz issued Executive Order 20-46, which authorized out-of-state healthcare professionals who hold an active license in good standing issued by another state to provide healthcare service in Minnesota during the COVID-19 peacetime emergency. This policy applied to individuals who would otherwise be required to obtain a license to practice here from the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice or the Minnesota Board of Nursing, including LPNs, RNs, and APRNs.
Stars Among Us Award Goes to YOU!
On May 19, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran
The LeadingAge Minnesota Awards Committee is proud to announce the 2021 Stars Among Us award winner: YOU!
Each year at Institute, during one of the two general sessions, we introduce you to the amazing people recognized with our annual Stars Among Us awards – leaders, volunteers, board members and our top honor, the caregiver of the year. We consider it a highlight of the Institute.
LeadingAge Minnesota Institute Underway
On May 19, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran
On Tuesday, LeadingAge Minnesota kicked off the first day of the 2021 Institute. The Institute, held May 18-21, is the largest multi-day conference for older adult services professionals in the Upper Midwest. This year's event takes place on a virtual platform over four mornings and has more education sessions and available CEUs than ever before.
Preparing to Comply with the New Assisted Living Licensure Law – a Comprehensive Four-Part Workshop
On May 12, 2021 by Heidi Simpson
A four-part intensive workshop will provide a comprehensive overview of the various new requirements with which Assisted Living providers will be expected to comply under the new licensure law. We will offer the workshop in a virtual format in the mornings of May 26, 27 and July 13, 14. It includes several topics all in one program series rather than individual sessions. This is an excellent series for assisted living teams to attend together.