News Archives
August 2021 Archives
Below is a list of all of the articles published in the selected month, ordered from most recent to least.
2021 Connect Conference Coming Soon
On August 25, 2021 by Heidi Simpson
The 2021 Connect Conference for Senior Housing, Assisted Living, and Home Care is on Oct. 27-28 at the Earle Brown Heritage Center, Brooklyn Center. Save the dates and watch for conference and registration information coming later this week.
Annual Meeting Virtual Schedule to be Updated
On August 25, 2021 by Heidi Simpson
Last week’s announcement of a Virtual Annual Meeting & Leadership Forum will change the event schedule. The conference will be all virtual, half-days on the original dates of Sept. 22-24 and additionally on Oct. 5.
Quality & Patient Safety Conference - Oct. 13-14
On August 25, 2021 by Heidi Simpson
We are pleased to announce the 2021 Quality & Patient Safety Conference on Oct. 14. Additionally, we are holding a pre-conference workshop, Foundations of Quality Improvement, on Oct. 13.
This pair of events helps position your organization to refine its quality improvement programs, use data information to drive decision-making, and develop and implement solutions to address priority issues.
New! 2021-22 Nursing Leadership Certificate Program Open for Registration
On August 25, 2021 by Heidi Simpson
LeadingAge Minnesota’s acclaimed Nursing Leadership Certificate Program returns for 2021-22 and is open for registration. This program has a 30+ year track record of equipping nurses with critical leadership and operational skills to provide high-quality care and services in care centers and assisted living settings.
Learn More About Your Association at New Member Orientation
On August 25, 2021 by Luke Jenkins
Are you new to LeadingAge Minnesota? Do you want to learn more about your Association? Would you like to find ways to engage?
Join the recurring LeadingAge Minnesota New Member Orientation Session that happens every fourth Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. Register for the session that works best for your schedule. The next session is on Sept. 28.
Engage with Argentum’s “Release the PRF” Campaign
On August 25, 2021 by Matt Steele
Argentum, a national affiliate of LeadingAge Minnesota, has launched a 5-week campaign to encourage the federal government to release Provider Relief Funds promised to long-term care providers to assist in responding to COVID-19.
LeadingAge and Argentum Urge OSHA Not to Make COVID Standards Permanent
On August 25, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
In public comments filed this week, both LeadingAge and Argentum urged the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) not to make the agency's Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) for COVID-19 a permanent part of the regulatory landscape. The ETS is only effective for six months from its publication date of June 21 unless OSHA acts to make it permanent.
DHS Planning to Conduct Quality of Life Surveys this Fall
On August 25, 2021 by Jeff Bostic
After canceling them in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Minnesota Department of Health (DHS) intends to conduct in-person resident quality of life surveys this fall in addition to mailed surveys to family members. For the first time, these surveys will include both care centers and licensed assisted living settings. As in past years, DHS has contracted with Vital Research to conduct these surveys, and they will contact administrators early this fall to set up the survey process. DHS is planning to send an informational letter to assisted living facilities about the new survey in advance of contact from Vital Research.
What to Do When You Have a COVID-19 Outbreak
On August 25, 2021 by Kari Everson
In the last several weeks, the number of COVID-19 outbreaks in nursing homes and assisted living settings have increased. Because there was an extended time when outbreaks were low, we have received many questions about handling them, specifically visitation and testing.
Staff Vaccination Rates Reach 66% in AL and SNF Settings Across the State
On August 25, 2021 by Jeff Bostic
The most recent Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) update on long-term care vaccination shows slow progress continuing for staff rates, while resident rates remain outstanding.
Safe Care Living the Pledge: Self Care for Safe Care
On August 25, 2021 by Julie Apold
Staff at all levels are experiencing stress and burnout from their experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, and unfortunately, we know the pandemic is not over. To address this stress and help teams thrive, the LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation is releasing a set of resources to help teams and individual staff process, recover, and renew from the trauma of COVID-19.
CMS Vaccine Mandate: Knowns, Unknowns and Next Steps
On August 25, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
Since President Biden announced last week that CMS will develop regulations requiring all nursing homes to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for their staff, LeadingAge Minnesota has been working closely with our national affiliate LeadingAge to seek additional information, better understand the directive, and advocate on behalf of our members.
President Biden Directs CMS to Require Nursing Home Staff Vaccination
On August 18, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
In a significant escalation of the federal government’s effort to increase vaccination rates, President Biden announced today that he has directed the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to develop regulations requiring all nursing homes to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for their staff, as a condition of receiving federal Medicare and Medicaid funding.
Tomorrow! 15 Minutes to Learn About House Calls
On August 18, 2021 by Joe O'Kane
House calls are the latest trend in employee health benefits delivery. Learn more about how one company is disrupting the employee benefits world with house calls for your sick team members tomorrow at 10 a.m.
Nursing Leadership Certificate Program Begins Sept. 29, Registration Coming Soon
On August 18, 2021 by Heidi Simpson
The next Nursing Leadership Certificate Program will be held on multiple dates from Sept. 2021 – Jan. 2022. Program details are currently being finalized. Registration is coming soon.
October Conferences Highlight Quality, Housing/Assisted Living/Home Care
On August 18, 2021 by Heidi Simpson
Mark your calendar for two upcoming conferences in October.
The new Quality and Patient Safety Conference is on Oct. 18, emphasizing how to create the culture and environment that supports continuous improvement. A pre-conference workshop on Oct. 17 focuses on the foundations of quality improvement.
August 31 Webinar - Effective Strategies for SNF Survey Preparation
On August 18, 2021 by Heidi Simpson
With COVID-19 rates lower than the pandemic's peak, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is resuming usual survey activities. This Aug. 31 webinar is designed to provide skilled nursing communities with information and practices to prepare for licensing and certification surveys.
2022 Institute Call for Education Sessions Open, Deadline Sept. 7
On August 18, 2021 by Heidi Simpson
Planning is underway for the 2022 Institute & Expo, Feb. 8-11 at the RiverCentre in St. Paul. We are now accepting your proposals to present concurrent educational sessions at the conference, which over 3,000 aging services professionals attend. Institute is an excellent opportunity to share your knowledge and expertise in an area of interest to providers. The Call for Presentations guides you through your submission process. The deadline for submissions is Tuesday, Sept. 7 at 11 p.m. CST.
LeadingAge MN Member Guardian Pharmacy of Minnesota Opens New Minneapolis Location
On August 18, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran
Guardian Pharmacy of Minnesota, a LeadingAge Minnesota Business Partner, announced a new location in Minneapolis.
The new 12,000 square-foot Minneapolis facility will house new technology/automation and a training center to provide in-service and nursing instruction courses for pharmacy employees and community staff members.
Stars Among Us Awards Nominations Open through Sept. 13
On August 18, 2021 by Barbara Landeen
Nominations are being accepted through Monday, Sept. 13 for the 2022 Stars Among Us Awards in multiple categories, including:
- Caregiver of the Year
- Rising Star Award (new award)
- Outstanding Leadership
- Volunteer of the Year
- Spirit of Aging
- Excellence in Practice for Process Improvement or Safe Care for Seniors
Two Weeks Left! Apply for Employee Engagement Grant
On August 18, 2021 by Jenna Kellerman
Care centers have only two weeks left to apply for grant funding to implement an employee engagement strategy and improvement program through Align’s Employee Engagement Solution.
CMS approves civil money penalty (CMP) grant dollars to address employee turnover and its impact on the resident experience and quality of life in Minnesota skilled nursing facilities.
Recruit New Hires Through AgingServicesJOBS.Org
On August 18, 2021 by Jenna Kellerman
Have you posted open positions on the new AgingServicesJobs.Org platform? The new site is now available! Post today and receive an introductory rate of $39 per posting using the coupon code Aging2021 (postings typically $99). This discount will be available to all members for a limited time as we recognize this critical time in building our workforce.
LeadingAge Working to Extend Flexibility Relating to Fire Safety Evaluation System
On August 18, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
The LeadingAge Minnesota staff team is working to identify care center members who rely upon the Fire Safety Evaluation System (FSES) as an alternative means to demonstrate compliance with fire safety requirements of NFPA 101®: Life Safety Code® (LSC).
New SNF Medicare Rates Take Effect on Oct. 1
On August 18, 2021 by Jeff Bostic
Based on the annual SNF Payment Rule released earlier this summer, new skilled nursing facility (SNF) Medicare rates for the third year of the Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM) take effect on Oct. 1. The Oct. 1 rates include an inflation update of 1.2% based on a formula in existing law. Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has suspended the Value-Based Purchasing (VBP) program for the upcoming rate year.
At the Capitol: Minnesota Lawmakers Continue Hearings on Hero Pay
On August 18, 2021 by Matt Steele
In late July, a select working group began hosting hearings on allocating the money set aside during the 2021 special session for bonuses for frontline workers. Several different groups are vying for the $250 million set aside for the bonuses and this week. The working group is hosting a hearing to discuss eligibility requirements and take more public testimony.
AL Notices to OOLTC – Disclosure of Special Care Status
On August 18, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
Assisted living providers must send a Disclosure of Special Care Status to the Office of Ombudsman for Long-term Care when applicable.
The requirement is not new. However, it is an excellent time to update and send this disclosure if it applies to your setting. The Disclosure of Special Care Status is required of any assisted living with dementia care setting.
BCA Access Remains, Funding Ends Sept. 10
On August 18, 2021 by Jenna Kellerman
Funding for the Basic Care Aide and Paid Feeding Assistant Training programs will end on Friday, Sept. 10. Access to the training will remain available to members through EduCare until the 1135 waiver expires, which has no known expiration date at this time. Non-EduCare users may access programs for a fee by contacting Jennifer Anderson or calling 952-288-3800.
CDC Urges Provides to Review, Report Vaccine Access Info
On August 18, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
This week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sent an email to National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) users requesting information on vaccine access. This information is reported through the required weekly reporting for nursing homes on the resident and staff vaccine reporting sections.
1/3 of Minnesota Care Centers Receive an Overall Five Star Score
On August 18, 2021 by Jeff Bostic
Earlier today, LeadingAge sent all care center members updated Five-Star Analysis reports that reflect data from earlier this year during the height of the pandemic. In addition to showing the status of each of the measures and the overall score, the report also shows areas where care centers are close to gaining or losing points. To look at your care center’s performance over time on any of the measures, members should click on any of the red “trend” boxes on the Five Star report.
2021 Annual Meeting Goes Virtual
On August 18, 2021 by Heidi Simpson
One of the Association’s most cherished and time-honored traditions is getting together each fall for LeadingAge Minnesota’s Annual Meeting & Leadership Forum at Madden’s Resort near Brainerd. The LeadingAge Minnesota Board of Directors voted to convert our planned in-person meeting to a virtual event.