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.
HHS Announces Plan to Begin Offering COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters in September
On August 18, 2021 by Kari Everson
In a Joint Statement issued today, Health and Human Services (HHS) officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), and other agencies announced plans to begin offering COVID-19 vaccine booster shots to all Americans beginning the week of Sept. 20 and starting eight months after an individual’s second dose.
Visitation Considerations for Long-Term Care Settings Amid Rising Case Counts
On August 18, 2021 by Kari Everson
Cases of COVID-19 are on the rise in Minnesota and, as a result, long-term care settings should review guidance, policies, and practices to ensure infection prevention and control protocols are up to date. Organizations are also experiencing an increase in outbreak cases. Many reached out to LeadingAge Minnesota regarding visitation practices.
Reimagine Aging Conference to Focus on Tech for Aging
On August 11, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran
Senior Community Services is proud to be hosting the sixth annual Reimagine Aging Conference. This year, the conference will be held on Oct. 6, both in-person and virtually, so the event is accessible to everyone.
New Trend in Employee Health Benefits: House Calls for Sick Staff
On August 11, 2021 by Joe O'Kane
Join us for a 15-minute webinar on Thursday, Aug. 19 at 10 a.m. to learn how one company is disrupting the employee benefits world with house calls for your sick team members. That's right; house calls are the latest trend in employee health benefits delivery.
Now Available - Emergency Preparedness in Assisted Living Recorded Webinar
On August 11, 2021 by Heidi Simpson
A recording of the July 22 webinar, Emergency Preparedness in Assisted Living, is available for purchase to help your assisted living organization comply with new, extensive requirements for disaster planning and emergency preparedness, which incorporate federal preparedness standards. This is an area of scrutiny in assisted living surveys, and recent mock surveys identified substantial gaps in providers' readiness.
Order your copy here.
Aug. 31 Webinar - Effective Strategies for SNF Survey Preparation
On August 11, 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 webinar is designed to provide skilled nursing communities with information and practices to prepare for licensing and certification surveys.
2021 Annual Meeting – Assisted Living Licensure-Focused Sessions
On August 11, 2021 by Heidi Simpson
Early Bird Registration Deadline is Friday, Aug. 20
LeadingAge Minnesota’s Annual Meeting & Leadership Forum is Sept. 21–24 in person at Madden’s in Brainerd. Register by Friday, Aug. 20 to receive the best value for your investment. Registration fees increase on Aug. 21.
Save the Dates for Next Nursing Leadership Certificate Program
On August 11, 2021 by Heidi Simpson
The next Nursing Leadership Certificate Program will be held on multiple dates from Sept. 2021 – Jan. 2022.
Below are the dates to save for the 2021-2022 Nursing Leadership Certificate program; program details are currently being finalized. This year’s program is a combination of in-person and virtual live sessions.
New! Vaccine Mandate Webinar is Friday, Aug. 13
On August 11, 2021 by Heidi Simpson
With the Delta variant causing another increase in COVID-19 cases, many employers – including care centers, assisted living, and other long-term care settings – are considering vaccine mandates for employees. Join us for a webinar from 1-2 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 13 to discuss legal considerations related to developing and implementing staff vaccine mandates.
46 New Members Join LeadingAge Minnesota in July
On August 11, 2021 by Luke Jenkins
In July, 37 new members joined the ranks of LeadingAge Minnesota. Of the new members, 16 are provider members, two are associate members, 17 are individual members, and two are business partners.
Calling All Nominations: LeadingAge Board Member Nominations Open
On August 11, 2021 by LeadingAge
The 2021 LeadingAge Minnesota Nominating Committee, chaired by Mark Anderson, CEO of Knute Nelson in Alexandria, has announced that nominations are open for three Director at Large positions on the LeadingAge Minnesota Board of Directors.
Alana Wright Selected as the New MGS Executive Director
On August 11, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran
Alana Wright will begin her service as the Minnesota Gerontological Society (MGS) Executive Director on Sept. 13. Alana comes to MGS with 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership focused on equity, aging services, public/community health, and philanthropy.
CDC Requesting Information on Vaccine Access from NHSN Users
On August 11, 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 both the resident and staff vaccine reporting sections.
CMS Modifies CMP Structure for Skilled Nursing Facilities
On August 11, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
CMS recently issued QSO 21-20 NH, a one-paragraph memo that rescinds a July 2017 Memo (S&C 17-37-NH) from the CMS guidance library.
In the 2017 memo, CMS instructed CMS Regional Offices to impose civil monetary penalties for past noncompliance solely on a per-instance basis.
No-Cost Employee Engagement Survey and Training Grant Funding Available
On August 11, 2021 by Jenna Kellerman
Grant funding is available for skilled nursing facilities 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.
DHS announces Customized living services claims denying
On August 11, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
Yesterday, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) announced that they will deny claims for customized living services for dates of service on or after Aug. 1 until they have updated provider records with the new assisted living facility license requirement. They are currently updating records and anticipate completing updates by the end of the day on Aug. 12.
BCA Funds End Soon – Access Remains
On August 11, 2021 by Jenna Kellerman
Funding for the Basic Care Aide and Paid Feeding Assistant Training programs, expedited trainings for caregivers available under the 1135 Waiver, will soon be ending. Access to the trainings will remain available to members through EduCare until the waiver expires. Non-EduCare users may access programs for a fee by contacting Jennifer Anderson or calling 952-288-3800.
Argentum Announces Support for Employer Mandates of COVID-19 Vaccination
On August 11, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran
Argentum has joined the ranks of national organizations supporting employer mandates of COVID-19 vaccinations for the senior living workforce. The Argentum Board of Directors voted unanimously to support this action, and the organization has publicly issued a statement.
MDH Issues New Recommendations on Protective Actions for Adult Day Services
On August 11, 2021 by Roni Falck
On Aug. 4, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) posted a document communicating recommended protective actions in residential and non-residential settings licensed by DHS in light of the Delta variant. The new guidance provides recommendations on testing, masking, and other protective actions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
OBRA Level II Evaluative Report Submissions Returning to Pre-COVID-19 Timelines
On August 11, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
In January 2021, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) temporarily waived the requirement during the peacetime emergency for lead agencies to complete OBRA Level II evaluations before a person’s nursing facility admission.
UDALSA Clarifications for Assisted Living
On August 11, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
An essential requirement of assisted living is the provision of a Uniform Disclosure of Assisted Living Services and Amenities (UDALSA). The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has acknowledged that there can be more than one UDALSA per facility if there are varying services in different sections of the building.
Effective Strategies for SNF Survey Preparation – Aug. 31 Webinar
On August 4, 2021 by Heidi Simpson
With COVID-19 rates lower than at the pandemic's peak, the Minnesota Department of Health is resuming usual survey activities. This webinar provides skilled nursing communities with information and practices to prepare for licensing and certification surveys.
Last Chance for 2021 Billing University for Care Centers Aug. 10-11
On August 4, 2021 by Heidi Simpson
This is the last week to register for LeadingAge Minnesota’s popular annual conference, Billing University for Care Centers, on Aug. 10-11.
The all-virtual Billing U will equip business office personnel with the knowledge, skills and resources necessary to capture appropriate reimbursement and revenue for services provided.
2021 Annual Meeting – Leader-to-Leader Panels Highlight Shared Experiences
On August 4, 2021 by Heidi Simpson
LeadingAge Minnesota’s Annual Meeting & Leadership Forum will be held in person from Sept. 21–24 at Madden’s in Brainerd. A perennial benefit of this conference is the opportunity to learn from your colleagues about their experiences, learnings, and vision.
Dates Announced for the 2021-2022 Nursing Leadership Certificate Program
On August 4, 2021 by Heidi Simpson
The next Nursing Leadership Certificate Program will begin at the end of September.
Interested members should save the dates below for the 2021-2022 Nursing Leadership Certificate program; program details are currently being finalized. This year's program is planned to be both a live and in-person and a live virtual event.
Who are Your Nominees? Stars Among Us Award Nominations Open for 2022 Institute
On August 4, 2021 by Barbara Landeen
Start thinking about your incredible staff, residents and volunteers in preparation for the 2022 Stars Among Us Awards. Nominations are open for individual and organizational awards through Sept. 13 in multiple categories, including the Caregiver of the Year, Outstanding Leadership, and the new Rising Star Award.
Help Your Team Thrive through COVID-Trauma
On August 4, 2021 by Jenna Kellerman
LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation is releasing the latest Safe Care Living the Pledge activity, Self Care for Safe Care, to create an environment where teams can thrive and find joy.
Grant Funding for No-Cost Employee Engagement Survey and Training
On August 4, 2021 by Jenna Kellerman
Grant funding is available for skilled nursing facilities to implement an employee engagement survey and improvement program through Align’s Employee Engagement Solution.
Foundation Golf Tournament Raises $55K for Caregiver Scholarships
On August 4, 2021 by Jenny Prosser
With workforce pressures reaching unprecedented levels, the 2021 LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation Golf Fundraiser helped raise funds for our next round of caregiver scholarships. The golf event was held on Aug. 3 at Prestwick Golf Club in Woodbury.
Required Notices and Process to Submit to OOLTC under AL Law
On August 4, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
Under the new assisted living (AL) law, providers must submit certain notices to the Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care (OOLTC). A Cover Sheet for AL Notice to OOLTC has been developed to accompany every notice to OOLTC. Notices must be submitted to the fax number 651-431-7452 or emailed to ALnotices.OOLTC@state.mn.us. Do not send the notices to the Regional Ombudsman. For any questions about this cover sheet, please email ALnotices.OOLTC@state.mn.us.