News Archives
November 2021 Archives
Below is a list of all of the articles published in the selected month, ordered from most recent to least.
Press Release: Long-Term Care Associations Applaud Nursing Home Workforce Solutions
On November 22, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran
SAINT PAUL, MN (Nov. 22, 2021) - We are facing unprecedented workforce shortages in senior care settings across our state. Many long-term care communities cannot afford to lose even one more caregiver. The actions the Governor is taking today will provide emergency staffing assistance to the exhausted professional caregivers who have been on the pandemic’s frontlines for over 20 months and will also provide financial incentives for our staff to continue their dedicated efforts for Minnesota’s seniors.
There are 23,000 open long-term caregiver positions across the state, and each month we are losing more staff than we can recruit. A crisis of this scope requires bold solutions, and we cannot fix this problem without the State’s support. We greatly appreciate the legislative leaders who have shined a bright light on our workforce crisis and the Governor and his administration for taking swift action to step in with emergency staffing solutions for nursing homes. Today’s actions will help support the weary professional caregivers and the seniors they serve while we continue to work with the Governor and Legislature toward a permanent and lasting solution to address the staffing shortage across all senior care settings.
We look forward to our work ahead to ensure Minnesota’s seniors have access to the care they need in all the communities they call home.
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The Long-Term Care Imperative is a collaboration of LeadingAge Minnesota and Care Providers of Minnesota, two of the state’s largest long-term care associations. The Long-Term Care Imperative is committed to advancing a shared vision and future for older adult housing, health care and supportive services.
Coming Soon! 2022 Institute Returns to Saint Paul Feb. 9-11, With Virtual Component
On November 18, 2021 by Heidi Simpson
The Institute & Expo – Momentum – returns to RiverCentre in Saint Paul Feb. 9-11, 2022, and virtually Feb. 22-24.
The 2022 Institute will be a blended conference model, with three days of education, events, and exhibits in person at RiverCentre, and additional educational sessions offered virtually later in the month.
Saint Therese CEO Barb Rode Announces Retirement
On November 18, 2021 by LeadingAge
Barb Rode, President & CEO of Saint Therese, has announced to the organization's Board of Directors her intent to retire in early summer 2022.
What to Expect: Thanksgiving Week
On November 18, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran
Next week, many of you will celebrate Thanksgiving, and the LeadingAge Minnesota office will be closed on Thursday and Friday. Here's what you can expect next week from our team.
Take the LeadingAge Quarterly Affordable Housing Survey
On November 18, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
It's time for the LeadingAge quarterly affordable housing survey! LeadingAge, our national affiliate, is conducting its regular survey on affordable housing, and we encourage you to participate.
CMS Announces 2022 Medicare Premiums and Deductibles
On November 18, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services have released the 2022 premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance amounts for the Medicare Part A and Part B programs.
Federal COVID-19 Aid Will Not Impact Care Center Rates
On November 18, 2021 by Jeff Bostic
As of this week, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) announced that Provider Relief Funds (PRF) and Paycheck Protection Program Loans (PPP) will not be offset in care center rates.
COVID-19 Burnout Prevention—Free Webinar
On November 18, 2021 by Terri Foley
You are feeling like you can't handle one more month, week, or day of COVID-19? Register for a 30-minute workshop with Dr. Alyson Van Ahn from the Associated Clinic of Psychology.
MDH Indicates Forthcoming Guidance to Eliminate Assisted Living Visitation Restrictions
On November 18, 2021 by Kari Everson
The Minnesota Department of Health has indicated that the agency will issue guidance for assisted living settings in the coming days, reflecting recent federal guidance for nursing homes and eliminating visitation restrictions in long-term care settings.
Staffing Plans a Focus in Assisted Living Surveys
On November 18, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
The assisted living rule contains specificity regarding several requirements of the assisted living statute, including staffing plans. The rule requires the Clinical Nurse Supervisor (CNS) to develop a staffing plan that considers several vital elements.
Updates on CMS and OSHA Vaccine Mandates
On November 18, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
As providers continue preparing to implement staff vaccination mandates, here are the latest available situational updates:
CMS Omnibus COVID–19 Health Care Staff Vaccination Rule
CMS has clarified that the Phase 1 implementation deadline is Dec. 6, not Dec. 5.
For Veterans and their Caregivers, We Are Thankful
On November 11, 2021 by LeadingAge
On this Veteran’s Day, LeadingAge Minnesota and our members join those throughout our country honoring veterans who have served and sacrificed.
Share Your Voice! Join a LeadingAge Minnesota Committee
On November 11, 2021 by Lori Meyer
As we approach the new year, we invite all members to get involved in LeadingAge Minnesota committees in 2022. We are tackling the challenges you face on numerous fronts, and we need you to help shape the critical work ahead.
New Manual Available on Serving Older Adults with Serious Mental Illness
On November 11, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
The US Department of Health and Human Services' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has released a free downloadable manual, Psychosocial Interventions for Older Adults with Serious Mental Illness.
Build Three Good Things into Your Workplace
On November 11, 2021 by Julie Apold
Last week we talked about bringing more joy to your workplace by starting your meetings by sharing one good thing. Another simple way to share good things and boost positive emotions in the workplace is to hang posters on the walls around the campus or in the breakroom to record and share good things visually. Get the list started and encourage others to add their own good things.
Critical LTC Investment in Moving in Congress
On November 11, 2021 by Jeff Bostic
Congress is currently working on the Build Back Better Act, the second part of President Biden's infrastructure improvement effort. The BBB is a $1.75 trillion proposal to enhance and improve "social" infrastructure, including services to older adults. It is currently being finalized in the House. Then it will head to the Senate and, once both houses agree, to the President. The current version of the bill includes the following investments in programs for older adults-
Nurse Loan Forgiveness Program Informational Application Webinar
On November 11, 2021 by Jenna Kellerman
The Minnesota Health Care Loan Forgiveness program cycle is accepting applications through Jan. 17, 2022. The Loan Forgiveness program is available for various health care professionals serving in high-need areas, including nurses in nursing homes, assisted living, and home care settings. Please join the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) team for a webinar to learn more about this program on Wednesday, Dec. 8 from 9-10 a.m. Register here.
Ending Soon: Nov. 23 Deadline for CMP Grant Application to Retain Staff
On November 11, 2021 by Jenna Kellerman
Care centers have access to an engagement, retention, and leadership building platform for free through a grant for Align’s Employee Engagement Solution. The current grant window closes on Nov. 23. Previous messages indicated that subsequent grant cycles would open over the next two years; however, applications cycles will be limited and will likely end in early 2022. If you plan to apply in future application cycles, please plan accordingly.
Bed Rail Safety and Assisted Living Surveys
On November 11, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) frequently cites the following in assisted living surveys: “The licensee failed to ensure a side rail was assessed for appropriateness and safety.”
DHS Delays Transition to Fingerprint-Based Background Studies for MDH-Licensed Providers
On November 11, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
This week, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) announced that MDH-licensed providers, including home care, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes, will not transition back to fingerprint-based background studies until Jan. 5, 2022. Until the transition occurs, these providers will continue to submit emergency studies, as we have been doing throughout the pandemic.
Resilience Tip: Avoid Filling the Space
On November 11, 2021 by LeadingAge
Featuring Dr. Alyson VanAhn from Associated Clinic of Psychology
These days, we have better knowledge and skills about managing big problems that seemed unimaginable before COVID. However, many of us are at the point now when even hearing the word "resilience" has become tiresome.
Vaccine FAQs Revisited: Which Vaccine Rules Applies to Your Setting?
On November 11, 2021 by Kari Everson
Alongside our members, LeadingAge Minnesota is working to answer questions regarding both the OSHA and CMS Vaccine and Testing Emergency Temporary Standards. We have shared answers each day as quickly as possible, but we would like to summarize some of the frequently asked questions we are getting from members across the state.
What is the OSHA Emergency Temporary Standard for Healthcare?
On November 11, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
When OSHA’s Nov. 5 COVID-19 Vaccine and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard (the “Vaccine ETS”) indicates that it does not apply to workplaces that are subject to the requirements of a broader COVID-19 Healthcare Emergency Temporary Standard (the “Healthcare ETS”) that OHSA released in June 2021.
CMS Vaccination Rule Challenged by 10-State Coalition
On November 11, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
The Associated Press has reported that a coalition of 10 states sued the federal government on Nov. 10 to block the CMS COVID-19 vaccine requirement for health care workers. The CMS rule remains in full effect, and the filing of this suit has no impact unless and until the court issues a ruling. We will follow this breaking story closely, but long-term care providers should continue working to implement the CMS vaccine rules.
Connect with Students and Interns at the University of Minnesota
On November 11, 2021 by Jenna Kellerman
Looking to recruit staff, build the pipeline, or increase engagement with students? The most effective way to reach University of Minnesota (U of M) students and alumni is through a no-charge job, internship, and volunteer database called Handshake.
At the Capitol: Senate Holds Hearing on Vaccine Mandate and Long-Term Care Workforce Crisis
On November 11, 2021 by Matt Steele
The Senate Human Services Reform Finance and Policy Committee met on Wednesday, Nov. 10 to discuss the recently-released rules surrounding the federal vaccine mandate for long-term care workers and the broader workforce emergency occurring in the long-term care sector.
MDH, DHS, CMS Clarify, Add Detail to Vaccination Rules
On November 11, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
State and federal regulators have added clarifying information to the conversation about how vaccine rules will be implemented and enforced in long-term care settings.
OSHA Issues Vaccination & Testing ETS
On November 4, 2021 by Kari Everson
The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) completed work on the Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) and published information about the ETS this morning.
CMS Issues Omnibus COVID-19 Vaccination Rule
On November 4, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today released the long-awaited rule requiring COVID-19 vaccination of staff working in a wide-range of Medicare and Medicaid-certified provider types.
Statement: Long-Term Care Imperative Points to Vaccine Mandate Impact on Workforce Crisis
On November 4, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran
SAINT PAUL, MN (Nov. 4, 2021) - Vaccination is a critical part of combatting COVID-19. Alongside health care providers and public health officials, we have strongly encouraged vaccination through education, counseling, public information campaigns and monetary incentives. Despite widespread efforts to improve vaccination rates, many people, including health care workers in long-term care settings, remain unvaccinated. Our greatest hope is that this mandate may be the nudge they need to get the shot. We know that there are strongly held feelings about vaccination, and we are deeply concerned that in the midst of a record level worker shortages, some of our devoted caregivers may leave careers in our field rather than be vaccinated.