News Archives
July 2022 Archives
Below is a list of all of the articles published in the selected month, ordered from most recent to least.
Saint Therese Finalizes Land Purchase for a New Senior Community in Corcoran
On July 21, 2022 by Libbie Chapuran
Saint Therese, a LeadingAge Minnesota member organization, has finalized the purchase of nearly 13 acres of rolling terrain from the city of Corcoran for its senior living community, Saint Therese of Corcoran. The closing of the land purchase is the culmination of efforts spread across three years with the city and becomes both Saint Therese and Corcoran's kickoff to a new senior community and the city's progressive Town Center development, respectively.
What Are Your Five-Minute Self Care Practices?
On July 21, 2022 by Julie Apold
Our last Self Care for Safe Care topic is Mindfulness and Self Care. Mindfulness is a practice and a way of being present in the moment. Being present in the moment can help you to gather the inner resources you need to take better care of yourself and be more efficient.
New 988 Mental Health Crisis Lifeline Launched on July 16
On July 21, 2022 by Lori Meyer
People facing a mental health crisis can now dial 988 to connect to support. The change is part of a nationwide effort to transition the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to a phone number people can more easily remember and access in times of crisis. The shift also includes an online chat feature and a new texting option.
2022 Legislative Session Report Now Available
On July 21, 2022 by Erin Huppert
Though the Minnesota Legislature adjourned this year with unfinished business, including a failure to provide funding for wage increases for aging services caregivers, a small number of bills were signed into law.
CDC Releases Guidance on Enhanced Barrier Precautions
On July 21, 2022 by Kari Everson
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released updated guidance on enhanced barrier precautions designed to reduce the transmission of multi-drug resistant organisms (MDRO). MDRO are pathogens that cause infections and are resistant to antibiotics commonly used to treat infections.
Changes Required to Assisted Living Contracts
On July 21, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry
Providers will be required to make a few minor changes to the assisted living contract in the coming weeks. LeadingAge Minnesota is in the process of providing feedback to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) on a draft frequently asked questions document regarding assisted living contract language.
HHS Announces Proposed Rule to Strengthen Nondiscrimination in Health Care
On July 18, 2022 by LeadingAge
On July 25, the US Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Civil Rights (OCR), issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to revise regulations relating to Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (Section 1557), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics), in covered health programs or activities.
Renew Your Assisted Living License This Week to Avoid Fines
On July 18, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry
Current assisted living licenses expire on July 31. Beginning Monday, Aug. 1, assisted living facilities operating without a license will be fined $250 per day.
Update on Changes to Assisted Living Contracts
On July 18, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry
LeadingAge Minnesota has received new and welcome guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) concerning changes to assisted living contracts.
Weekend Staffing and Staff Turnover Data Added to Five-Star Quality Ratings
On July 14, 2022 by Julie Apold
The July 2022 Care Compare refresh includes the addition of nursing home staff turnover rates and weekend nurse staffing levels to the Five-Star Quality Ratings. The refresh also consists of a change to how staffing scores can impact a nursing home's Overall Five-Star Quality Rating.
Reviewing the COVID-19 Data Tracker
On July 14, 2022 by Kari Everson
Providers across the state must utilize data per regulatory requirements to help determine specific COVID-19 protocols, yet many data sources from different regulators can confuse the process.
Civil Monetary Penalty Funds Available to Nursing Homes for Air Filters and Visitation Aids
On July 14, 2022 by LeadingAge
In February, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued expanded guidance for the COVID-19 In-Person Visitation Aid Grants available to nursing homes.
DHS Conducting Survey on Waiver Reimagine
On July 14, 2022 by Jeff Bostic
Earlier this week, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) released a survey to get input on their Waiver Reimagine effort. Waiver Reimagine is designed to combine the current four disability waivers into two. Under Waiver Reimagine, the current waivers, based on the type of disability, would be replaced with waivers based on the type of service received (living independently vs. residential).
Safe Care Stories from the Field: Cuyuna Regional Medical Center
On July 14, 2022 by Julie Apold
Cuyuna Regional Medical Center: Shift-to-Shift Team Safety and Dignity Rounds
Today, we highlight a successful Safe Care practice from Cuyuna Regional Medical Center (CRMC) in Crosby – Change of Shift Nursing Team Rounds. Jenny Pederson, RN, Quality Care Coordinator for the Care Center, is leading this new practice. It takes approximately five minutes during shift change and prioritizes residents' safety and dignity.
New Notice Requirement for Assisted Living
On July 14, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry
Assisted living providers, effective Aug. 1, need to add specific language to any notice that is issued to a resident or their legal or designated representative due to a requirement in the Minnesota Statute 144G or the Assisted Living Rule 4659 that is required to include information regarding the Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care and the Office of Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities.
COVID-19 Reporting Changes in Effect
On July 14, 2022 by Kari Everson
Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) requires nursing homes to report facility resident and staff COVID-19 case numbers to the Center for Disease Prevention and Control’s (CDC) National Health Safety Network (NHSN) weekly.
Using Common Language Can Assist in Opening Doors to Aging Services
On July 7, 2022 by Libbie Chapuran
As part of the Opening Doors to Aging Services Initiative, our national partner, LeadingAge, has developed a research-based language guide intended to be used as a resource to aid in understanding aging services’ depth and breadth.
CNA Training Lockout Bill Introduced in US Senate
On July 7, 2022 by Libbie Chapuran
On June 13, US Senators Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Tim Scott (R-SC) introduced S.4381, the Ensuring Seniors' Access to Quality Care Act, which would address the "CNA lockout" that's contributing to the long-term care staffing crisis across the country.
Effective July 1, certain products containing THC are now legal in Minnesota.
On July 7, 2022 by Erin Huppert
One of the final bills to clear the Legislature in May contained a little-debated provision with potentially significant implications. Beginning on Friday, July 1, Minnesotans aged 21 and older can purchase liquids and consumable goods containing small amounts of cannabidiols (CBD) and/or THC. THC is the ingredient in cannabis that produces a “high.”
Election Season Question: Can Political Candidates Access Older Adults in Aging Services Communities?
On July 7, 2022 by Erin Huppert
It's not just the weather heating up: election season is upon us, and candidates seeking elected office in November are hitting the pavement to meet potential constituents. Under Minnesota law, political candidates should be granted access to multi-unit dwellings used as residences, including nursing homes, assisted living buildings, and independent living. Candidates are also permitted to leave materials behind, though nursing homes may require that materials are left at a central location.