News Archives
December 2022 Archives
Below is a list of all of the articles published in the selected month, ordered from most recent to least.
NextGeneration Nursing Assistant Program: How Employers Can Engage with NextGen Students
On December 1, 2022 by Anna Mowry
Join us on Tuesday, Dec. 6, at 1 p.m. to learn about the NextGeneration Nursing Assistant (NGNA) program and how your organization can connect with NextGen students. This webinar is for employers who want to learn more about the following:
Saint Therese Partners with Rasmussen University – Bloomington to Build RN Pipeline
On December 1, 2022 by Libbie Chapuran
Saint Therese, a LeadingAge Minnesota member, is partnering with Rasmussen University – Bloomington to help train the next generation of nurses.
LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation Invests $400,000 in 24 Workforce Grants
On December 1, 2022 by Terri Foley
Totaling $400,000, 24 workforce grants were awarded to LeadingAge Minnesota members across the state by the LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation this week. The grant program funds staff appreciation, OnTrack Nursing Assistant Training program set-up expenses, and initiatives to improve recruitment, retention, and talent pipeline development.
HCBS Employee Scholarship & Loan Forgiveness Program – Now Accepting Applications
On December 1, 2022 by Anna Mowry
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is now accepting applications for the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Employee Scholarship Grant and Loan Forgiveness Program until Jan. 6, 2023.
Limited Time Discount! Post Your Open Positions at a Reduced Rate
On December 1, 2022 by Anna Mowry
Members can post their open positions to the AgingServicesJobs.org job board at a reduced rate of only $39 per posting until Dec. 31.
A New Chapter: Transitioning Face Aging MN to LTCImperative.org
On December 1, 2022 by Libbie Chapuran
After seven years of successfully supporting the goals of the Long-Term Care Imperative, our joint Face Aging MN campaign has come to a close.
CMS Reminds Entities about Workplace Violence Prevention Requirements
On December 1, 2022 by Mark Schulz
On Nov. 28, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a new QSO memo to hospitals (QSO-23-04-Hospitals) on workplace violence and prevention. While there is no enforcement change for nursing homes within the new memo, one violence prevention expert noted, “[nursing homes] would do well to heed new CMS messaging. The ongoing stress of working short-staffed, and even the holidays themselves, can make healthcare facilities an even more vulnerable environment, safety experts said this week.”
DOL Recovers $28.6 Million in Back Wages and Penalties in LTC Settings
On December 1, 2022 by Mark Schulz
The US Department of Labor (DOL) Wage and Hour Division announced it had recovered more than $28.6 million in back wages and damages for nearly 25,000 workers since it launched a focused initiative in 2021. The effort has led to assessments of almost $1.3 million in civil monetary penalties for employers who willfully violated federal law. The most common violations discovered by investigators were failures to pay overtime or federal minimum wages and misclassifying employees as independent contractors.
Reimagining Infection Control
On December 1, 2022 by Mark Schulz
An article published on Nov. 15 in the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association (JAMDA) discusses the need to reimagine infection control within nursing homes to keep pace with rising acuity and multiple comorbidities in today’s residents to remain effective.
Long-Term Care Imperative Testifies About Workforce Challenges Before Senate Human Services Committee
On December 1, 2022 by Erin Huppert
This week, Erin Huppert, Vice President of Advocacy for LeadingAge Minnesota, testified before the Senate Human Services Committee. This informational hearing – no votes or official action could be taken – featured the outgoing chair, Sen. Jim Abeler, and incoming chair, Sen. John Hoffman. The lawmakers spotlighted workforce challenges impacting disability services, long-term care, and non-emergency medical transportation.
Minnesota Ahead of Most States in Effort to Comply with HCBS Settings Rule
On December 1, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry
The federal government is giving states and providers an ultimatum to make progress on meeting the requirements of the home- and community-based services settings final rule that goes into effect in the spring. Minnesota is only one of 18 States that has already received final approval of the statewide transition plan. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approved the Minnesota State Transition plan on Feb. 12, 2019.
New Qualifying Medical Conditions for Medical Cannabis Program
On December 1, 2022 by Kari Everson
Minnesota’s medical cannabis program allows for the use of cannabis for Minnesota residents with qualifying medical conditions. On Nov. 30, the Office of Medical Cannabis announced the addition of two new diagnoses to the list: irritable bowel syndrome and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Care Center Rate Notices Likely to Arrive after Jan. 1
On December 1, 2022 by Jeff Bostic
As Jan. 1 approaches, it appears likely that rate notices will not arrive for most care centers by the start of the new rate year. We expect that the rate increase for most care centers will be significant this year because the cost report being used (year-end Sept. 30, 2021) reflects a drop in occupancy and the considerable increase in costs that happened during the pandemic. Therefore, it is time for providers to consider giving notice to private pay residents about increases on Jan. 1.
CMS Issues New QSO After White House Statement
On December 1, 2022 by Kari Everson
The White House released a statement on Nov. 22 announcing a six-week campaign targeted to increase COVID-19 vaccinations nationwide. Within the message, the Biden-Harris administration has a section specifically focused on nursing homes and our existing requirement to educate residents and staff on COVID-19 vaccinations and offer vaccination.
Elder Care IQ Tech Summarizes Key MDH Data for Prospective Residents and Families
On December 1, 2022 by Libbie Chapuran
This week, Elder Voice Advocates launched Elder Care IQ. The free tool allows users to search for long-term care providers across Minnesota by name or location. The search results summarize key information about each provider, including the number of maltreatment investigations conducted by regulators.