News Archives
August 2023 Archives
Below is a list of all of the articles published in the selected month, ordered from most recent to least.
On-Demand Learning – New Options Available in our Store
On August 31, 2023 by Sharon Hollister
Our extensive learning library has on-demand education and training for busy professionals when and where you need it.
Three Links and St. Francis Health Services Announce Merger
On August 31, 2023 by Libbie Chapuran
The Three Links and St. Francis Health Services Boards of Directors have announced their intent to merge the two organizations. The merger will officially take place on Nov. 1, 2023.
NLRB Revises Representative Case Procedures Rule
On August 31, 2023 by Mark Schulz
In a final direct rule published Aug. 25, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) issued a final rule to remove unnecessary barriers to the fair, efficient, and expeditious resolution of representation questions.
DEED Employer Resources and Webinar – Get Help Recruiting the Talent You Need
On August 31, 2023 by Anna Mowry
On Thursday, Sept. 14, employers are invited to learn more about “Follow Your Heart to a Caring Career” – a campaign launched by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) aimed at helping providers attract, hire, and retain the workforce needed to care for the older adults and people with disabilities in Minnesota.
CDC and MDH Show Uptick in COVID-19 Cases
On August 31, 2023 by Kari Everson
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reporting an increase in COVID-19 cases as of last week. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) COVID-19 status update shows Minnesota’s cases are increasing, especially in people 85 and older.
CMS Nursing Home Minimum Staffing Study Leaked
On August 31, 2023 by Mark Schulz
A nursing home minimum staffing feasibility study commissioned by CMS was leaked this week. The key findings provide important insights into the challenges of proposing and implementing staffing ratios in nursing homes.
Minnesota Human Services Tour Highlights Session Victories for Elderly Waiver
On August 31, 2023 by Erin Huppert
Members and staff of the House and Senate Human Services Committees went into the community last week to experience firsthand the care given by long-term care providers, see the impact of their legislative actions, and talk about priorities for 2024. Over a single day, they visited five providers of senior care and disability services.
Quality Specialist Certificate Program – Register Today
On August 24, 2023 by Sharon Hollister
The Quality Specialist Certificate Program, starting Oct. 24, supports individuals working in aging services who are serving as quality leads within their organizations or are interested in expanding their knowledge of quality, safety, and performance improvement.
MDS Webinar Series – Optional State Assessment Webinar Added on Sept. 14
On August 24, 2023 by Sharon Hollister
Register today for the sixth webinar in our MDS series, Minnesota Medicaid Program to Require Use of the Optional State Assessment, on Sept. 14 from 1 – 2 p.m.
Less than Three Weeks Left to Nominate Your Staff, Volunteers, and Residents for the Stars Among Us Awards
On August 24, 2023 by Barbara Landeen
The nomination deadline for the 2024 Stars Among Us Awards is Monday, Sept. 11 - that is less than three short weeks away. Share your stories to recognize these people in your organization for statewide recognition:
Omnicare and Merwin: LeadingAge Minnesota Solutions Preferred Pharmacy Partners
On August 24, 2023 by Stacy Rogers
LeadingAge Minnesota Solutions is pleased to announce a preferred pharmacy agreement with Omnicare and Merwin.
News from LeadingAge: New Funding Increases Section 202 Preservation Rent Subsidies
On August 24, 2023 by LeadingAge
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) broke down how $12 million in new Congressional funding, for which LeadingAge advocated, will increase Section 202 rents as communities with Project Rental Assistance Contracts (PRACs) go through Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) conversion.
New Resources! Background Checks, Cannabis, Education, and Staffing Tools for Members
On August 24, 2023 by Kari Everson
Four new resources requested by members are now available in LeadingAge Minnesota’s Resource Library related to cannabis, education requirements, staffing in assisted living, and background checks.
DLI Releases 2024 Minimum-Wage Rate Adjustments
On August 24, 2023 by Mark Schulz
The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) released the minimum-wage rate information that begins on Jan. 1, 2024. Minnesota's minimum wage rates will be adjusted for inflation on Jan. 1, 2024, to $10.85 an hour for large employers and $8.85 an hour for other state minimum wages.
New! Quality Specialist Certificate Program – Registration Open
On August 17, 2023 by Sharon Hollister
The Quality Specialist Certificate Program, starting Oct. 24, supports individuals working in aging services who are serving as Quality leads within their organizations or are interested in expanding their knowledge of quality, safety, and performance improvement.
Assisted Living Conference Brings Senior Living Professionals Together
On August 17, 2023 by Libbie Chapuran
LeadingAge Minnesota’s 2023 Assisted Living Conference on Aug. 16-17 provided aging services professionals with training, timely updates, and resources needed to confidently meet state requirements and provide quality care for seniors.
Session Law Impacts Assisted Living Consumer Surveys
On August 17, 2023 by Erin Huppert
Effective Aug. 1, 2023, two modifications were made to consumer surveys for assisted living, adult day services, and home care.
DHS Posts Request for Applications for Workforce Incentive Grants
On August 14, 2023 by Jeff Bostic
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has posted a Request for Applications for Workforce Incentive Grants for care centers on the nursing facility provider portal.
Lyngblomsten Opens New Senior Living Community
On August 10, 2023 by Libbie Chapuran
Lyngblomsten, a Minnesota nonprofit senior services organization, recently opened its new continuum-of-care campus in Lino Lakes.
National Survey Gives Insights on Nursing Home Salaries and Benefits
On August 10, 2023 by Anna Mowry
Released last week, the nation’s largest nursing home salary report shows a continued upward trend for nursing home staff salaries.
Knute Nelson and Walker Methodist Enter Merger
On August 3, 2023 by LeadingAge
Knute Nelson, based in Alexandria, and Walker Methodist, based in Minnetonka, have entered into an agreement to merge the two companies into one. This merger is set to be finalized on Jan. 1, 2024.
Legislative Committee Holds Informational Hearing on Agency Progress for Assisted Living Providers
On August 3, 2023 by Erin Huppert
On Friday, Aug. 28, the House and Senate Human Services Committees held a joint informational hearing to receive progress updates from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) regarding several 2023 issues, including the development of recommendations for smaller providers of assisted living services.
New DHS FAQs for Aug. 1 Care Center Payments
On August 3, 2023 by Jeff Bostic
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) issued a second Frequently Asked Questions document to help address some of the questions regarding the Aug. 1 payments sent to all care centers.
2023 Foundation Golf Tournament Raises More Than $62,000
On August 3, 2023 by Jenny Prosser
The 2023 LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation Golf Tournament helped raise funds for the next round of caregiver scholarships. Thanks to golfers, sponsors, volunteers, and ticket sales, the event raised over $62,000 before expenses.
Top New Laws Starting Aug. 1
On August 3, 2023 by Mark Schulz
Several new laws became effective before or on Aug. 1 and impact senior care services in the state. While you can review more information about these changes and more in the 2023 Legislative Report, we have provided links to Advantage articles for topics previously discussed for easy reference and review.
CMS Releases Final SNF PPS Rule that Updates SNF Rates and Quality Measures
On August 3, 2023 by Jeff Bostic
Earlier this week, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published the annual final rule that updates the Prospective Payment System (PPS) rates for care centers. The rule calls for an update in the rates starting Oct. 1 that averages 4%.