News Archives
July 2025 Archives
Below is a list of all of the articles published in the selected month, ordered from most recent to least.
Common Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Facing Organizations Today
On July 31, 2025 by LeadingAge Minnesota
With the average data breach costing organizations $4.88 million, we must be aware of the leading cybersecurity threats.
National Resources for Home Health Advocacy
On July 31, 2025 by Erin Huppert
CMS is proposing a steep 9% cut to the Medicare Fee for Service (FFS) payment rates for home health services. Our partners at LeadingAge have been analyzing the 2026 Home Health Payment System Rate Update, and when combined with the 8.8% payment reductions the agency has imposed since CY2023, the impact will be significant to all providers of home health care.
CMS Clarifies: Residents May Not Refuse Enhanced Barrier Precautions
On July 31, 2025 by Kari Everson
On July 30, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) informed LeadingAge Minnesota that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has once again clarified its position regarding resident rights and Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP).
Assisted Living License Renewal Delays
On July 31, 2025 by Bobbie Guidry
We have received several calls from members recently regarding their Assisted Living license renewal process being very slow, or licenses expiring before the renewal is received.
Data to Help You Turn Insight into Action - Q1 2025 Quest Report
On July 31, 2025 by Julie Apold
The LeadingAge Minnesota QUEST Report is now available for Q1 2025.
14th Edition of the Really Big Book of Nursing Home Regulations Available Now
On July 31, 2025 by Mark Schulz
The fourteenth edition of the Really Big Book of Nursing Home Regulations is finally here and ready to go! It is now available for order.
New Laws Effective Aug. 1, 2025
On July 31, 2025 by LeadingAge Minnesota
Several new state laws go into effect on Aug. 1, 2025 that will impact aging services. As a reminder, many of these changes will require additional guidance from our state agency partners, so continue to look to LeadingAge MN for resources, expert support and operational counsel.
HUD Posts Updated HOTMA Forms for Public Comment
On July 24, 2025 by Shelli Bakken
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has posted draft materials needed for certain federally-assisted housing providers to comply with requirements under the Housing Opportunity and Modernization Act (HOTMA).
Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Updated Handbook
On July 24, 2025 by Shelli Bakken
In Minnesota, landlords are required to notify residential tenants about the availability of the Minnesota Attorney General's Office Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities handbook.
Patient Driven Payment Model (PDPM) Case Mix Transition Moving Forward
On July 24, 2025 by Jeff Bostic
One of the changes approved by the Legislature this year is a transition of the nursing home case mix system to using the PDPM nursing weights to adjust rates instead of RUGs-IV weights. This change will be effective Oct. 1, 2025.
MDH Posts Moratorium Exceptions Process Application
On July 24, 2025 by Jeff Bostic
The application materials for another round of the nursing facility moratorium exceptions process were recently posted on the MDH website. Nursing homes interested in applying for approval to fund a construction project will need to complete all the required application materials and return them to MDH by December 18, 2025.
LeadingAge Minnesota Certified Worker Organization Training Compliance Webinar and Materials Now Available
On July 24, 2025 by Mark Schulz
The Minnesota Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board (NHWSB) has established training requirements for nursing home employers under the Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board Act. All nursing home workers must complete at least one hour of training every two years on their workplace rights, provided by a Certified Worker Organization (CWO). This requirement takes effect January 1, 2025, with full compliance required by December 31, 2026.
New Federal Budget Resource Available for Residents, Families and Caregivers
On July 24, 2025 by LeadingAge Minnesota
As shared in last week’s Advantage, there are still several unknowns for how the federal budget bill, also known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill”, will impact older adults and the services they need. Minnesota budget officials estimate that the law will result in nearly $500 million in annual losses to our Medicaid program. Most of those reductions will not take effect until Jan. 1, 2027, or later, and will be subject to future state action by the Minnesota Legislature.
Help Us Shape the Future of the RBB!
On July 21, 2025 by Mark Schulz
We’re taking a fresh look at the Really Big Book of Nursing Home Regulations and want to hear from you. Your feedback will guide improvements to ensure this essential resource meets your needs in the most practical and valuable ways. The survey takes just 3–5 minutes to complete. Please click here to share your input—your voice makes a difference!
St. Francis Health Services Showcases New Technology, Welcomes State Senators
On July 17, 2025 by Jessica Lacher
LeadingAge Minnesota member St. Francis Health Services had a busy and exciting week filled with innovation and advocacy. Heritage Manor Healthcare Center in Chisholm made headlines in the Mesabi Tribune for hosting a public event that introduced two new additions to its programming: Pepper, an interactive humanoid robot, and Mobii, a state-of-the-art projection system.
Lakehouse HealthCare and Rehabilitation Center Shares Vision with Minneapolis Mayor
On July 17, 2025 by Jessica Lacher
LeadingAge Minnesota staff members Jessica Lacher and Shelli Bakken recently joined members Leon Tarlow and Reuben Knobel of Lakehouse Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center for a meet-and-greet with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey.
Interactive New American Resource Map – Now Live!
On July 17, 2025 by Kirstan Ketter
We’re excited to share that the New American Resource Map is now available! This interactive tool highlights organizations, programs, and resources across Minnesota to help connect your staff—especially New Americans—with resources that support their lives outside of work. When our staff are well-supported, retention rates increase, and our entire long-term care community benefits.
CMS Revalidation Deadline Extended to Jan. 1, 2026
On July 17, 2025 by Mark Schulz
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has extended the deadline for off-cycle Medicare provider revalidation to Jan. 1, 2026 — a significant shift from the previously announced Aug. 1, 2025 deadline. This marks the third postponement of the requirement.
Customized Living Providers: Be Alert to Disability Waiver Policies Limiting Coverage and Your Facility’s Standing
On July 17, 2025 by Bobbie Guidry
Assisted living facilities that provide customized living (CL) services to people on the Brain Injury (BI) and Community Access for Disability Inclusion (CADI) waivers must follow specific limitations based on the setting’s CL enrollment date.
New Consent and Fingerprinting Timeline for DHS Background Studies Effective July 14
On July 17, 2025 by Mark Schulz
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is implementing a procedural change to the background study process, effective July 14, 2025. Originally announced on June 16, this update is being reiterated to ensure broad awareness among providers. The change brings the background study process into alignment with federal requirements by shortening the timeline for completing required steps.
Analyzing the “One Big Beautiful Bill” – State Impact Remains Unclear
On July 17, 2025 by Mark Schulz
The passage of the federal "One Big Beautiful Bill" (OBBB) introduces substantial reforms to Medicaid, Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act premium tax credits, focusing on cost containment, program integrity, and greater state flexibility.
What Could Your Organization Do with $10,000?
On July 10, 2025 by Laura Nordaune
Value First is running the 5-Star Sweepstakes and your organization could win one of five $10,000 prizes. What would you do with $10,000? Maybe replace aging equipment or throw a staff party. The choice will be yours if you win one of the five grand prizes.
Monthly IL Operators Professional Networking Group July 15
On July 10, 2025 by Shelli Bakken
If you are an operator of an independent living senior housing community, you are invited to join the monthly networking group that is specifically designed for you!
Comments Sought on Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
On July 10, 2025 by Shelli Bakken
The State of Minnesota has announced a public hearing to seek feedback on its LIHEAP funding plan for 2026. The hearing is set for July 25, and comments can be made until Aug. 1.
Change of Levels and Fines for Survey Violations for Assisted Living and Home Care Licensees
On July 10, 2025 by Bobbie Guidry
The Assisted Living and Home Care Statutes were changed effective July 1, to add a Level 5 to survey violation levels. The change affects the amount of fines incurred for each level of violation and demonstrates the degree of concern for resident impact of the violation at each level. Fines are decreased for Level 3 and 4 violations to $1000 and $3000, violations which are more common for providers.
LeadingAge Minnesota Certified Worker Organization Training Compliance Webinar
On July 10, 2025 by Mark Schulz
Join LeadingAge Minnesota staff for an important webinar on the new Certified Worker Organization (CWO) training requirements for nursing facilities. We'll review the key employer responsibilities under the Minnesota Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board Act, including timelines, compliance documentation, and employee training logistics.
One Big Beautiful Bill – Known and Unknown Impacts
On July 10, 2025 by Mark Schulz
On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed the "One Big Beautiful Bill" (OBBB) into law, making major changes to tax and spending policies. Key provisions for aging services providers include deep cuts to Medicaid funding and potential changes to nursing home reimbursement rates and long-term care coverage.
CMS Updates PBJ Manual and FAQs
On July 7, 2025 by Mark Schulz
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued an update to payroll-based journal (PBJ) materials on the Staffing Data Submission Payroll Based Journal webpage. Updates to the PBJ Policy Manual include info for PBJ system registration through QIES and clarification that all reported nursing hours must be onsite hours. Updates to the PBJ Policy Manual FAQs reiterate the updates in the policy manual, and also include clarifications related to meal breaks, salaried staff, RN hours requirements and waivers, and questions pertaining to PBJ audits. Check out these updates in the PBJ Policy Manual and the PBJ Policy Manual FAQs located in the Downloads section of the PBJ page on the CMS website.
Call For Nominations for LeadingAge Minnesota Board of Directors
On July 7, 2025 by LeadingAge Minnesota
Are you passionate about shaping the future of senior care and aging services in Minnesota? Ready to lead, inspire, and make a meaningful impact? This is your moment. LeadingAge Minnesota is seeking visionary leaders to fill two Director-at-Large positions on our Board of Directors – powerful roles that influence the direction of our work together and the well-being of those we serve. These are three-year terms beginning Jan. 1, 2026. Additionally, we’re also looking to recruit a Secretary/Treasurer, a key role on our Executive Committee. This individual will serve a two-year term, then advance to Chair-Elect for two years, and ultimately step into the role of Board Chair for two more years. At LeadingAge Minnesota, we’re striving to transform and enhance the experience of aging. Our Board of Directors play a pivotal role in helping the association achieve our mission. The nomination process to fill these open positions will open later this week. Watch for more details coming soon!
Major Federal Legislation Signed into Law
On July 7, 2025 by LeadingAge Minnesota
On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed the "One Big Beautiful Bill" into law, enacting sweeping changes to tax and spending priorities. Of particular importance to aging services providers, the bill includes significant cuts to Medicaid funding and adjustments that may impact nursing home reimbursement rates and long-term care coverage in the future. While some tax provisions aim to benefit workers, the overall fiscal changes raise concerns about the sustainability of safety-net programs that support older adults. It's important to note that impacts to Minnesota remain unclear: providers should not make any immediate changes to their budget or operations until more information is known. Governor Walz's staff indicated the passage of the federal bill could trigger a second special session later this year, but that has not been confirmed. This is a breaking news item. LeadingAge Minnesota is still reading through the final law and working with partners on impact and analysis. Further details and in-depth analyses of the federal bill’s implications for Medicaid providers, nursing homes, and non-profit tax entities will be shared soon. Watch Advantage later this week for more detailed analyses of the new law and what it means for care access, provider operations, and resident wellbeing. If you are a LeadingAge National member, you are also invited to join their member call today at 2:30 Central Time. Follow this link to register.