News Archives
December 2025 Archives
Below is a list of all of the articles published in the selected month, ordered from most recent to least.
MDH Announces Assisted Living Grant
On December 31, 2025 by Shelli Bakken
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has announced the upcoming launch of the Assisted Living Competitive Grant Program, established under new legislation effective Jan. 1, 2026 (see Minnesota Statutes, section 144G.31). This program supports projects and initiatives that improve resident quality of care and outcomes in assisted living settings licensed under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 144G, or organizations with experience in assisted living operations, compliance, resident needs, or best practices.
New Communication Templates Related to Immigration Enforcement Concerns
On December 31, 2025 by Anna Mowry
Some members are navigating increased questions related to immigration enforcement activity reported in communities across the state—including both metro and greater Minnesota communities with higher concentrations of immigrant populations. While LeadingAge Minnesota is currently not aware of any senior living or long-term care facilities with reported ICE raids, we also know that some employers are seeing related activity—document requests or staff concerns stemming from encounters outside of work—and are seeking ways to respond proactively and compassionately.
OnTrack Launches Trained Medication Aide (TMA) Training
On December 31, 2025 by Anna Mowry
OnTrack Medication Aide (TMA) Training is now available. Launching today, Jan. 1, 2026, this new hybrid Medication Aide training program—approved by the Minnesota Department of Health—expands career pathways for caregivers and provides members with a flexible, statewide TMA training option.
Sholom Appoints Andrea Horvath as Chief Operating Officer
On December 18, 2025 by LeadingAge Minnesota
Sholom is pleased to announce the appointment of Andrea Horvath as its new Chief Operating Officer, effective December 14, 2025. Horvath has been serving as Interim COO and brings more than 16 years of experience within the organization.
Unique Funding Opportunity for Rural Providers
On December 18, 2025 by Gina DiMaggio
AscendRural, a program of Sourcewell, is inviting rural senior-serving nonprofits and government agencies to apply for their Senior Care Community Cohort — a guided pathway focused on identifying high-potential technology solutions that solve your organization’s most critical problems.
Assisted Living Resident Incident Response: Education and Resources for Members
On December 18, 2025 by Kari Everson
In assisted living settings, unlicensed staff are often the first to respond to resident situations. LeadingAge Minnesota developed member supports to assist in clarifying practical expectations for incident response, reinforcing the use of the airway, breathing, circulation (ABCs), and providing education and tools that help organizations make decisions about when, and whether, to move a resident after a fall.
Get Ready: OnTrack Medication Aide (TMA) Training Program Launches Jan. 1
On December 18, 2025 by Anna Mowry
OnTrack Medication Aide (TMA) Training launches January 1, 2026. Newly approved by the Minnesota Department of Health, this hybrid medication aide training program was developed in response to member requests for accessible, online training and expands career advancement opportunities for caregivers across the state.
Licensing Pause Announced for Adult Day Settings
On December 18, 2025 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Department of Human Services announced on Tuesday that they will implement a licensing pause for adult day settings starting Feb. 1, 2026.
DHS Rate Notice Delay: Key Updates
On December 11, 2025 by Jeff Bostic
As we reported previously, DHS has informed LeadingAge MN that, due to some internal IT challenges, they will not publish Jan. 1, 2026 nursing home Medicaid rate notices during the month of December. Nursing homes need to provide a notice to their private pay residents before the rate increase is effective on Jan. 1, even if the amount of increase is not known.
Other Events – Upcoming January Webinars
On December 11, 2025 by Sharon Hollister
Mark your calendar now and join us for these webinars happening in January:
2026 LIRC Renewal Application Process Updates
On December 11, 2025 by Shelli Bakken
The Low-Income Rental Classification (LIRC) program provides a reduced property tax class rate for qualifying rental housing and can lower property tax obligations.
Right to Repair Ordinance Info for Duluth Providers
On December 11, 2025 by Shelli Bakken
In November, voters in Duluth, Minnesota approved a Right to Repair ballot initiative, granting tenants a right to repair certain defects in residential rental units when applicable requirements are met.
SNF Off-Cycle Revalidations Suspended Indefinitely
On December 11, 2025 by Mark Schulz
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has indefinitely suspended the Skilled Nursing Facility Off-Cycle Revalidation required by January 1, 2026. It is important to note that only the January 1 (“off-cycle”) compliance date has been suspended.
Minnesota’s Economic Forecast Offers Mixed Signals for Aging Services
On December 4, 2025 by Erin Huppert
Today, Minnesota officials released its fall economic forecast, which will inform state lawmakers’ priorities in 2026.
Immigrant Workforce Matching Program Brings Workforce Relief
On December 4, 2025 by LeadingAge Minnesota
When Benedictine faced persistent staffing shortages in its rural North Dakota locations, it found an unexpected but powerful partner: Cherokee Federal.
Sign-Up for Free “PockeTalk” Translation Devices is Now Open!
On December 4, 2025 by Kirstan Ketter
The LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation is excited to offer up to 143 PockeTalk translation devices—at no cost—to member providers. These devices support New Americans with limited English proficiency who are working in long-term care roles by improving language access in real time.
HUD Secretary Sends Letter Addressing Guidance for Criminal Background Screening
On December 4, 2025 by Shelli Bakken
Members who provide HUD subsidized housing may have received a letter dated November 25, 2025 from HUD Secretary E. Scott Turner addressing the current administration’s guidance related to criminal background screenings for prospective tenants.
Certificates of Rent Paid (CRP) for 2025 Due by January 31
On December 4, 2025 by Bobbie Guidry
The MN Department of Revenue has recently reorganized their website content and added more training resources to help customers navigate the CRP system.
Federal ICE Enforcement Actions Increase in Minnesota
On December 4, 2025 by Mark Schulz
Federal enforcement activities in Minnesota have intensified following national directives expanding expedited removal and activating multi-agency Homeland Security task forces.
CMS Repeals Nursing Home Minimum Staffing Standards
On December 4, 2025 by Mark Schulz
An interim final rule repealing the nursing home minimum staffing standards was released to the Federal Register on December 2. It is important to note that the interim final rule does not repeal the entire rule that was finalized in April 2024.