News Archives
April 2026 Archives
Below is a list of all of the articles published in the selected month, ordered from most recent to least.
Mechanical Lift Safety: Lessons Learned from Q4 2025 Events
On April 30, 2026 by Julie Apold
A review of mechanical lift–related falls in Quarter 4 of 2025 reveals clear, recurring patterns. These events highlight system-level gaps that can be addressed with reliable processes and consistent practices.
New Employer Guide Available: How to Recruit, Retain, and Advance New Americans in the Aging Services Workforce
On April 30, 2026 by Kirstan Ketter
Last week, we shared a new resource to help aging services providers strengthen their workforce by improving how they recruit, support, and advance New Americans. Since then, many of you have begun exploring the guide and considering how it applies to your organization.
The HCBS Shake-Up: Why CMS’s New Quality Measures Are Getting Attention
On April 30, 2026 by Kelly Conrad
The federal push to standardize quality in home and community-based services (HCBS) just got a lot more concrete, and a bit more complicated.
ICE Tightens Form I-9 Review Standards, Increasing Employer Compliance Risk
On April 30, 2026 by Anna Mowry
As reported by LeadingAge National, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has taken a more stringent approach to reviewing Form I-9 documentation, raising compliance risks for employers.
OIG Findings on Antipsychotic Use: Implications for Nursing Home Compliance
On April 30, 2026 by Kari Everson
In March 2026, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General released two reports examining how nursing homes administer antipsychotic medications to residents.
From MN-ITS to On-Site Visits: Staying Ahead of DHS Compliance in 2026
On April 30, 2026 by Kelly Conrad
If it feels like oversight activity is ramping up, you’re not imagining it. Between enhanced claim reviews, focused federal audits, and Minnesota’s revalidation push, providers are operating in a more scrutiny-heavy environment. The good news? None of this is unmanageable if you know what’s coming and stay organized.
The Happy Hour Has Been Freed for Seniors – Media Coverage Continues
On April 30, 2026 by Ben Hansen
As reported on our social media channels and in Capitol Conversations last week, the “free the happy hour” bill was signed into law on April 21. Earlier this week, the Star Tribune and MinnPost both covered the policy change.
Policy Omnibus Bills Advance in Legislature
On April 30, 2026 by Erin Huppert
This week, vastly different versions of a Human Services Policy Bill advanced in both the House and Senate.
Nursing Home Quality Measures and Programs for Quality Leaders
On April 23, 2026 by Sharon Hollister
LeadingAge Minnesota is launching a new, in-depth webinar series designed specifically for nursing home quality leaders who want to strengthen their understanding and use of federal quality programs.
Virtual Institute Access Deadline April 30
On April 23, 2026 by Sharon Hollister
On-Demand access to the 2026 Virtual Institute & Expo expires Thursday, April 30. If you were registered for the 2026 Institute & Expo, you have access to all 27 virtual education sessions, plus five additional sessions and two keynote presentations from the in-person conference.
2026 Workplace Safety Grant Opportunity
On April 23, 2026 by Julie Apold
The Office of Rural Health and Primary Care has opened the application period for the 2026 Workplace Safety Grants for Health Care Entities. Application submissions are due by 4:30 p.m. on June 12.
POLST and Code Status: What’s Required
On April 23, 2026 by Kari Everson
Across member organizations, code status documentation continues to be a common driver of regulatory citations often tied to inconsistencies in how resident wishes are captured, verified, and communicated across care settings.
Malnutrition Coding on the MDS: Small Detail, Major Impact
On April 23, 2026 by LeadingAge Minnesota
Malnutrition is one of the most common—and most overlooked—clinical conditions in long-term care. While interdisciplinary teams are actively assessing, monitoring, and intervening, one critical step is often missed: accurate coding on the Minimum Data Set (MDS).
Assisted Living Report Card Updates
On April 23, 2026 by Shelli Bakken
On Feb. 12, the Department of Human Services (DHS) published new ratings and corrected previously published ratings for its Assisted Living Report Card.
The Assisted Living Competitive Grant Program: Key Details and Tips for a Strong Application
On April 23, 2026 by Kelly Conrad
If you asked most assisted living leaders what they would improve tomorrow with the right funding, you’d likely hear the same themes: staffing, training, safety, and resident quality of life. The challenge isn’t identifying the need—it’s finding the resources to act. The Minnesota Assisted Living Competitive Grant offers a path to turn those priorities into reality.
Join Us in June! 2026 Summer District Meetings – Registration Now Open
On April 23, 2026 by Jessica Lacher
Registration is now open for LeadingAge Minnesota’s June district meetings, offering members an opportunity to connect, collaborate and stay informed on key issues impacting aging services across the state.
Scholarships for Caregivers – Application Deadline Approaching
On April 23, 2026 by Lori Meyer
Over the past twelve years, the LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation (LAMF) has provided over $330,000 in scholarships to over 250 individuals who demonstrated a desire to grow professionally and a commitment to the aging services field.
2026 Day at the Capitol: A Brief Recap
On April 23, 2026 by LeadingAge Minnesota
LeadingAge Minnesota’s 2026 Day at the Capitol was one for the books—an energizing, deeply meaningful day centered on advocacy, connection, and the voices of older adults and the providers who serve them.
Older Adult Services Orientation Manual 2026 edition Released
On April 16, 2026 by Barbara Landeen
The 2026 edition of the Older Adult Services Orientation Manual is now available. This updated resource is designed to help board members quickly understand the complex and evolving world of aging services. Written in clear, accessible language, it includes an overview of key areas across the field along with a helpful glossary of terms.
From Strategy to Action: New Employer Guide + Webinar Series to Strengthen Your Workforce
On April 16, 2026 by Kirstan Ketter
Recently, we shared an exciting new webinar series designed to help aging services providers better recruit, support, and advance New Americans in their workforce. But those sessions are just one part of a larger effort to equip you with practical, real-world tools.
APIC Scholarships Available for Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing Facility Nurse Leaders
On April 16, 2026 by LeadingAge Minnesota
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is committed to supporting long-term care (LTC) professionals in MN who are working in infection prevention and control (IPC)related roles. In support of this effort, MDH contracted with the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) to provide FREE national and state membership to qualified staff working in assisted living and skilled nursing facilities in Minnesota.
MHCP Fixes NEMT Billing Issue, Reprocesses Denied Claims
On April 16, 2026 by Kelly Conrad
We have good news for nursing facility providers: Minnesota Health Care Programs (MHCP) has resolved a billing issue that caused some nonemergency medical transportation (NEMT) and ambulance claims to be denied.
Connect with MDH: Assisted Living Quarterly Update on April 30
On April 16, 2026 by Kelly Conrad
On Thursday, April 30, from 12-1:30 p.m. the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Health Regulation Division is holding a quarterly webinar for assisted living licensees and interested stakeholders to educate on regulatory trends and provide updates.
Updated Housing Support Rate Starting July 1
On April 16, 2026 by Kelly Conrad
Formerly known as Group Residential Housing (GRH), Housing Support is a state-funded program that helps cover basic living expenses, primarily rent and raw food, for eligible individuals. Each year, the state recalculates the rate using a standardized formula tied to federal and state benchmarks that estimate the minimum income necessary for a person to live safely and independently in the community.
Celebrate Older Americans Month in Style—Shop Our New Store Today
On April 16, 2026 by LeadingAge Minnesota
Older Americans Month is just around the corner (May), and LeadingAge Minnesota is proud to introduce our new Celebrate Aging apparel and merchandise collection—created to honor the impact, wisdom, and contributions of older adults, as well as the dedicated professionals who serve them every day.
Registration Open: Emergency Preparedness Training Series for Assisted Livings and Nursing Homes
On April 16, 2026 by Mark Schulz
We are excited to announce a new, coordinated Emergency Preparedness Training Series designed to support assisted living providers, while also welcoming and encouraging participation from nursing homes. This initiative represents a significant step forward in supporting your organization’s compliance with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) Appendix Z requirements while strengthening real-world readiness.
Minnesota Lawmakers Release Budget Bills with Impact on Aging Services
On April 16, 2026 by Erin Huppert
This Friday, the legislature will reach its finance deadline, a benchmark that means any bill with fiscal impact must be out of committees and on its way to eventual floor votes. Unlike other years, leadership and the Governor's office did not agree to budget targets for each jurisdiction area.
Funding Opportunity: Title III E Caregiver Support Program (Deadline: May 7, 2026)
On April 13, 2026 by Gina DiMaggio
The Central Minnesota Council on Aging has released a new funding opportunity through the Title III E National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP)—designed to strengthen services that support family and informal caregivers of older adults.
New Emergency Preparedness Training Series: Register Today
On April 13, 2026 by Mark Schulz
LeadingAge Minnesota is launching a new, coordinated Emergency Preparedness Training Series to support assisted living providers, with nursing homes encouraged to participate.
Reduce Falls. Improve Outcomes. See How—Free Demo Day May 5
On April 9, 2026 by Sharon Hollister
Falls continue to be a significant challenge across long-term care, affecting resident wellbeing, staff workflows, and quality outcomes. As technology continues to evolve, many providers are exploring new tools to better understand risk and support prevention efforts.