News
Featured News
A Year-Long Celebration of Aging Services: #ElevateAging
On March 28, 2024 by Dan Nelson
Launched in January, this is the fourth month of our #ElevateAging campaign. Don’t worry if you missed out so far; you can jump in anytime! Designed to reshape perceptions and inspire a positive narrative around aging services, this year-long initiative promises to bring together our community in a celebration of resilience, compassion, and dedication.
DHS Releases Application for Nursing Home Loan Program
On March 28, 2024 by Jeff Bostic
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has released the Minnesota Financially Distressed Nursing Facility Loan Program application, which completes its work on the nursing facility financial relief programs authorized by the 2023 Legislature. The loan program offers no-interest operating loans to assist nursing facilities in financial difficulty.
Proposed Changes to Assisted Living Laws Aim to Improve Affordability and Ease RN Shortage
On March 28, 2024 by Erin Huppert
This week in St. Paul, SF 1969, a bill supported by the LeadingAge Minnesota and its Long-Term Care Imperative partner, was heard in the Senate Human Services Committee. This marks progress in our efforts to improve the assisted living statutes to improve affordability and ease workforce burdens.
State News
Budget Targets Released for Finance Committees
On March 28, 2024 by Erin Huppert
Legislative leaders and Governor Walz also released budget targets this week, which outline parameters for handling Minnesota’s $3.1 billion surplus for the remainder of this biennium. This is a critical step in the legislative session, giving a clearer picture of the advocacy that must be done throughout the remainder of the session to ensure seniors have access to the care they need in all the places they call home.
Dual-Training Pipeline Grant Open for Applications
On March 21, 2024 by Anna Mowry
The Office of Higher Education's (OHE) Dual-Training Pipeline Grant is open for applications until April 22.
New Grant Opportunity to Support New Americans in Long-Term Care
On March 21, 2024 by Anna Mowry
A new grant opportunity to Support New Americans in the Long-Term Care Workforce has been released by the Department of Human Services and is open for applications until May 6.
Federal News
News from LeadingAge: Hospices and SNFs Must Act Now - Report Leaders as Managing Employees
On March 28, 2024 by LeadingAge
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) explained in a February 2024 MLN Matters article that hospices and skilled nursing facilities must act now to report their designated administrators and designated medical directors as “managing employees,” if they haven’t already done so.
NHSN Revises Definition of “Up To Date” for COVID-19 Vaccination
On March 21, 2024 by Kari Everson
The National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) revised its definition of "up to date" for COVID-19 vaccine reporting in long-term care (LTC) facilities.
Assisted Living Communities and the Latest CDC Guidelines: What You Need to Know
On March 21, 2024 by Kari Everson
Earlier this month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released updated respiratory virus recommendations for the public.
Notable News
Weekend Sessions of No-Cost Sessions of Mental Health First Aid
On March 28, 2024 by Anna Mowry
No-cost Mental Health First Aid sessions are being offered to LeadingAge Minnesota members this spring. To accommodate the schedules of the professionals in our settings, we are hosting two Saturday sessions.
Celebrate Your Efforts to Improve Resident Safety
On March 28, 2024 by Julie Apold
Did you know Safe Care includes a recognition component for organizations implementing key actions to eliminate preventable harm for residents? Safe Care has three levels of recognition – commitment, action, and excellence – to recognize you for the work that you are already doing while supporting and recognizing your continued safety efforts.
Upcoming Weekend Sessions of No-Cost Mental Health First Aid
On March 21, 2024 by Anna Mowry
No-cost Mental Health First Aid sessions are being offered to LeadingAge Minnesota members this spring. To accommodate the schedules of the professionals in our settings, we are hosting two Saturday sessions.
Member News
Save the Date! District Meetings To Be Held Near You in May and June
On March 28, 2024 by Barbara Landeen
Calling all members – save the date now for your springtime District Meeting. These time-honored gatherings connect you with your regional colleagues, hear essential updates, and discuss broad issues and how they impact you locally.
Benedictine Welcomes Assumption Community
On March 14, 2024 by Libbie Chapuran
In a heartfelt ceremony, the Assumption Community of Cold Spring was officially welcomed into the Benedictine organization. The event, marked by a sense of unity and respect for tradition, took place on March 5, presided over by Father Tom Knoblach, vicar of clergy and health care ethics for the Diocese of St. Cloud.
HealthPRO Heritage Enhances Wellness with SilverSneakers Partnership
On March 7, 2024 by Libbie Chapuran
HealthPRO Heritage, a LeadingAge Minnesota business partner, announces a groundbreaking agreement with SilverSneakers® to expand fitness and wellness offerings for seniors across the US.