News
Category: Featured News
Welcome to the Featured News category. The following news items include major developments in the aging services world, as well as important notifications and timely reminders.
Let Your Stars Shine! 2026 Award Nominations Now Open
On July 3, 2025 by Barbara Landeen
LeadingAge Minnesota’s Stars Among Us Award nominations are now open for 2026. This popular recognition program shines the spotlight on the best and brightest people working, living, and volunteering in our communities. Who on your team deserves the spotlight?
Upcoming PBJ Submission Deadline and iQIES Service Center Availability
On July 3, 2025 by Mark Schulz
On July 14, 2025, the Nursing Home Survey & Certification functionality will launch in iQIES—just one month prior to the PBJ submission deadline. This rollout is expected to result in a substantial influx of new users, potentially leading to longer hold times.
CMS Issues Fraudulent Fax Alert: What Medicare Providers Need to Know
On June 26, 2025 by Mark Schulz
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a formal alert warning Medicare providers of a new phishing scheme involving fraudulent fax requests. Scammers are impersonating CMS and sending deceptive faxes that request medical records and documentation under the guise of an audit. These communications are crafted to appear official and can easily mislead busy healthcare providers into disclosing sensitive patient or organizational information.
CMS to Accelerate Public Release of Survey Findings for All Certified Providers
On June 26, 2025 by Mark Schulz
On June 17, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued memo QSO-25-19-ALL, introducing a significant shift in how and when survey findings are publicly released for all CMS-certified providers and suppliers, including nursing homes. Under the updated policy, survey results recorded on Form CMS-2567 will be made available to the public within 14 calendar days of receipt by the provider—and, in many cases, immediately upon receipt.
2025 Legislative Report Now Available
On June 26, 2025 by LeadingAge Minnesota
LeadingAge Minnesota is pleased to present its 2025 legislative report. More than a summary, this report is designed to help you lead with insight and intention. It provides a clear-eyed look at the session’s outcomes and a summary of the decisions that will directly impact your organizations and the people you serve.
Registration Now Open: Safe Lift Virtual Training
On June 18, 2025 by Julie Apold
LeadingAge Minnesota members are invited to participate in a free Safe Lift virtual training session to enhance safety practices when using mechanical lifts. The training is scheduled for Aug. 6 from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Annual QIIP Choices Open for Nursing Homes
On June 18, 2025 by Jeff Bostic
The annual selection for the Quality Improvement Incentive Payment Program (QIIP) for nursing homes is due by July 18th. The selection for this year has been delayed by technical issues at DHS, but they are now ready to accept QIIP selections through a new process.
Now Open: Mental Health Grants for Health Care Professionals
On June 12, 2025 by Anna Mowry
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has released a request for proposals for the Mental Health Grants for Health Care Professionals program, with a deadline to apply by Aug 1.
Assisted Living Conference is Aug. 13-14, Registration Open
On June 12, 2025 by Sharon Hollister
Make plans to join us August 13–14 for LeadingAge Minnesota’s Assisted Living Conference — designed with your day-to-day challenges in mind.
Special Session Concludes – Legislature Chooses Not to Prioritize Aging Services Providers
On June 12, 2025 by LeadingAge Minnesota
The 2025 special session of the Minnesota Legislature concluded in the early hours of Tuesday, June 10.
OLA Accompanying MDH Surveyors on Licensing Surveys
On June 5, 2025 by Kari Everson
The State of Minnesota recently announced that staff from the Minnesota Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA) will be accompanying Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) surveyors during certain licensing surveys.
Managing Safety Amid the Recent Mall of America Measles Outbreak
On June 5, 2025 by Kari Everson
As reports of a measles outbreak linked to the Mall of America emerge, it serves as a timely reminder for nursing homes and assisted living facilities to revisit their infection control policies and ensure staff preparedness.
Legislature Releases Draft Health and Human Services Bill
On June 5, 2025 by LeadingAge Minnesota
State legislative leaders have finalized the Human Services Budget Bill at the Capitol. As previously shared with members, the agreement includes several disappointing provisions.
New Interactive Resource Map Now Available
On May 29, 2025 by Kirstan Ketter
A New Americans Resource Map is now available on the LeadingAge Minnesota website! This interactive map of Minnesota’s community organizations, resources, and support is a new tool designed to connect your staff with resources and support that they need outside of work, and to subsequently strengthen our long-term care workforce.
New Sector Trends Report Available
On May 29, 2025 by Jeff Bostic
LeadingAge Minnesota recently completed an updated version of our Sector Trends Report, which you can now access on our website.
Updated COVID-19 Information for AL and Nursing Homes
On May 22, 2025 by Kari Everson
LeadingAge Minnesota received an increasing volume of inquiries over the past several months regarding the ongoing COVID-19 requirements in both nursing homes and assisted living communities. In response, LeadingAge Minnesota has updated its materials to encompass a broader respiratory illness framework that includes both COVID-19 and seasonal influenza.
Tell Us: How are Immigration Policy Shifts Impacting Your Workforce?
On May 15, 2025 by Anna Mowry
The federal government is moving to end certain temporary immigration statuses, impacting compassionate caregivers in the aging services workforce.
Federal Budget Reconciliation Proposes Deep Medicaid Cuts with Major Implications for Long-Term Care Providers
On May 15, 2025 by Mark Schulz
On May 11, the House Energy and Commerce Committee released legislation aimed at fulfilling budget reconciliation requirements, following the House's adoption of a broader budget resolution in April. The Committee’s proposal includes sweeping policy changes to reduce federal spending by $916 billion over the next decade, with the majority of cuts targeting Medicaid.
MN Legislative Session Inches Towards Adjournment with a Preliminary Budget Agreement
On May 15, 2025 by Erin Huppert
Legislative leaders and Governor Walz announced this morning that they’ve reached a preliminary budget agreement, with details still being ironed out. As lawmakers shift their attention from policy to omnibus budget bills, LeadingAge Minnesota and our Imperative partner will continue to closely track impacts on aging services. As we learn more, we will share more detailed information on budget bills over the next several days.
Results Are In: OnTrack Pass Rates Exceed the State Average
On May 8, 2025 by Anna Mowry
In 2024, over 1,000 OnTrack nursing assistants attempted the state exam to be placed on the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry. OnTrack learners’ pass rates continue to surpass the state average.