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.
OnTrack Milestone – 2,000 Nursing Assistants Trained in 2023
On January 11, 2024 by Anna Mowry
In 2023, OnTrack programs enrolled over 2,000 nursing assistants in Minnesota—a new milestone. Since its launch in 2018, over 7,000 nursing assistants have been registered with OnTrack, helping care for seniors in long-term care settings across the state.
New Assisted Living Quality Benchmarking Data Available from Data Portal
On January 4, 2024 by Julie Apold
Updated Data Portal benchmark reports are available for assisted living quality and services measures. These are one of several benchmarking reports available for LeadingAge Minnesota members in the Data Portal.
Mental Health First Aide: Become an Instructor – Apply by Jan. 12
On January 4, 2024 by Anna Mowry
LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation, in partnership with Winona State University, is sponsoring a limited number of individuals to become certified instructors of the Mental Health First Aide (MHFA) Training at no cost – a value of $2,895 per participant.
Elderly Waiver Rates Increasing Jan. 1
On December 28, 2023 by Jeff Bostic
Providers Required to Prepare Distribution Plan
As a result of advocacy by LeadingAge Minnesota and the Long-Term Care Imperative, 2024 rates for Elderly Waiver (EW) services include substantial increases for all services.
Several Landlord-Tenant Law Changes Effective Jan. 1
On December 21, 2023 by Bobbie Guidry
The 2023 Legislative Session brought several changes to Landlord-Tenant Laws under Minnesota law (§504B), which governs requirements landlords and tenants must follow in a rental situation. Many of the changes take effect on Jan. 1.
Jan. 1 Employment Law and Other Changes
On December 21, 2023 by Mark Schulz
Several new laws or requirements will become effective on Jan. 1. Many relate to employment situations, new regulatory requirements, and healthcare entity transactions.
MDH Anonymous Feedback Results are In
On December 14, 2023 by Mark Schulz
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has made its anonymous survey process feedback results public, with most respondents reflecting a positive survey experience.
Annual Assisted Living Resident Quality of Life and Family Satisfaction Surveys to Launch in January
On December 14, 2023 by Bobbie Guidry
The State of Minnesota is conducting annual resident quality of life and family satisfaction surveys in assisted living communities across the state starting in January and lasting most of the year.
LeadingAge Minnesota Advocates for Seniors in DC
On December 7, 2023 by Erin Huppert
This week, senior care providers joined LeadingAge Minnesota in traveling to Washington, DC, to advocate for seniors’ access to care. Leaders from several senior care organizations based in Minnesota completed seven visits over 36 hours, reinforcing concerns from across the state about a pervasive workforce shortage.
New Resource: Template EW Distribution Plan
On November 30, 2023 by Jeff Bostic
Providers must develop an Elderly Waiver (EW) distribution plan and share it with employees as part of the requirements tied to rate increases effective Jan. 1, 2024. LeadingAge Minnesota has developed a template that can serve as the framework for member distribution plans.
Year-End Assisted Living Audits and the Essential Guide
On November 30, 2023 by Bobbie Guidry
As 2023 ends, assisted living settings should consider auditing compliance with required postings and procedures.
Introducing LeadingAge Minnesota’s Executive Leadership Masterclass
On November 16, 2023 by Barbara Landeen
We are excited to introduce the Executive Leadership Masterclass for Aging Services Professionals, an exclusive experience for ambitious leaders who aspire to lead their organizations at the highest level.
“A Clean Start” Quality Improvement Project Recognized in ICan Contest
On November 9, 2023 by Julie Apold
Cuyuna Regional Medical Center in Crosby was recognized for its quality improvement project in LeadingAge Minnesota’s ICan Quality Improvement Contest.
RNs and LPNs: Apply Now for Loan Forgiveness
On November 9, 2023 by Anna Mowry
The next cycle for the Minnesota Long-Term Care Nurse Loan Forgiveness Program is now open. The program provides funds to repay qualified educational loans for eligible RNs and LPNs.
Minimum Staffing Comment Letters Posted
On November 2, 2023 by Mark Schulz
Two new additions have been added to our CMS Staffing Standard webpage: LeadingAge Minnesota’s draft comments, which will be filed by the end of the week, and LeadingAge’s final comments, filed earlier this week.
New Resource: Find Grant Opportunities for Your Organization
On November 2, 2023 by Anna Mowry
Members can now access a comprehensive grid of over 25 grants, scholarships, loans, workforce development programs, and more funding opportunities for Minnesota senior care providers.
DHS Releases Guidance on Spending Requirements for Increased EW Rates
On November 2, 2023 by Jeff Bostic
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) posted guidance on how Elderly Waiver (EW) providers should develop a distribution plan for the rate increase that starts Jan. 1, 2024.
MDH Revises Physical Plant Survey Process for Assisted Livings with Capacity of Five or Less
On October 26, 2023 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has tested and will begin utilizing a remote engineer consultation for small residential home assisted living licensees with five or fewer residents.
Side Rails: Continued Focus to Ensure Safe Use and CMS, MDH Compliance
On October 26, 2023 by Kari Everson
During regulatory surveys in both assisted living communities and nursing homes, side rails and other bed assistive devices are a continued focal point.
Messaging Toolkit: Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board
On October 19, 2023 by Libbie Chapuran
LeadingAge Minnesota and its partner in the Long-Term Care Imperative have developed key messages for you to use to share your organization’s strong track record of advocacy to increase wages for our workforce.