News

LeadingAge Minnesota submitted comprehensive comments to strengthen the State of Minnesota’s application to CMS’ new Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program. Our recommendations emphasize workforce solutions, improved access to care, and sustainable models for aging services in rural communities—ensuring older Minnesotans can continue to receive care close to home.

Late last week, we were asked by The Minnesota Star Tribune to provide comment on an article about a supposed trend of more seniors choosing assisted living than nursing homes. Despite our best efforts to obtain more information regarding these “trends,” the piece was already moving toward publication. We chose to provide a statement, which was included in the published article.

Congress did not reach agreement on appropriations for federal fiscal year 2026, and the federal government shutdown began on Oct. 1. HHS, CMS, and CDC have issued contingency and lapse plans outlining which activities will continue and which will pause. HUD has notified LeadingAge that they will be updating their contingency plan, leaning heavily on plans written in 2023.

LeadingAge Minnesota is hosting two consecutive webinars on Tuesday, Oct. 14, from 1–3 p.m. to help providers prepare for the Jan. 1, 2026 implementation of Minnesota’s new Paid Leave law. Sessions will provide practical details and strategic guidance on navigating the state’s complex web of leave requirements. 

A few weeks ago, DHS posted new rates for nursing homes on the nursing facility portal. The rate notices are incorrectly labeled as Jan. 1 rates, but they are effective Oct. 1.

On September 18, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) filed its motion to dismiss their appeal for our lawsuit challenging the CMS Minimum Staffing Rule.

Celebrating a Legacy of Vision, Service, and Leadership in Aging Services

LeadingAge Minnesota is proud to honor Bob Dahl, outgoing President and CEO of Cassia, with our prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award — one of the highest honors bestowed by the association. Reserved for individuals who are retiring from a career of distinction in aging services, the award recognizes visionary leadership, enduring impact, and a legacy that inspires future generations.

On September 16, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) notified our plaintiff attorneys that it intends to dismiss its appeal in the CMS Staffing Rule challenge. Plaintiff attorneys consented to this action, and the government’s filing and subsequent court order of dismissal are expected in the near future. This marks a major victory and is the direct result of your dedication, advocacy, and hard work—congratulations!

The Minnesota Health and Education Facilities Authority recently announced an expansion of its services, as the state agency is now able to assist nonprofit healthcare organizations across the state. This enhancement is a direct result of legislation approved in 2025.

In late August, the public health community was surprised by news that Senate-confirmed CDC Director Susan Monarez was terminated, along with the temporary departure of three top CDC officials. The decision followed Director Monarez’s reported refusal to sign off on the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations for the COVID-19 vaccine.

The 2025 Legislature approved a transition of the nursing home case mix system from RUGs to PDPM. DHS has now produced new rates for nursing homes and posted them on the nursing facility portal.

Join your colleagues in taking the Safe Lift: STOP for Safety Pledge – a shared commitment to protect residents and staff by reducing lift-related falls. By taking this pledge, your organization commits to implementing the Safe Lift: STOP for Safety 3-Step Process as a standard practice, ensuring every resident transfer is safe, respectful, and reliable.

This week, Minnesota’s 4th Congressional District Representative, Congresswoman Betty McCollum, stopped by Sholom’s east campus in St. Paul for a resident town hall. Staff and residents celebrated the 30th anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid, a landmark law enacted by Congress and signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson.

Discussing Real World Impacts

Congresswoman McCollum, who was the second woman ever elected to serve Minnesota in Washington D.C., also hosted a conversation with residents about the impact of H.R. 1, what it will mean for Minnesota legislators, and what to expect from Congress for the remainder of the year.   

LeadingAge Minnesota would like to thank the leadership and staff at Shirley Chapman Sholom Home East for hosting such an engaging meeting. Remember that our federal delegation are back in their districts this month, so it is a wonderful opportunity to invite them out for a tour of your community.

Contact Kayla Khang at kkhang@leadingagemn.org if you would like assistance in making the invitation.  

The 2025 LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation Golf Tournament – held on Aug. 5 at Prestwick Golf Club in Woodbury – helped raise funds for the next round of caregiver scholarships. In total, thanks to golfers, sponsors, volunteers, and ticket sales, the event raised over $122,000 before expenses. It was a gorgeous day for golf. 

The LeadingAge Minnesota QUEST Report is now available for Q1 2025.

The fourteenth edition of the Really Big Book of Nursing Home Regulations is finally here and ready to go! It is now available for order.

Several new state laws go into effect on Aug. 1, 2025 that will impact aging services. As a reminder, many of these changes will require additional guidance from our state agency partners, so continue to look to LeadingAge MN for resources, expert support and operational counsel.

The application materials for another round of the nursing facility moratorium exceptions process were recently posted on the MDH website. Nursing homes interested in applying for approval to fund a construction project will need to complete all the required application materials and return them to MDH by December 18, 2025.

The Minnesota Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board (NHWSB) has established training requirements for nursing home employers under the Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board Act. All nursing home workers must complete at least one hour of training every two years on their workplace rights, provided by a Certified Worker Organization (CWO). This requirement takes effect January 1, 2025, with full compliance required by December 31, 2026.

As shared in last week’s Advantage, there are still several unknowns for how the federal budget bill, also known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill”, will impact older adults and the services they need. Minnesota budget officials estimate that the law will result in nearly $500 million in annual losses to our Medicaid program. Most of those reductions will not take effect until Jan. 1, 2027, or later, and will be subject to future state action by the Minnesota Legislature.