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.
Approved Moratorium Applications Announced by MDH
On April 9, 2026 by Jeff Bostic
MDH recently notified nursing homes that submitted proposals in the current moratorium exceptions round of their approval status. All five proposals were approved, representing a total annual state cost of just under $1.1 million.
Pre-Eviction Notice for Nonpayment – St. Paul Update
On April 2, 2026 by Shelli Bakken
In a response to concerns about possible increases in eviction filings related to Operation Metro Surge, the St. Paul City Council recently approved a temporary 60-day pre-eviction filing notice ordinance on a unanimous 7-0 vote.
Supporting Multilingual Nursing Assistant Learners Without Lowering Standards
On March 26, 2026 by Anna Mowry
We’re hearing from providers across Minnesota about a shared challenge: strong, committed nursing assistant (CNAs) learners who struggle—not because they can’t do the work, but because training materials don’t fully support how they learn. That’s why OnTrack has expanded support for multilingual learners in CNA programs.
The Future of the Falls with Major Injury Quality Measure: What SNFs Need to Know
On March 26, 2026 by LeadingAge Minnesota
Falls with Major Injury (FMI) has long been one of the most closely watched quality measures in long-term care. It directly affects public reporting, survey scrutiny, and Five-Star Quality Ratings. However, a major shift is underway in how this measure is calculated.
LTC Imperative Completes Surveys that Support Legislative Efforts
On March 26, 2026 by Jeff Bostic
Each year, The Long-Term Care Imperative conducts a Workforce and Financial Conditions survey to gauge key metrics for the aging services sector.
New Immigration Enforcement FAQs to Respond to Member Questions
On March 19, 2026 by Anna Mowry
Members have asked practical questions about how to respond if immigration enforcement activity occurs near their communities. LeadingAge Minnesota has expanded its guidance with new FAQs and an updated resource page, bringing all tools together in one place.
New Resource: Addressing “Med Not Available” Medication Errors
On February 26, 2026 by Julie Apold
The Addressing “Med Not Available” Medication Errors Resource was developed by a work group of the LeadingAge Minnesota Quality Committee to support members in building systematic, effective processes to both prevent and respond to medications not being available to administer to residents.
CMS Announces Withhold of over $250 Million in Medicaid Funds for Minnesota
On February 26, 2026 by Jeff Bostic
Yesterday, CMS at the White House announced that they would be withholding $259 million in federal funds for Minnesota due to “unsupported or potentially fraudulent Medicaid claims.” The amount was based on a review of claims from the fourth quarter of 2025.
CMS Revises Special Focus Facility Program: Fall Prevalence Now a Key Selection Criterion
On February 19, 2026 by Kari Everson
On January 28, 2026, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued Quality, Safety, and Oversight memo QSO-26-01, revising the criteria used to select nursing homes for the Special Focus Facility (SFF) program. This update carries meaningful implications for all member facilities, and we want to make sure you understand what changed and what steps you should be taking now.
DHS Implementing New Elderly Waiver Rate Exceptions for High Needs Residents
On February 19, 2026 by Jeff Bostic
The 2025 Legislature created a new rate exception program under Elderly Waiver (EW) to help hospitals discharge high need residents to assisted living and other EW settings. The new program allows for rates that would otherwise exceed the EW budget caps.
Celebrating the 2026 Stars Among Us Award Winners
On February 12, 2026 by Ben Hansen
On February 10, 2026, LeadingAge Minnesota proudly honored the very best of aging services at our annual Stars Among Us Awards Banquet. For more than 35 years, our Stars Among Us Awards have recognized the individuals and organizations whose leadership, compassion, innovation, and dedication elevate the lives of older adults across Minnesota.
Adult Day Services: Revalidation Is Underway
On February 5, 2026 by Kelly Conrad
Adult Day Services providers have an important revalidation step to complete in 2026. Last month, high-risk providers, including Adult Day Services, were informed they must complete an off-cycle revalidation by May 31, 2026.
Resources to Support Your Organization and Community Amid Immigration Enforcement
On January 29, 2026 by Anna Mowry
As communities across Minnesota respond to increased immigration enforcement activity and related events, many organizations are navigating heightened concern, questions, and uncertainty. To support members during this time, LeadingAge Minnesota has developed and compiled a set of resources designed to help organizations prepare, respond thoughtfully, and communicate with care.
The SNF Validation Program: When Data Integrity Becomes a Measure of Trust
On January 29, 2026 by LeadingAge Minnesota
For years, skilled nursing facilities (SNF) operated in a system where data submitted through the Minimum Data Set (MDS) was largely accepted at face value. Facilities reported, measures were calculated, and reimbursement and public reporting followed. That is ending.
DHS Issues Additional Guidance for Providers in High-Risk Service Categories
On January 22, 2026 by Kelly Conrad
DHS announced this week that, in addition to the provider enrollment freeze for what they have deemed 13 high-risk categories, all claims submitted for services within these categories will be suspended pending pre-payment review. DHS also confirmed high-risk providers will be subject to an off-cycle revalidation process.
DHS to Freeze Certain Provider Enrollments
On January 15, 2026 by Kelly Conrad
As the state continues to battle both substantiated and alleged claims of Medicaid fraud, DHS has announced a freeze on new provider enrollments in 13 categories of Medicaid-funded services as part of efforts to strengthen program integrity and address Medicaid fraud.
Communication Templates to Support Your Community Amid Immigration Enforcement
On January 8, 2026 by Anna Mowry
As communities across Minnesota respond to increased immigration enforcement activity and related events, many organizations are navigating heightened concern, questions, and uncertainty. To support members, LeadingAge Minnesota is sharing communication templates designed to help organizations respond thoughtfully and compassionately.
OnTrack Launches Trained Medication Aide (TMA) Training
On December 31, 2025 by Anna Mowry
OnTrack Medication Aide (TMA) Training is now available. Launching today, Jan. 1, 2026, this new hybrid Medication Aide training program—approved by the Minnesota Department of Health—expands career pathways for caregivers and provides members with a flexible, statewide TMA training option.
Get Ready: OnTrack Medication Aide (TMA) Training Program Launches Jan. 1
On December 18, 2025 by Anna Mowry
OnTrack Medication Aide (TMA) Training launches January 1, 2026. Newly approved by the Minnesota Department of Health, this hybrid medication aide training program was developed in response to member requests for accessible, online training and expands career advancement opportunities for caregivers across the state.
Licensing Pause Announced for Adult Day Settings
On December 18, 2025 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Department of Human Services announced on Tuesday that they will implement a licensing pause for adult day settings starting Feb. 1, 2026.
