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.
Medicare Proposed Rule Provides Inflation Adjustment of 2.3%
On April 14, 2020 by Jeff Bostic
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) last week issued a Proposed Rule that provides updates about the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) PPS rates that will take effect Oct. 1, 2020. CMS will follow up with a final rule on the Oct. 1 rates around Aug. 1.
Met Council to Transport Essential Health Workers
On April 14, 2020 by Jenna Kellerman
Metro Mobility is now providing free door-to-door service from home to work and work to home for any person who works at a healthcare setting, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
USPS Identifies Mail Delivery Options
On April 8, 2020 by Jonathan Lips
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and various screening requirements imposed upon senior living providers, the United States Postal Service (USPS) is offering communities and other customers three options if there are issues with their current delivery of mail.
Legislature Approves Workers’ Compensation Protections for Health Care Workers
On April 8, 2020 by Kari Thurlow
The Minnesota Legislature yesterday passed a bill that will allow first responders, health care providers and childcare workers to be “presumptively eligible” for workers' compensation if they get COVID-19.
Personal Safety Mask Solution
On April 8, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
Value First has been researching various suppliers that can fill member needs for critical supplies such as masks, gowns, sanitizer, etc. We believe we have found a viable solution for reusable antimicrobial personal safety masks.
New Workforce Recruitment Tool: Senior Living FastMatch
On April 8, 2020 by Jenna Kellerman
Argentum and the American Seniors Housing Association have announced a new resource to help workers who have been displaced due to the fallout from COVID-19 find new employment opportunities in senior living: Senior Living FastMatch. As our field expects to fill several hundred thousand positions in the next few months, you are invited to post your available opportunities through FastMatch at no cost through Sept. 30, 2020.
MN COVIDSitters Resource
On April 1, 2020 by Jenna Kellerman
Students from the University of Minnesota have banned together to offer support to healthcare workers during COVID-19. They are serving both the metro area and central Minnesota, with a toolkit provided to teach students in other areas of the state to start a similar program. Support can be accessed via their website: www.mncovidsitters.org.
Care Center Occupancy Data Shows Decline in 2019
On April 1, 2020 by Jeff Bostic
After showing some improvement in 2017, occupancy results for care centers that participated in the Long-Term Care Imperative annual occupancy survey have declined slightly throughout 2018 and 2019. Occupancy for 2019 was the lowest we’ve ever found, 87.1%, and it declined each quarter throughout the year.
Temporary Change in Ombudsmen Services
On April 1, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
The state Ombudsmen for Long-Term Care resolve complaints, protect rights, and promote access to services for residents before, during and after emergencies like COVID-19. While the Ombudsman has temporarily discontinued in-person visits in long-term care settings under its scope of authority due to COVID-19, residents still have the right to access the Ombudsman program. Below is an excerpt from a letter for Cheryl Hennen, the state Ombudsman, and phone numbers and a brochure to share with residents and families:
A Fond Farewell and Debt of Gratitude to a Cornerstone of LeadingAge Minnesota
On April 1, 2020 by Gayle Kvenvold
It is with both tears and cheers that we share the news that Adam Suomala will be transitioning over the course of the next two months to an exciting new opportunity in our field as he becomes the Executive Director of the Minnesota Leadership Council on Aging (MNCLOA).
LeadingAge MN COVID-19 HUDDLE Moves to Friday
On March 25, 2020 by Libbie Chapuran
Recognizing the number of update calls you participate in mid-week, we have moved our COVID-19 HUDDLE to Fridays.
CMS Will Limit and Prioritize Survey Activity for Next Three Weeks
On March 25, 2020 by Jonathan Lips
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has directed state agencies to suspend standard surveys for long term care facilities (nursing homes), hospitals, home health agencies, ICFs, and hospices during a 3-week prioritization period from March 20–April 10.
Emergency Funding: MDH Grant Deadline is Today; New Details for Nursing Homes
On March 25, 2020 by Jeff Bostic
The deadline to apply for the first round of emergency assistance funding from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), a total of $50 million for health care provider, is midnight TODAY.
CMS Waives Three Day Stay Requirement during National Emergency
On March 18, 2020 by Jeff Bostic
As part of the national emergency declaration in response to COVID-19, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced that they are waiving the three-day hospital stay requirement before a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Medicare A stay.
Support Resources for Staff
On March 18, 2020 by Jenna Kellerman
Now more than ever, staff may be experiencing housing, food, and childcare insecurities. If you have staff who need additional support from community organizations such as Emergency Housing Assistance, Minnesota Food Helpline, or energy assistance programs, please see the Community Support Resource Guide for referral sources.
BENHA Accepting Public Comment on Proposed Rules for Licensed Assisted Living Directors
On March 3, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Board of Examiners for Nursing Home Administrators (BENHA) has published the proposed rule for Licensed Assisted Living Directors and is accepting public comments through May 4.
Priority EW Bill Passes Out of the House LTC Committee
On March 3, 2020 by Libbie Chapuran
A bill to enhance Elderly Waiver rates to better reflect the actual cost of care passed its first hurdle on Monday in the Minnesota House Long-Term Care Committee.
CMS Accelerates Denial of Payment Remedy for Harm Level Citations
On February 25, 2020 by Jonathan Lips
Effective March 1, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) will impose Discretionary Denial Payment for New Admissions (DDPNA) on an accelerated basis for actual-harm level citations. The CMS-Chicago regional office has directed survey agencies in all Region V states (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin) to implement this new policy, citing a heightened level of surveys resulting in a deficiency at scope/severity level G or above during federal fiscal year 2019.
Do the Right Thing: Rapid Evaluation Teams
On February 25, 2020 by Julie Apold
Safe Care for Seniors has released a new training video that will help staff know the right thing to do when they find a resident unresponsive or respond to urgent or unexpected situations. The 10-minute Rapid Evaluation Team video demonstrates a real-life scenario, provides an implementation action plan, and showcases the positive outcomes Carris Health Care Center & Therapy Suites in Willmar is experiencing as a result of this process.
Hot Off the Presses: 3rd Edition of Comprehensive Home Care Manual
On February 25, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
The LeadingAge Minnesota Comprehensive Home Care Manual – 3rd Edition is now available. This vital tool for Home Care Managers and RNs includes more than 140 sample policies and procedures, forms and checklists to comply with and manage operations of a Comprehensive Home Care Agency. Other new features include: