News
Category: State News
Welcome to the State News category. The following news items will keep you informed about state legislation, state-level advocacy and other information about aging services in Minnesota.
Legislative Task Force on Aging Convenes
On September 21, 2023 by Kayla Khang
During the 2023 legislative session, policymakers recognized a need to establish the Legislative Task Force on Aging to address Minnesota’s growing elderly population, elders with disabilities, and a rapidly declining workforce. This task force met for the second time on Sept. 12, 2023.
Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) Launch Date for Medicare Certified Home Health Providers
On September 14, 2023 by Bobbie Guidry
Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) will launch Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) phase four for Medicare-certified home health providers on Oct. 16.
Workforce Incentive Grant Program for Care Centers- Deadline Extended
On September 7, 2023 by Jeff Bostic
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has decided to extend the application deadline for the Nursing Facility Workforce Incentive Grant Program to Friday, Sept. 15. DHS has posted a revised version of the RFP and application form for Workforce Incentive Grants on the Nursing Facility Provider Portal.
Assisted Living Resident Sought for Home Care and Assisted Living Program Advisory Council
On September 7, 2023 by Bobbie Guidry
A person who is or has been a resident in an assisted living facility is sought to serve as a public member of the Home Care and Assisted Living Program Advisory Council.
DEED Employer Resources and Webinar – Get Help Recruiting the Talent You Need
On August 31, 2023 by Anna Mowry
On Thursday, Sept. 14, employers are invited to learn more about “Follow Your Heart to a Caring Career” – a campaign launched by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) aimed at helping providers attract, hire, and retain the workforce needed to care for the older adults and people with disabilities in Minnesota.
Continuing Education Requirements for Assisted Living Directors Clarified by BELTSS
On August 24, 2023 by Bobbie Guidry
The Board of Executives for Long-Term Services and Supports (BELTSS) affirmed that the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) continuing education for directors of assisted living with dementia care is required by 144G, not the rules for licensed assisted living directors administered by BELTSS.
DHS Receives Report Endorsing Continuing RUGs Case Mix
On August 10, 2023 by Jeff Bostic
A report commissioned by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) recommends the ongoing use of RUGs case mix, despite upcoming changes to the Minimum Data Set (MDS) from the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS).
Legislative Committee Holds Informational Hearing on Agency Progress for Assisted Living Providers
On August 3, 2023 by Erin Huppert
On Friday, Aug. 28, the House and Senate Human Services Committees held a joint informational hearing to receive progress updates from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) regarding several 2023 issues, including the development of recommendations for smaller providers of assisted living services.
New DHS FAQs for Aug. 1 Care Center Payments
On August 3, 2023 by Jeff Bostic
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) issued a second Frequently Asked Questions document to help address some of the questions regarding the Aug. 1 payments sent to all care centers.
MDH to Implement Optional State Assessment Starting October 1
On July 27, 2023 by Jeff Bostic
This morning, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) announced that as of Oct. 1, it will be implementing an Optional State Assessment (OSA) as part of the Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment done by all care centers.
DHS Seeking Proposals for CMP ResoLute Program Initiative
On July 27, 2023 by Julie Apold
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), through the Nursing Facility Rates and Policy (NFRP) Division and the State Civil Monetary Penalties (CMP) Initiative, is seeking proposals from qualified Minnesota Medicaid-Certified Nursing Facilities interested in implementing the ResoLute Program.
Assisted Living Director License Renewal Open for September and October
On July 27, 2023 by Bobbie Guidry
The Board of Executives for Long-Term Services and Support (BELTSS) has announced the opening of Assisted Living Director licensing renewals for the months of September and October 2023. All licensees must renew their licenses.
Frontline Worker Pay OLA Audit Letter
On July 20, 2023 by Kari Everson
Employers are receiving audit letters and questionnaires from the Office of the Legislative Auditor regarding those healthcare workers they employed who applied for the Frontline Worker Pay.
Elderly Waiver Customized Living Disproportionate Share Program to Continue in 2024
On July 20, 2023 by Jeff Bostic
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) announced after a review of the interaction between the Elderly Waiver (EW) rate increase approved by the Legislature and the Elderly Waiver Customized Living Disproportionate Share program (DSH) that they will keep operating the program for 2024.
2023 Legislative Report Spotlight – Legalization of Cannabis in Minnesota
On July 13, 2023 by Mark Schulz
This summer, we’ll regularly highlight some of the most significant issues summarized in the 2023 Legislative Report, a benefit of membership in LeadingAge Minnesota. This week’s topic: the impacts of legalized cannabis on aging services providers.
Board of Pharmacy Reminds Providers about Medication Carts
On July 13, 2023 by Mark Schulz
The Minnesota Board of Pharmacy reminds long-term care providers who utilize medication carts their provider pharmacist or pharmacy is not permitted under board rules to provide goods or services for “below the cost of the service or good.”
DLI Creates Notices and Posters for New Laws
On July 6, 2023 by Mark Schulz
The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry's (DLI) Labor Standards Division assists workers and employers in understanding their workplace rights and protections.
Assisted Living Change of Capacity Requests
On July 6, 2023 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has implemented several process changes for submitting Change of Capacity requests from assisted living settings.
Remote Adult Day Services Option Available July 1
On June 29, 2023 by Bobbie Guidry
Adult day services providers can offer a remote service option to clients beginning on July 1. Providers should review the requirements and take steps to receive approval from the Department of Human Services (DHS) if they choose to offer remote services.
DHS Updates Thresholds for Care Center Property Projects
On June 22, 2023 by Jeff Bostic
The Department of Human Services (DHS) recently announced the updated property rate thresholds that will apply for projects after Oct. 1. There are two thresholds and two different types of property rate increase projects.