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.
MDH to Host A Conversation about Customized Living and Assisted Living Licensure
On February 24, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Department of Health will host a presentation regarding assisted living licensure and customized living (waiver services) on Thursday, March 4, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
BELTSS Extends CEU Period for 2021, Awards Clock Hours for COVID-related Education
On February 24, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
In a message sent to current licensees last week, the Board of Executives for Long-Term Services and Supports (BELTSS) communicated several important messages to currently licensed Nursing Home Administrators.
Sens. Housley and Eken, Key Aging Committee Leaders, Slated for Week at the Capitol Discussion
On February 24, 2021 by Matt Steele
Assistant Majority Leader Karin Housley (R – St. Mary’s Point), Chair of the Minnesota Senate Aging and Long-Term Care Policy Committee, and Sen. Kent Eken (DFL – Twin Valley), the committee’s ranking minority member, will join LeadingAge Minnesota members for a bipartisan discussion about long-term care issues at this year’s LeadingAge Minnesota Week at the Capitol.
Legacy Licensed Assisted Living Director Application Slated for April
On February 17, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
Last week, the Board of Executives for Long Term Services and Supports (BELTSS) updated the projected time frame for licensed assisted living director (LALD) applications to be available. We now anticipate that the applications will be available in April for those eligible as legacy directors.
At the Capitol: Senate Committees Host Hearings about Vaccine Rollout
On February 17, 2021 by Matt Steele
With Governor Walz announcing a loosening of social and business restrictions, the legislature is giving greater attention to the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine. This week, lawmakers will be focusing on how the vaccine is affecting virus infection rates as well as its disbursement to vulnerable population groups, especially seniors. Here is what you need to know about what’s happening at the Capitol:
MDH Announces Webinar on Assisted Living Licensure
On February 10, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Department of Health is offering a webinar on Thursday Feb. 18, 2021, from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. Information will be provided regarding changes to the laws that affect home care, assisted living and housing with services providers in relation to assisted living licensure.
At the Capitol: Committees on Human Services and Taxes Hear LTC-focused Bills
On February 10, 2021 by Matt Steele
With about a month to go until the first of three lawmaking deadlines, policy makers are shepherding numerous bills through the committee process, in particular, legislation that allows for providers to have extra time to get background reviews completed for their employees following the expiration of the public health emergency. Here is what you need to know about what’s happening at the Capitol:
JOIN US: Virtual Advocacy Week at the Capitol Slated for March 15 – 19.
On February 10, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran
Join us starting March 15, 2021 for a week of virtual advocacy at the Capitol featuring expert training from our public affairs team, inspiring conversations with aging services leaders, opportunities to meet with your legislator, and times to share with colleagues from around the state about your successes and challenges in serving seniors.
Public Comment Period on Assisted Living Licensure Concludes
On February 10, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
The public comment period on the proposed rules for assisted living closed on Tuesday, Feb. 9 at 4:30 p.m. In addition to comments provided during the public hearing held Jan. 19 and 20, over 275 were submitted to the administrative law judge (ALJ) on the topic of assisted living licensure.
DHS Changing Timeline of PIPP Program
On February 3, 2021 by Jeff Bostic
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is making some changes to the timeline and process for the Performance Incentive Payment Projects (PIPP) program, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The next PIPP Request for Proposals will be posted in a couple of weeks. PIPP proposals for this year will be due to DHS by June 1, 2021 to allow eligible settings more time to research and submit projects.
Assisted Living Licensure Rules Comment Period ends Tuesday
On February 3, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
The assisted living licensure rule comment period ends Tuesday, and it is not too late to make your voices heard! We strongly encourage you to submit comments before the public comment period closes. The deadline to submit comments is 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 9, 2021. You can submit a comment electronically, found at https://minnesotaoah.granicusideas.com/.
DHS to conduct telephone survey with new Elderly Waiver participants
On January 27, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
The Department of Human Services (DHS) Aging and Adult Services Division announced this week that they are working with the University of Indianapolis Center for Aging and Community and Knowledge Services to conduct a telephone survey of new Elderly Waiver (EW) participants. The purpose of the survey is to learn about new EW participants’ long-term care needs and decision-making leading up to enrollment.
Implementation of the HCBS rule tiered standards, effective Jan. 11, 2021
On January 27, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
The Disability Division of the Minnesota Department of Human Services has announced that effective Jan. 11, 2021, there are new tiered standards for HCBS settings that provide the following services through the disability waivers (BI, CADI, CAC, DD waivers):
Now Available - Moratorium Exceptions Process Application Materials
On January 27, 2021 by Jeff Bostic
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recently released the application materials for an unexpected round of the nursing facility moratorium exceptions process, which are available on the MDH web site. Care centers interested in applying will need to complete all of the required application materials and return them to MDH by June 25. Following a presentation to a review committee later this year, MDH will have a list of approved projects by Sept. 3, 2021.
OSHA Posting Period Begins February 1
On January 20, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
This is a reminder that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers subject to its recordkeeping requirements to post OSHA Form 300A between February 1 and April 30 of each year.
Nursing Facility Pre-Admission Screening Level II Timing Requirement Waived
On January 20, 2021 by Jeff Bostic
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) recently announced that they have temporarily waived the requirement for OBRA Level II evaluations to be completed before a person’s nursing facility (NF) admission. This change helps people discharge from hospitals to nursing facilities more quickly, which opens up hospital beds and staffing to meet the increasing demand caused by COVID-19.
Contact Information Needed for DHS Labor Market Survey
On January 20, 2021 by Jeff Bostic
Under a new requirement that the Legislature created in Minnesota Statutes Section 256B.4912, subdivision 1a, home and community based services providers, including all Elderly Waiver and Disability Waiver providers, to participate in a labor market survey that will be conducted later this year.
Social Isolation Grant Funding Opportunity Available for Home Care and Assisted Living
On January 20, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
The application is now available to apply for grants made available through the Home Care Provider Advisory Council. The Council has been given approval by the Commissioner of Health to provide funding to home care providers and other entities to mitigate social isolation of vulnerable adults residing in home care provider settings including assisted living settings.
CMS Approves Waiver Reimagine Amendments for All Disability Waivers
On January 13, 2021 by Roni Falck
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved DHS’ CADI Waiver amendment package, which includes Waiver Reimagine streamlined service changes, effective Jan. 11, 2021. CMS has now approved waiver amendment packages that include Waiver Reimagine streamlined service changes for the following waivers:
LeadingAge Minnesota to Offer Assisted Living Director Licensing Course
On January 13, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
LeadingAge Minnesota is in the process of applying to be an approved provider of the training that will be required for an individual seeking an assisted living director licensure in Minnesota. This training will be required of anyone who does not meet the requirements to apply for licensure as a legacy director.
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