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.
Nurse Aide Knowledge Test Requires a New Passing Score of 74%
On July 11, 2024 by Anna Mowry
Effective Aug. 5, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is adjusting the score required to pass the Nurse Aide Knowledge Test from 76% to 74%. Candidates will need to correctly answer 52 questions (out of 70) in order to receive a passing score.
State Housing Tax Credit Funding Open for Applications
On July 11, 2024 by Mark Schulz
The State Housing Tax Credit Program and Contribution Fund (SHTC Contribution Program) is a new statewide program that provides funding to help finance affordable multifamily and single-family housing developments.
BI and CADI Waiver Providers: August 16 Deadline for Customized Living Survey
On June 27, 2024 by Jessica Lacher
On July 8, 2024, DHS will send a letter and survey to MN–ITS mailboxes of Customized Living (CL) providers that serve people on the Brain Injury (BI) and Community Access for Disability Inclusion (CADI) waivers.
Critical Access Funding for Nursing Homes Open for Applications
On June 27, 2024 by Jeff Bostic
During its recently completed session, the Minnesota legislature provided additional funding equal to $576,000 state share for the upcoming state fiscal year for the Critical Access Nursing Facility (CANF) Program. These funds will be used to provide a rate add-on through June 30, 2025, for any additional nursing homes approved through an application process.
Statewide Hospitality Fee Invoices May be Erroneous
On June 24, 2024 by Mark Schulz
MDH’s Food, Pools and Lodging Services Section (MDH-FPL) may have been provided erroneous information from locally delegated food inspection agencies causing erroneous invoices from MDH-FPL to be sent to assisted living licensees. The invoice requests the licensee to pay the Statewide Hospitality Fee (SHF) by July 1, 2024, or face administrative action.
Updated Grant Grid: 30 Funding Opportunities for Providers to Consider
On June 13, 2024 by Anna Mowry
As a benefit for LeadingAge Minnesota members, our Grant Grid, highlights over 30 grants, scholarships, workforce development programs, and more funding opportunities for Minnesota aging service providers.
Cue Covid-19 Tests: FDA Recommends Discontinuing Use
On June 6, 2024 by Kari Everson
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently released a safety communication cautioning against the utilization of Cue Health's COVID-19 tests, citing an increased risk of inaccurate results.
DLI Posts Updated Quick Reference Guide to Care Facilities for Building and Fire Code Requirements
On May 30, 2024 by Bobbie Guidry
A very helpful tool in determining building and fire code requirements for licensed settings in Minnesota is the Quick Reference Guide to Care Facilities (mn.gov).
MDH Publishes Reporting Guidance for Health Care Transactions
On May 30, 2024 by Mark Schulz
On May 28 the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) published notice in the State Register it had created health care transaction reporting guidance for Minnesota Statutes chapter 145D.
Fact Sheets on Occupancy Classifications for Assisted Living Available from DLI
On May 23, 2024 by Bobbie Guidry
In response to the changes in occupancy classification for Assisted Living facilities over the past few years, which may trigger changes to fire safety and building code requirements, the Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) has developed two information sheets that may be helpful to providers or developers of Assisted Living.
Long-Term Care Leaders Express Strong Disappointment in Final HHS Bill
On May 20, 2024 by Erin Huppert
Last night, the members of the Minnesota legislature adopted the Human Services Finance Omnibus Conference Committee Report, Senate File 5335. While the final report includes support for a handful of Nursing Homes in Minnesota, it takes major steps backwards in our shared goal of improving access to care for seniors in Minnesota and paying our caregivers a livable wage.
Nurse Aide Training Programs — Transition your curriculum to OnTrack and Always Stay Up to Date
On May 16, 2024 by Anna Mowry
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) announced that nurse aide training programs using the “Minnesota State Long-Term Care Nursing Assistant and Home Health Aide Curriculum” must transition to a new curriculum by June 30.
Providers with Housing Support Agreements Required to Have Narcan Available
On May 16, 2024 by Bobbie Guidry
A change made last legislative session requires providers participating in the Housing Support Program to have and train staff on the use of Narcan.
DLI Publishes Notice of Intent to Adopt Adult Changing Stations Rule
On May 16, 2024 by Mark Schulz
On May 13, the Minnesota Department Labor and Industry Construction Codes and Licensing Division (DLI) issued a Notice of Intent to Adopt Rules Without a Public Hearing to require adult changing stations as part of the Minnesota State Building Code.
Over 75% of DLI Ergonomic Safety Grants Are Nursing Home Awardees
On May 9, 2024 by Mark Schulz
The Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) has been accepting grant request applications for its workplace Safety Grant Program since last summer. To date, 24 of 31 awarded grants have been provided to nursing home applicants.
Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board Moving Forward on Minimum Wage Rule
On May 2, 2024 by Jeff Bostic
As expected, the Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board moved earlier this week to draft a proposed rule that establishes minimum wages and a minimum number of paid holidays for nursing home employees.
Care Comes First Advocacy Campaign
On May 2, 2024 by Dan Nelson
Earlier this spring, we launched the Care Comes First (CCF) campaign, aiming to spotlight the real Minnesotans behind every legislative proposal—individuals seeking access to quality care, individuals working as caregivers, and individuals supporting loved ones in long-term care.
Nurse Aide Training Programs — Is your curriculum up to date?
On May 2, 2024 by Anna Mowry
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) announced that nurse aide training programs using the “Minnesota State Long-Term Care Nursing Assistant and Home Health Aide Curriculum” must transition to a new curriculum by June 30.
Reminder: New and Improved Nurse Aide Registry
On April 18, 2024 by Bobbie Guidry
Earlier this year, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) released a new and improved Nurse Aide Registry online system. This new system transitioned to a fully digital experience, which streamlines and improves updates and renewal processes for nurse aides.
Minnesota Department of Human Services Posts Updated Quality Reports
On April 18, 2024 by Julie Apold
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has posted updated quality reports on the DHS Provider Portal.