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.
Governor Signs $330 Million Bill to Respond to COVID-19
On April 1, 2020 by Libbie Chapuran
Governor Tim has signed into law an additional $330 million package of initiatives to combat the health and economic challenges due to the COVID-19 crisis. The bill includes, amongst other provisions:
MDH Guidance on Administering Nebulized Medications
On April 1, 2020 by Kari Everson
Nebulized medications are currently not defined or classified as an aerosol generating procedure, according to guidance recently released by MDH. However, since there is a possibility of transmission with nebulizer use, MDH is recommending the following steps to minimize risk to health care providers when administering nebulized medications:
MDH Cancels March 26 Assisted Living Licensure Advisory Committee Meeting
On March 25, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
Due to COVID-19, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has cancelled the Assisted Living Licensure Rules Advisory Committee meeting scheduled for March 26.
BENHA Provides Guidance on Continuing Education During COVID-19
On March 25, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
While the license renewal cycle for nursing home administrators historically activates in May, the Minnesota Board of Examiners for Nursing Home Administrators (BENHA) recognizes that these are unprecedented times. In a news release distributed this week, BENHA provided the following counsel regarding continuing education or clock hours to renew your license:
Links to Governor’s Executive Orders
On March 25, 2020 by Kari Thurlow
In response to COVID-19, Governor Tim Walz has released a series of Executive Orders. We have provided summaries of these via our daily update emails. Below you will find links to the Executive Orders that affect you and your staff:
Update: Assisted Living Licensure Rulemaking
On March 18, 2020 by Kari Thurlow
At an Assisted Living Licensure Rulemaking Advisory Task Force meeting last week, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) reported that it is hoping to have a complete draft rule prepared and posted to its website and sent to the Revisor by mid-April.
DHS Extends PIPP Application Deadline
On March 17, 2020 by Jeff Bostic
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is delaying the application deadline for the 2020 Performance Incentive Payment Program (PIPP) Request for Proposal (RFP) until May 1, so nursing home staff can focus on COVID-19 emergency preparedness.
DHS Postpones Pilot Testing of Assisted Living Quality of Life and Satisfaction Surveys
On March 17, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Department of Human Services and the Minnesota Board on Aging have postponed plans for pilot-testing resident quality of life surveys and family satisfaction surveys with Minnesota assisted living settings until further notice.
Status Report: Assisted Living Surveys and Report Card
On March 10, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
The development of an Assisted Living Resident and Family Survey and Assisted Living Report Card are well underway, reported Peter Spuit, Home & Community Based Services Program Consultant for the Aging and Adult Services Division at the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), at last week’s LeadingAge Minnesota Assisted Living Committee meeting.
DHS Announces $6.7 Million in Nursing Home Investments and Improvements
On March 10, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
More than 100 nursing homes across Minnesota, including several LeadingAge Minnesota members, have begun kicking off 36 projects to promote better care and quality of life for their residents. The Performance-based Incentive Payment Program (PIPP) projects, funded by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), range from efforts to improve mental health and social connections to reducing falls and infections.
What to do with a $1.5 Billion Surplus?
On February 29, 2020 by Jeff Bostic
Minnesota’s latest budget forecast shows a slight increase in the projected budget surplus - $1.513 billion, up $181 million since November. What does this mean for this legislative session and aging services providers?
HCBS Scholarship Bill Advances in the House
On February 29, 2020 by Libbie Chapuran
The House Health and Human Services Policy Committee last week heard a bill to expand the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) employee scholarship program to allow loan forgiveness and expenses related to obtaining a licensed assisted living director credential.
Ecumen Advances Sanctuary Services Bill at State Capitol
On February 25, 2020 by Libbie Chapuran
Ecumen advanced legislation last week to launch a pilot project that will provide, short-term shelter, safety and advocacy for older adults affected by elder abuse.
BENHA Seeks Comments on Proposed Rules for Health Service Executive
On February 18, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Board of Examiners for Nursing Home Administrators (BENHA) has published the notice of proposed rules for the Health Service Executive, which applies to individuals eligible or desiring the national Health Service Executive credential.
Apply Now for Live Well at Home Grants
On February 18, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is seeking proposals to develop and/or provide services for older Minnesotans to live and age in the community of their choice.
We Count. Minnesota: 2020 Census Underway
On February 18, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
A new collaboration of businesses, governments, non-profits and community groups across the state have formed We Count. Minnesota to support a fair and accurate 2020 Census. Why do we need to count every person in Minnesota?
Help Us Tell the Story: Day at the Capitol on March 19
On February 18, 2020 by Libbie Chapuran
We hear it from lawmakers all the time: what matters most to them as they weigh issues and make decisions at the State Capitol is their constituents. That’s why your voice matters! It’s time to be heard. Join us at our Day at the Capitol on March 19 to show lawmakers that we are committed partners in our shared goal to assure access to safe, quality care for older Minnesotans in the communities they call home.
MDH Hosts Nursing Home Regulatory Call on March 9
On February 12, 2020 by Jonathan Lips
Save the Date: The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) will host a statewide Nursing Home Regulatory call on March 9 from 11 a.m. to Noon.
Enhanced Barrier Precautions for Care Centers
On February 12, 2020 by Jonathan Lips
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Infection Control Assessment and Response Program (ICAR) issued a notice on Jan. 31 to alert care centers that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released interim guidance on the implementation of Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) in July 2019.
DHS Publishes New Report on Assisted Living Report Card
On February 12, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has published a new report related to the development of the Minnesota assisted living report card. Once complete, the report card will measure and report on the quality of assisted living settings across Minnesota.
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