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.
Housing Support Program (GRH) Clarifies Meals Policy Relative to AL Statute
On December 2, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
In a recently released memo, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) clarified the Housing Support Program’s requirement to provide three meals a day in relation to the new assisted living contract limitation found in 144G.41, Subd. 1(13)(i)(C), which stipulates that “the facility cannot require a resident to include and pay for meals in their contract.”
Assisted Living Surveys and Resources
On December 2, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has recently started posting assisted living survey findings on its website.
The site allows searches by facility, county, city. To see all completed assisted living surveys to date, set the date range for Aug. 1, 2021 to today's date and search "all."
Federal COVID-19 Aid Will Not Impact Care Center Rates
On November 18, 2021 by Jeff Bostic
As of this week, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) announced that Provider Relief Funds (PRF) and Paycheck Protection Program Loans (PPP) will not be offset in care center rates.
Nurse Loan Forgiveness Program Informational Application Webinar
On November 11, 2021 by Jenna Kellerman
The Minnesota Health Care Loan Forgiveness program cycle is accepting applications through Jan. 17, 2022. The Loan Forgiveness program is available for various health care professionals serving in high-need areas, including nurses in nursing homes, assisted living, and home care settings. Please join the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) team for a webinar to learn more about this program on Wednesday, Dec. 8 from 9-10 a.m. Register here.
Ending Soon: Nov. 23 Deadline for CMP Grant Application to Retain Staff
On November 11, 2021 by Jenna Kellerman
Care centers have access to an engagement, retention, and leadership building platform for free through a grant for Align’s Employee Engagement Solution. The current grant window closes on Nov. 23. Previous messages indicated that subsequent grant cycles would open over the next two years; however, applications cycles will be limited and will likely end in early 2022. If you plan to apply in future application cycles, please plan accordingly.
Bed Rail Safety and Assisted Living Surveys
On November 11, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) frequently cites the following in assisted living surveys: “The licensee failed to ensure a side rail was assessed for appropriateness and safety.”
DHS Delays Transition to Fingerprint-Based Background Studies for MDH-Licensed Providers
On November 11, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
This week, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) announced that MDH-licensed providers, including home care, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes, will not transition back to fingerprint-based background studies until Jan. 5, 2022. Until the transition occurs, these providers will continue to submit emergency studies, as we have been doing throughout the pandemic.
DHS Offering “Grace Period” for 2021 Cost Reports
On November 4, 2021 by Jeff Bostic
For care centers participating in the Medicaid program, the annual cost report for the year ended Sept. 30, 2021 is due Feb. 1, 2022 under the current statute.
Due to “exceptional circumstances” attributed to the pandemic and staffing shortages, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is offering a grace period for submitting the cost report and associated schedules of 150 days. The grace period makes the effective due date of the cost report July 1, 2022. The cost report instructions are currently posted on the DHS nursing facility portal; the actual cost report form and other schedules will be posted later.
DHS Implementing New Surcharge Billing Process for Bed Changes
On November 4, 2021 by Jeff Bostic
For the next six months, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is trying a new process when care centers change their number of beds.
Transition to Fingerprint-Based Background Studies Underway
On November 4, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
After a four-week delay, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is proceeding with the transition from emergency background studies back to studies with fingerprints and photographs.
Assisted Living Surveys – Food Code and More
On November 4, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
In a meeting with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) this week, staff from the Environmental Health Division provided information on early findings regarding the food code during assisted living surveys. Most findings are in basic food handling safety measures.
Loan Forgiveness for Nurses: Applications Open
On October 28, 2021 by Jenna Kellerman
The Minnesota Health Care Loan Forgiveness program cycle opens Nov. 1 and is accepting applications through Jan. 17, 2022. The Loan Forgiveness program is available for various health care professionals serving in high-need areas, including nurses in nursing homes, assisted living, and home care settings.
At the Capitol and Across the State: Lawmakers Visit LeadingAge Sites Throughout Minnesota
On October 28, 2021 by Matt Steele
Since early August, several LeadingAge Minnesota members across the state have invited federal and state lawmakers from both political parties into their communities to raise awareness around the growing workforce crisis in long-term care.
ALL Together: New Assisted Living Newsletter Available from MDH
On October 21, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Department of Health's Health Regulation Division (HRD) will provide information, news, updates and links to assisted living providers, residents, resident families, and the public through a new weekly newsletter, ALL Together. To subscribe, enter your email address and click submit.
LALD Mentors Needed! Help Train the Next Generation of Assisted Living Leaders
On October 21, 2021 by Jenna Kellerman
Are you interested in advancing the next generation of leaders in assisted living? LeadingAge Minnesota is looking for Licensed Assisted Living Directors (LALDs) to volunteer as mentors for students enrolled in our Assisted Living Director Licensure Program.
Seeking Mentors for LALD Students
On October 14, 2021 by Jenna Kellerman
Are you interested in advancing the next generation of leaders in Assisted Living? LeadingAge Minnesota is looking for Licensed Assisted Living Directors (LALDs) to volunteer as mentors for students enrolled in our Assisted Living Director Licensure Program.
Assisted Living Licensure Closure Form Now Available
On October 14, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Department of Health has added an Assisted Living Licensure Closure Form to their Forms and Self-Audit Tools page under the “notifications” heading. The form provides guidance for the closure process.
Workforce Solutions Can’t Wait! Contact State Lawmakers Today
On October 14, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran
Minnesota’s assisted living settings and nursing homes are facing an unprecedented workforce crisis, and LeadingAge Minnesota members across the state are contacting their lawmakers to ask for support now.
Hazard Vulnerability Assessment required for Assisted Living Emergency Preparedness Planning
On October 7, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
Assisted living facilities should base their emergency plan on documented facility-based and community-based risk assessments using an all-hazards approach, including addressing a scenario involving missing residents.
DHS Implementing new Rate Floor for Disproportionate Share Customized Living Providers
On October 7, 2021 by Jeff Bostic
Earlier this year, the legislature approved a new program to assist Customized Living providers who serve a "disproportionate share" of Elderly Waiver (EW) clients. Any Customized Living provider who serves 80% EW clients as of Oct.1 of this year is eligible for a minimum rate for EW Customized Living clients of $119 per day for the period from July 1, 2022 through Dec. 31, 2022. The program will be ongoing, and the floor will typically apply on an annual basis based on EW percentage on Oct. 1 of each year.
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