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 Offers One-Time PPE Request Opportunity
On November 30, 2023 by Kari Everson
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is currently offering a one-time disbursement of personal protective equipment (PPE) to improve infection prevention capacity in assisted living organizations and nursing homes.
Employer Webinar: Next Generation Nursing Assistant
On November 30, 2023 by Anna Mowry
Employers can attend an upcoming webinar to learn more about connecting with nurse aides from the Next Generation Nursing Assistant or NextGen “barrier-free” training program.
Assisted Living Licensing Data from MDH
On November 16, 2023 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) shared information about current licensees and changes during 2023 at last week’s LeadingAge Minnesota Assisted Living Committee.
Earned Safe and Sick Leave Resources for Jan. 1 Implementation
On November 16, 2023 by Kari Everson
Effective Jan. 1, employers must implement procedures aligned with Minnesota’s earned sick and safe time law.
MDH Webinar on Conducting Internal Investigations for Assisted Living and Home Care
On November 16, 2023 by Bobbie Guidry
Join the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is hosting a webinar on how to conduct internal investigations for assisted living and home care providers. The webinar will be held on Nov. 17 from noon to 1 p.m.
Customized Living Moratorium Exception to Expire Dec. 31
On November 9, 2023 by Bobbie Guidry
The customized living exception to the licensing moratorium will expire on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023.
HCBS Enrolled Provider Revalidation Expands to More Settings
On November 9, 2023 by Bobbie Guidry
This week, Minnesota Health Care Programs (MHCP) expanded the revalidation process to include Home and Community-Based Services providers with practice names starting with the letter R and those beginning with S through Z previously not sent a revalidation letter.
Has Your Organization Signed Up to Become a NextGen Employer Partner?
On October 26, 2023 by Anna Mowry
Employers can sign up now to become an employer partner for the next round of the Next Generation Nursing Assistant or NextGen “barrier-free” training program. Minnesota State campuses are hosting another round of training beginning this month, called Next Generation Nursing Assistant – Train. Test. Work.
High School Students Can Now Earn Credit for Working in Senior Care
On October 26, 2023 by Anna Mowry
With Minnesota high schoolers back in school this fall, they now have new incentives to work in caring careers. Minnesota students can gain valuable work experience, connect with older adults in their community, and explore healthcare careers – all while earning high school credit and a paycheck.
$2.4 Billion Surplus Expected in State Budget
On October 26, 2023 by Kayla Khang
Minnesota is predicted to enter the 2024 legislative session with a $2.4 billion surplus based on state officials' most recent revenue report.
New Provider Enrollment for Waiver Payment Reliant on Compliance with HCBS Settings Rule
On October 19, 2023 by Bobbie Guidry
This month, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) announced required heightened scrutiny assessments for new home and community-based services (HCBS) settings that are in or adjacent to an institution.
Workforce Incentive Grant Program for Care Centers- Formula Finalized
On October 12, 2023 by Jeff Bostic
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has determined a final formula for distributing Workforce Incentive Grant funds to nursing homes. DHS has recently sent out Alternative Payment System (APS) contract amendments.
DLI Posts Earned Sick and Safe Time Resources
On October 5, 2023 by Mark Schulz
The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) has new resources to assist workers and employers in understanding their workplace rights and protections regarding Minnesota’s earned sick and safe time (ESST) law.
Sign-Up Now to Become an Employer Partner of NextGen
On October 5, 2023 by Anna Mowry
Employers can sign up now to become an employer partner for the next round of the Next Generation Nursing Assistant or NextGen “barrier-free” training program.
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.
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).