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.
Nurses: Apply Now for Loan Forgiveness
On December 5, 2024 by Anna Mowry
The next cycle for the Minnesota Long-Term Care Nurse Loan Forgiveness Program is now open. The program provides funds to repay qualified educational loans for eligible RNs and LPNs.
Required Disclosure of Prohibition from Pet Fees for Support Animals Among Several Landlord Tenant Law Changes to Take Effect Jan. 1
On November 21, 2024 by Bobbie Guidry
Effective Jan. 1, 2025, if your facility charges pet fees or deposits, your rental lease or contract will be required to disclose that these fees or charges are prohibited for, and do not apply to, service and support animals.
DHS Posts Nursing Home Rate Notices for 2025
On November 21, 2024 by Jeff Bostic
DHS late last week posted Medicaid rate notices for most nursing homes for the rate year beginning Jan. 1, 2025 on the nursing facility portal.
Apply Now: Loan Forgiveness for Nurses
On November 14, 2024 by Anna Mowry
The next cycle for the Minnesota Long-Term Care Nurse Loan Forgiveness Program is now open. The program provides funds to repay qualified educational loans for eligible RNs and LPNs.
DHS Updates MHCP Spenddown Refund and Prohibited Practices Guidance
On November 7, 2024 by Mark Schulz
The Department of Human Services (DHS) has updated the Minnesota Health Care Programs (MHCP) manual with two changes impacting nursing facilities.
DHS Reminds Providers of NETStudy Notice Changes on Nov. 13
On November 7, 2024 by Mark Schulz
The Department of Human Services (DHS) is reminding providers that, beginning on Nov. 13, 2024, it will no longer be mailing paper copies of background study notices to study subjects.
UDALSA Tip Sheet Developed by OOLTC
On November 7, 2024 by Bobbie Guidry
The Uniform Disclosure of Assisted Living Services and Amenities (UDALSA) is an important communication tool for providers to inform prospective residents and their families about what their Assisted Living Facility provides.
Supporting Residents with Serious Mental Illness
On October 31, 2024 by Bobbie Guidry
A recently released fact sheet by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration helps providers better understand and recognize the symptoms of three of the most common serious mental illnesses: schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder.
Electronic Visit Verification Applied to Specific Service Codes for Home Care Providers
On October 31, 2024 by Bobbie Guidry
The 21st Century Cures Act, Public Law 114–255 (PDF), requires providers of personal care, including personal care assistance (PCA) and some waiver services and home health care providers to use electronic visit verification (EVV) to document that people are receiving the services that are billed to the state. Minnesota began implementing EVV on June 20, 2022.
Nursing Home Cost Report Form Available
On October 31, 2024 by Jeff Bostic
The annual nursing home cost report form for the year ended September 30 is now on the DHS portal.
DHS Limits Access to NETStudy Until Fees Are Paid
On October 24, 2024 by Mark Schulz
As of Monday, Oct. 21, DHS has limited account access to NETStudy 2.0 for providers who submitted background study applications between Sept. 3 and Sept. 6, 2024; were unable to pay for those studies due to a DHS technical system issue; and have not yet paid for those studies.
New Certificate of Rent Paid (CRP) Requirement – Online Creation and Submission
On October 24, 2024 by Bobbie Guidry
Minnesota assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and rental housing settings who paid property tax, or are exempt from property tax but make payments in lieu of property taxes, must provide a Certificate of Rent Paid (CRP) to residents living at their facility by January 31 each year.
Customized Living Quality Improvement Grant RFP Announced
On October 17, 2024 by Bobbie Guidry
A grant opportunity was announced this week for providers of Customized Living Services through BI, CADI and EW. The goal of this grant is to help providers improve overall quality of life for people who receive these services.
New IDR/IIDR Statutes Effective Oct. 3
On October 10, 2024 by LeadingAge Minnesota
Changes were made to the statutes regarding Informal Dispute Resolution (IDR) and Independent Informal Dispute Resolution (IIDR) during the 2024 legislative session.
From Classroom to Care: How Highschoolers Can Earn Credit Working in Senior Care
On October 3, 2024 by Anna Mowry
As Minnesota high schoolers head back to school this fall, don’t forget—they have new incentives to work in long-term care.
Secure Dementia Care AL for Individuals Without Dementia
On September 26, 2024 by Bobbie Guidry
We often receive questions related to occupancy of secure dementia care units in licensed assisted living with dementia care facilities.
Join a Workforce Community Conversation with MN Dual-Training Pipeline Program
On September 20, 2024 by Anna Mowry
This October, the MN Dual-Training Pipeline program is hosting community conversations around the state for employers to come together and share their workforce challenges and successes, network with business leaders, and learn about the MN Dual-Training Pipeline program.
Upcoming MN Geriatrics ECHO to Feature CaringCareersStartHere.com
On September 20, 2024 by Anna Mowry
On Sept 24, the MN Geriatrics ECHO is hosting a session featuring our newest resource, CaringCareersStartHere.com, along with LeadingAge’s Director of Workforce, Anna Mowry.
First Phase Application for HCBS Workforce Incentive Grants due by September 30
On September 20, 2024 by Jeff Bostic
The Home and Community Based services (HCBS) workforce incentive grant program being implemented by DHS is using a two-step process to determine how much funding each provider will receive.
MDH Quarterly Update Teleconference Calls
On September 20, 2024 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Department of Health has begun assisted living quarterly update teleconference calls.