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.
Openings for Nursing Assistant Testing
On May 19, 2022 by Anna Mowry
Minnesota State and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) are communicating updates to LeadingAge Minnesota regarding nursing assistant test sites as test sites around the state continue to open and increase their capacity.
DHS seeking to provide Capacity Grants for Rural and Underserved Communities
On May 19, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry
Through its Grants, Equity, Access, and Research Division, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is seeking Home and Community-Based Service (HCBS) providers or organizations interested in becoming HCBS providers to support older adults and people with disabilities. This grant aims to increase the number and ability of HCBS service providers in rural and underserved communities. Information is due by June 13.
MDH Seeks Volunteers to Create a Nurse Aide Practice Test Exam
On May 12, 2022 by Anna Mowry
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) seeks volunteers to participate in a Test Advisory Panel (TAP) to develop a practice Nurse Aide test exam with questions reflective of Minnesota's nurse aide training program curriculum.
Revised Assisted Living Survey Tool for Emergency Preparedness: Appendix Z Posted
On May 12, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry
Emergency preparedness plans continue to be an area of concern for providers and are a frequently cited item in assisted living surveys. To assist in developing thorough plans and content for Emergency Preparation by assisted living facilities and as a helpful self-audit tool, the MDH has updated its Emergency Preparedness survey tool and posted it to their Assisted Living webpage this week.
MDH Adds New Resources to Help Renew Assisted Living Licenses
On May 12, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Department of Health has new tools to assist providers in completing the license renewal process, which is underway this month. As you prepare for your assisted living license renewal, the Assisted Living License Renewal page has videos, checklists and other resources for providers preparing their license renewal application.
Advance Care Planning For Gun Ownership
On May 5, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry
In Minnesota, landlords cannot prohibit a tenant from having a legal firearm. This is, at times, a safety concern within assisted living and housing communities. Several tools have recently been developed that may be helpful in related discussions with residents or potential residents.
Assisted Living License Renewals Now Open
On May 5, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry
License renewals for assisted living are now open. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) received 115 applications during this first week. If you have not received your renewal information, contact MDH at health.assistedliving@state.mn.us.
Occupancy Increases Slightly but Held Back by Staffing Challenges
On May 5, 2022 by Jeff Bostic
The Long-Term Care Imperative recently completed an analysis of care center occupancy for the first quarter of this year. Compared to last year, it shows some improvement but nothing close to a return to pre-pandemic occupancy levels.
Nursing Assistant Test Sites Weekly Update
On May 5, 2022 by Anna Mowry
With the 1135 waiver ending on June 6, members will have until Oct. 6 to place Nursing Assistants on the state registry. Minnesota State and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) communicate weekly updates to LeadingAge Minnesota regarding nursing assistant test sites as they open and increase their capacity.
LALD Legacy Candidates First License Renewal CE Requirements
On April 28, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry
Legacy Licensed Assisted Living Directors (LALD) are nearing their first license renewal. The Board of Executives for Long Term Services and Supports (BELTSS) will soon send information about the renewal process to those who must renew.
LALD Field Experience Sites Needed – Mentors Provided
On April 28, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry
As part of Leading Age Minnesota’s Assisted Living Director Licensing Course, we are seeking assisted living settings to serve as field experience sites for assisted living director (ALD) students.
Assisted Living License Renewals Open in One Week
On April 28, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) will be sending you renewal information on or before May 1 for your assisted living license renewal for conversion licenses. MDH developed materials to help you prepare your assisted living license renewal application on the MDH website.
Stay Up to Date: Sign Up for Notifications for Nurse Aid Candidate Handbook
On April 21, 2022 by Anna Mowry
Periodically, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) may update the Nurse Aide Candidate Handbooks and Mock Skills to reflect the most current guidance.
FAQ: Background Studies Resubmission Process
On April 21, 2022 by Jonathan Lips
Recently members have raised questions relating to resubmitting background studies for individuals hired during the COVID-19 waiver period, and this article addresses some of the common issues we are seeing.
State has Funding to Cover all Current Moratorium Exceptions Proposals
On April 21, 2022 by Jeff Bostic
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has more than enough funding to cover all currently moratorium exceptions projects proposed by nursing homes across the state.
Customized Living Providers Exempt from Assisted Living Licensure Urged to Complete DHS Survey by Monday
On April 14, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) and Public Consulting Group (PCG) are conducting policy research into the regulatory and financing issues affecting settings providing customized living services exempt from assisted living licensure law. affecting settings providing customized living services exempt from assisted living licensure law. The next step in the study is to conduct a survey to obtain additional stakeholder feedback on the Initial Research Report.
LTC Issues at the Capitol Garner Headlines and Gain Momentum Online
On April 14, 2022 by Libbie Chapuran
On Sunday, the Star Tribune ran a story covering the long-term care workforce crisis and the dynamics at the Capitol playing out this legislative session. The article outlines the $1 billion spent in Sen. Jim Abeler’s proposed human services bill. Specifically, it highlights the $358 million targeted at increasing the wages of professional caregivers in long-term care settings.
DHS Provides Update on Delayed Care Center Rate Notices
On April 14, 2022 by Jeff Bostic
This week the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) provided LeadingAge Minnesota with an update on the status of care center rate notices for the rate year that began on Jan. 1. As expected, they will be releasing metro-area care center rate notices first and then sending out other rate notices as audits are finished.
BELTSS Announces Retirement of Executive Director Randy Snyder
On April 7, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Board of Executives for Long-Term Services and Supports (BELTSS) has announced the coming retirement of Randy Snyder, its long-time Executive Director, on July 6.
Side-Rail Assessments in Assisted Living
On April 7, 2022 by Kari Everson
During in-person assisted living surveys, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has increased its focus on side rails and other bed-attached assistive devices, often known as bedside rails, safety rails, grab bars, or assist bars.
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