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.
DHS Postpones Annual Quality of Life Survey
On September 23, 2020 by Jeff Bostic
Recently, DHS announced that due to the ongoing public health emergency the annual in-person care center resident Quality of Life survey that was due to be conducted
Updates from the Office of the Ombudsman for Long-Term Care
On September 16, 2020 by Lori Meyer
The Office of the Ombudsman for Long-Term Care has announced a new fulltime position within the Ombudsmen’s Office—the Resident and Family Council (RFACE) Specialist.
State to Add PDPM Items to the MDS
On September 16, 2020 by Jeff Bostic
Last week MDH announced that Minnesota has asked CMS to calculate the PDPM classifications on the OBRA assessments that are not used for Medicare payment.
FAQ’s on 144G - the Assisted Living Statute
On September 9, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
In the past several months we have received a number of questions from individuals new to their positions or to an assisted living setting. One of the frequent questions is what applies now, and what
Home Care and Assisted Living Advisory Council Quarterly Meeting
On September 9, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
The Home Care and Assisted Living Program Advisory Council will hold its quarterly meeting via conference call on Monday, September 14, from 3:00-4:30 PM.
OSHA Recordkeeping Training Available in October
On September 9, 2020 by Jonathan Lips
Maintaining an accurate OSHA log of recordable work-related injuries and illnesses is an important skill that benefits
DHS Shares Impact of HCBS Settings Rule Timeline Extensions for Minnesota
On August 26, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
On July 14, 2020, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released guidance in a letter [PDF] announcing an extension to the implementation of the HCBS regulation timelines.
DHS Amends Licensing Modifications for ADS Providers
On August 26, 2020 by Roni Falck
DHS recently amended licensing modifications for ADS providers, effective August 12, 2020. Except for the changes described below, all previously approved licensing modifications for adult day centers remain in effect.
Schowalter Returns as MMB Commissioner
On August 19, 2020 by Jeff Bostic
With Minnesota facing a projected $4.7 billion budget shortfall, Gov. Tim Walz tapped a familiar face and state budget expert, Jim Schowalter, to return as commissioner of Minnesota Management and Budget.
Legislature Passes Retention Grants for Adult Day Services Providers
On August 19, 2020 by Jeff Bostic
In a special session last week, the Senate and House passed (and the Governor later signed) Senate File 1, which appropriates more than $20M in state CARES Act relief funds to provide retention grants to adult day services providers to address the impact of business interruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Expedited Feeding Assistant Curriculum is Available!
On August 12, 2020 by Lori Meyer
Earlier this year, the Minnesota Department of Health waived the 8-hour training requirement for Paid Feeding Assistants, in accordance with a waiver from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Metro Mobility COVID-19 Updates
On August 12, 2020 by Roni Falck
The Metropolitan Council has issued Metro Mobility COVID-19 safety measures. The safety measures cover topics including service, fare payment, riders, drivers, bus cleaning, and more.
Public Comment Period on ADS Participant Age Eligibility
On August 12, 2020 by Roni Falck
As part of the DHS Waiver Reimagine project, DHS has requested public comments on Summer 2020 federal waiver plan amendments before they are submitted to the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for approval. These amendments apply to the following waivers:
DHS partners with State Services for the Blind to offer Remote Access to Aging Eyes Initiative Devices
On August 12, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Division of DHS is partnering with State Services for the Blind's Aging Eyes Initiative. Through this partnership older adults with both hearing and vision loss can access specific vision loss-related and assistive listening devices.
CMP Funding Still Available to Nursing Homes for COVID-19 Technology Grants
On August 5, 2020 by Jonathan Lips
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is still accepting applications from Medicaid-certified nursing facilities to receive up to $3,000 in Civil Monetary Penalty (CMP) funds to purchase communication technology.
Long-Term Care Imperative Weighs in on Blue Ribbon Commission Draft Report
On August 5, 2020 by Gayle Kvenvold
LeadingAge Minnesota and its partner in the Long-Term Care Imperative submitted comments on behalf of older adult service providers on the draft final report of the Blue Ribbon Commission of Health and Human Services.
MDH Provides Update on the Transition to Assisted Living Licensure
On July 28, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recently provided an update on the status of Assisted Living Licensure in Minnesota that reviewed licensure and the transition process to the new regulatory structure. It also included an overview of licensure, fees and the ability for excluded settings to continue to provide customized living services pending federal waiver approval.
MDH Modifies Home Care and Assisted Living Licensing, Survey and Enforcement
On July 28, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has modified certain requirements for home care licensing, survey and enforcement activities. The modifications are allowed based on Emergency Executive Order 20-32 issued on April 8.
CARES Act Evictions Moratorium Ends; Minnesota Moratorium Continues with Modifications
On July 22, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
While the national prohibition on nonpayment evictions will lift July 25, there are still have ongoing restrictions in Minnesota. Governor Walz last week issued Executive Orders 20-79, which rescinded Executive Orders 20-14 and 20-73 and issued new guidance on eviction suspensions during the duration of the peacetime emergency. Both the rescission and the new order are effective Aug. 4.
Governor’s Council on Age-Friendly MN Seeks Public Comment
On July 15, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
The Governor’s Council on an Age-Friendly Minnesota has developed draft recommendations and is seeking input from the public. The comment period is open through July 31.
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