News

Some small residential providers have had challenges complying with AL statutes due to what would be cost-prohibitive remodeling required, or unwillingness of a landlord to allow the changes in rented settings. Changes were made to 144G.195 in the 2024 legislative session to allow these settings to relocate within certain parameters.

MDH invites you to participate in the Insight 2 Action focus groups to tackle the persisting challenges in infection prevention in our settings.

In case you missed it, the MDH Assisted Living Quarterly Update information that was presented on February 20, 2025, is now posted to the MDH Website.

On July 1, 2025, the Housing Support maximum monthly room and board rate will increase to $1,192.

The Office of Higher Education's (OHE) Dual-Training Pipeline Grant is open for applications until April 15.

Each Tuesday, the Department of Human Services (DHS) conducts scheduled maintenance for the NETStudy 2.0 system.

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) held a webinar earlier this month on Feb 19^th bringing together DHS and MDH to review assisted living licensure requirements and the policies and requirements of customized living (the payment program for residents receiving financial support under medical assistance waivers).

Minnesota statute 144G.64 establishes mandatory training in dementia care, mental illness, and de-escalation for all assisted living facilities. This ensures staff are equipped to provide quality care and manage challenging situations effectively.

On Feb. 24, the Department of Human Services posted notice the issue surrounding NETStudy 2.0 not accepting payments for applications submitted on Feb. 19 has been resolved.

In assisted living settings, stock medications and conventional medication management systems are unavailable. The Minnesota Association for Geriatric Inspired Clinicians (MAGIC), created standing house orders (SHO) for assisted living organizations for the first time this year. MAGIC also updates SHO for nursing homes annually.

The Minnesota Department of Health is exploring infection prevention and control barriers in long-term care settings utilizing Collaborative Systems Change. Initial research for areas of study has concluded and focus group work will begin soon. MDH issued a gov. delivery last week that included the areas of study along with additional information about the research process.

Assisted Living licensed providers of customized living services who applied before December 31, 2023, to transition to DHS licensing as a community residential setting may qualify for a license transition support opportunity.

As of Jan. 27, 2025, the nurse aide knowledge test became available in Spanish, Somali, and Hmong, in addition to English, as allowed by Minnesota Statutes, section 144A.61.

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has contracted with All Clear Emergency Management to offer free in-person technical assistance for implementing continuity of operations planning.

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has contracted with All Clear Emergency Management to offer free in-person technical assistance for implementing continuity of operations planning.

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has launched the Employer Engagement Team to address workforce challenges by connecting employers with skilled workers, particularly in the Drive for 5 fields: caring professions, education, manufacturing, technology, and trades.

With our coldest months ahead, just a reminder that the 2023 legislature passed a law, which took effect in 2024, requiring landlords to keep their units heated to a minimum temperature of 68 degrees from Oct. 1 through April 30.

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.

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.

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.