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.
PIPP Boot Camp Recording Available
On May 12, 2021 by Jeff Bostic
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has posted materials related to applying for the Performance Incentive Payment Projects (PIPP) program on the nursing facility provider portal (see the links posted about halfway down the main page). Proposals are due by July 1, with rate increases starting on Jan. 1, 2022.
At the Capitol: With Days Until Session Adjourns, Most Legislative Work Remains Unfinished
On May 12, 2021 by Matt Steele
This week, lawmakers enter the final stretch of the legislative session before adjourning on May 17 at midnight, regardless of the status of the budget. Most at the Capitol view the Monday deadline as irrelevant given several circumstances that almost guarantee that lawmakers will leave their work unfinished at the end of their constitutionally allotted time.
Reminder: DHS Grant Monies Available
On May 5, 2021 by Lori Meyer
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), through the Nursing Facility Rates and Policy (NFRP) Division and the State Civil Monetary Penalties (CMP) Initiative, is seeking applications from qualified Minnesota Medicaid-Certified Nursing Facilities that are interested in applying for grant funds for several project opportunities.
At the Capitol: The Legislature Begins Conference Committees as the End of Session Nears
On May 5, 2021 by Matt Steele
This week, lawmakers are starting to reconcile the differences in significant budget bills passed off the House and Senate floors in conference committees. Conference committees mark one of the final steps in the budget-making process before the bills are sent to the Governor for his approval. We expect our most important issues to be debated in conference committees in the upcoming days.
At the Capitol: The Legislature Debates the Health and Human Services Budget Proposals
On April 28, 2021 by Matt Steele
This week, lawmakers are debating the Health and Human Services (HHS) omnibus budget bills on the House and Senate floor. The proposals contain most of the policy priorities affecting the senior services sector. Here is what you need to know about each version of the bills and what the next few weeks ahead look like as we approach the end of the legislative session:
Layaway and Planned Closure Options for Addressing Low Occupancy in Care Centers
On April 28, 2021 by Jeff Bostic
The LeadingAge Minnesota and our partner in the Long-Term Care Imperative recently completed analysis of care center occupancy in 2020, which showed a historic drop due to the pandemic. While providers wait to see what happens with occupancy going forward, they do have a couple of options to address that issue.
Governor Walz Signs Bill Extending Protections for First Responders, Frontline Workers
On April 28, 2021 by Kari Thurlow
Governor Tim Walz has signed Chapter 12, HF 2253, into law, extending presumptive workers’ compensation eligibility for emergency first responders and front-line workers.
Dementia Live Training Grants Available
On April 21, 2021 by Lori Meyer
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), through the Nursing Facility Rates and Policy (NFRP) Division and the State Civil Monetary Penalties (CMP) Initiative, is seeking proposals from qualified Minnesota Medicaid-Certified Nursing Facilities that are interested in implementing a Dementia Live Training Program.
PIPP Program Applications Open
On April 21, 2021 by Jeff Bostic
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has posted materials related to applying for the Performance Incentive Payment Projects (PIPP) program on the nursing facility provider portal (see the links posted about halfway down the main page). Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, DHS has adjusted the timeline for PIPP this year. PIPP proposals are due to DHS by July 1, and DHS indicates that it will still work to complete the contracting process and start rate increases by Jan.1, 2022.
Assisted Living Licensure Rules Report Update
On April 21, 2021 by Kari Thurlow
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has filed a response to modify the Proposed Rules Governing Assisted Living Facilities, requesting that the judge review and approve the rule in its entirety with its suggested modifications.
Creating a Diverse and Inclusive Workforce Through Employment-Based Training
On April 14, 2021 by Jenna Kellerman
Join the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry on May 12 from 9 a.m. to noon for a free webinar training event about creating a more diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce through employment-based training.
At the Capitol: The Legislature Begins Passing Budget Bills
On April 14, 2021 by Matt Steele
This week, lawmakers began passing budget bills off the House and Senate floors. This step establishes starting positions for the House, Senate and Governor as they enter negotiations to reach a final budget deal by May 17. Here is what you need to know about what is happening at the Capitol:
Providers Serving Individuals Eligible for Disability Waivers Invited to Waiver Reimagine Information Sessions
On April 7, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
DHS Disability Services Division (DSD) now hosts monthly office hours for providers serving individuals eligible for disability waivers.
In 2019, the Minnesota Legislature authorized DHS to streamline services and simplify the service menu for people who access services through Minnesota’s disability waiver programs:
DHS Selects New Background Studies Fingerprinting Vendor
On April 7, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has selected IDEMIA Identity & Security USA LLC (IDEMIA) as the new vendor to provide statewide fingerprint and photo services for background studies submitted to DHS. IDEMIA was selected through a competitive bid process with cost, quality and reliability of service locations considered in proposal evaluations.
MDH Names New Health Regulation Division Director
On April 7, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has selected Martha Burton Santibáñez to be the Director of the Health Regulation Division (HRD). The HRD includes various programs affecting aging services providers, including Case Mix Review, Engineering Services, the Office of Health Facility Complaints, Health Occupations, Home Care & Assisted Living, and Licensing & Certification. Prior to assuming the Director position, Ms. Burton Santibáñez served four years as an Assistant Division Director.
DHS Issues Instructions for Customized Living Providers Transitioning to Assisted Living Licensure
On April 7, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
In a letter to Customized Living providers dated April 1, DHS updated their previous guidance from February 2021. Providers need to consider and act on the following instructions that apply to their setting. Of particular concern is the intention of DHS to suspend payment for Customized Living services to a provider who has not provided evidence of either their AL License or their exemption. LeadingAge Minnesota is working to resolve issues that could arise if applications have been submitted but licenses are not yet available by Aug. 1.
HCBS and LALD Grant Applications Due April 6
On March 31, 2021 by Jenna Kellerman
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Office of Rural Health and Primary Care has confirmed that the Licensed Assisted Living Director (LALD) training program is eligible for funding through the Home and Community Based Scholarship Grant Program. Apply today!
Care Center Rate Increases for Clean Energy Projects Available
On March 31, 2021 by Jeff Bostic
2019 legislation authorized the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) to develop a pilot project to reduce overall energy consumption in care centers and provide rate adjustments for providers implementing Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) projects. PACE projects are clean energy projects paid off through a financing mechanism that uses a special assessment. The commissioner will select projects from qualifying proposals via a competitive application process. The application and associated materials are at the top of the DHS Nursing Facility Provider Portal. Proposals are due June 1.
MDH Schedules Next Two Assisted Living Licensure Webinars
On March 24, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Department of Health has scheduled two calls regarding assisted living licensure for providers on April 8 and April 29 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
LALD Training Covered by HCBS Scholarship
On March 24, 2021 by Jenna Kellerman
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Office of Rural Health and Primary Care has confirmed that the Licensed Assisted Living Director (LALD) training program is eligible for funding through the Home and Community Based Scholarship Grant Program. Apply today!
The application deadline has been extended to April 6 at 11:59 p.m. Find the HCBS Scholarship Program details, application, and forms on the MDH website. Grants will run for 24 months, starting on July 1, 2021 and ending June 30, 2023.