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.
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.
MDH responds to Legal Study Group’s Questions on ALL
On March 17, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recently provided helpful responses to several questions posed by a group of stakeholders regarding assisted living licensure.
MDH convened a group of stakeholders, including LeadingAge Minnesota and many of our legal business partner members, to address legal questions related to licensure of assisted living settings. MDH recently provided answers in writing to many of the questions posed by the group. The responses from MDH offer helpful information to providers in preparing for their applications for licensure:
Senate Committee Advances Second Bill on Fingerprinting and Background Studies
On March 17, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
The Minnesota Senate Human Services Reform Finance and Policy Committee last week approved a bill that proposes a long-term solution to challenges with the fingerprinting and background study process in Minnesota. Senate File 1257, authored by Sen. Michelle Benson (R-Ham Lake), tackles the issue of fingerprinting capacity by authorizing the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) to contract with up to three fingerprinting providers, rather than a single vendor.
HCBS Scholarship Application Webinar - Register Today
On March 10, 2021 by Jenna Kellerman
The Minnesota Department of Health, Office of Rural Health and Primary Care, is soliciting grant proposals from providers of adult day care, home care, and housing with services to provide educational scholarships for their employees. MDH staff who oversee the scholarship program will be offering a webinar on March 17 at 2 p.m. to provide guidance on the application process and program management.
MDH Initiates Workgroup to Address Residents Relocation During AL Licensure
On March 10, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
MDH has convened a group of stakeholders to discuss processes and concerns that may arise related to a need for a resident to relocate due to the upcoming assisted living licensure implementation. The Department anticipates that, in some situations, a current provider may decide to discontinue services rather than pursue licensure, and that some providers may close.
At the Capitol: State Prepares for Transition to Phase Two of Vaccine Rollout as Nearly 70% of Minnesota Seniors Get Vaccinated
On March 10, 2021 by Matt Steele
Governor Walz reported on Tuesday that Minnesota has nearly vaccinated 70% of its seniors, weeks ahead of the original deadline of April. In light of this progress, Walz announced that Minnesota will soon transition to Phase Two of vaccine distribution that prioritizes those that are chronically-ill and that qualify as essential workers. Here is what you need to know about what’s happening at the Capitol:
MDH to Host Two Assisted Living Licensure Webinars
On March 3, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Department of Health will host two webinars on assisted living licensure in upcoming days.
First, on March 4 from 10-11:30 a.m., MDH will host a presentation regarding assisted living licensure in relation to customized living providers. Presentation materials will after the call at Assisted Living Fact Sheets.
Updated Date and Time: Legacy Licensed Assisted Living Director Application Process Coaching Room
On March 3, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
Join us on March 17 at 2 p.m. for an open discussion on the application process for licensing as an Assisted Living Director (LALD). To accommodate a Minnesota Department of Health webinar on assisted living licensure on March 18 from 10 - 11:30 a.m., we moved the LALD Coaching Room from its original date and time.
HCBS Scholarship Application Webinar Coming Soon
On March 3, 2021 by Jenna Kellerman
The Minnesota Department of Health, Office of Rural Health and Primary Care, is soliciting grant proposals from providers of adult day care, home care, and housing with services to provide educational scholarships for their employees. You can find the HCBS Scholarship Program details, application, and forms on the MDH website.
CMS Updates Isolation Coding on the MDS
On March 3, 2021 by Kari Everson
The Minnesota Department of Health Case Mix Review team released information on updated documentation requirements when isolation is coded on the MDS under O0100M. This updated information will be effective for all MDS’ with an assessment reference date (ARD) on or after Friday, March 5. In order to correctly code O0100M, Isolation on the MDS, case mix review auditors will check for required documentation in the resident’s medical record. This required documentation includes:
DHS Works to Align Customized Living with Assisted Living Licensure
On March 3, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
On Feb. 18, DHS sent a communication to all enrolled customized living providers about new assisted living facility licensure requirements and how they affect providers’ ability to provide customized living services. The communication was sent to each provider’s MN-ITS.
DHS Funding Available for Dementia Live Training Program
On March 3, 2021 by Lori Meyer
The Minnesota Department of Human Services, 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.
MDH to Host A Conversation about Customized Living and Assisted Living Licensure
On February 24, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Department of Health will host a presentation regarding assisted living licensure and customized living (waiver services) on Thursday, March 4, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
BELTSS Extends CEU Period for 2021, Awards Clock Hours for COVID-related Education
On February 24, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
In a message sent to current licensees last week, the Board of Executives for Long-Term Services and Supports (BELTSS) communicated several important messages to currently licensed Nursing Home Administrators.
Sens. Housley and Eken, Key Aging Committee Leaders, Slated for Week at the Capitol Discussion
On February 24, 2021 by Matt Steele
Assistant Majority Leader Karin Housley (R – St. Mary’s Point), Chair of the Minnesota Senate Aging and Long-Term Care Policy Committee, and Sen. Kent Eken (DFL – Twin Valley), the committee’s ranking minority member, will join LeadingAge Minnesota members for a bipartisan discussion about long-term care issues at this year’s LeadingAge Minnesota Week at the Capitol.
Legacy Licensed Assisted Living Director Application Slated for April
On February 17, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
Last week, the Board of Executives for Long Term Services and Supports (BELTSS) updated the projected time frame for licensed assisted living director (LALD) applications to be available. We now anticipate that the applications will be available in April for those eligible as legacy directors.
At the Capitol: Senate Committees Host Hearings about Vaccine Rollout
On February 17, 2021 by Matt Steele
With Governor Walz announcing a loosening of social and business restrictions, the legislature is giving greater attention to the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine. This week, lawmakers will be focusing on how the vaccine is affecting virus infection rates as well as its disbursement to vulnerable population groups, especially seniors. Here is what you need to know about what’s happening at the Capitol:
MDH Announces Webinar on Assisted Living Licensure
On February 10, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Department of Health is offering a webinar on Thursday Feb. 18, 2021, from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. Information will be provided regarding changes to the laws that affect home care, assisted living and housing with services providers in relation to assisted living licensure.
At the Capitol: Committees on Human Services and Taxes Hear LTC-focused Bills
On February 10, 2021 by Matt Steele
With about a month to go until the first of three lawmaking deadlines, policy makers are shepherding numerous bills through the committee process, in particular, legislation that allows for providers to have extra time to get background reviews completed for their employees following the expiration of the public health emergency. Here is what you need to know about what’s happening at the Capitol: