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.
Licensed Assisted Living Director Update Provided by BELTSS
On October 14, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Board of Executives for Long Term Services and Supports (BELTSS) issued a formal notice this week, stating that they are nearing the hearing process for the creation of rules
Health Services Executive Licensing Progresses in Minnesota
On October 14, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Board of Executives for Long Term Services and Supports (BELTSS) has begun the hearing process for amendments to rules governing licensure of Health Services Executives (HSE),
Walz to Convene Special Session Next Week
On October 7, 2020 by Kari Thurlow
Governor Tim Walz announced today that he will convene a special session of the Legislature on Monday, Oct. 12, as he plans to extend the peacetime emergency for another 30 days. This will be the fifth special session of 2020.
Nursing Facility Survey Tip: Semiannual Inspection of Fire Alarm System
On October 7, 2020 by Jonathan Lips
The Minnesota State Fire Marshal has posted an advisory to its webpage advising nursing facilities to complete a fire alarm and signaling code inspection checklist as soon as possible.
DHS Seeks Input for Waiver Reimagine Project
On September 30, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is improving the disability waiver system through a project called Waiver Reimagine.
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
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.