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.
Workforce Incentive Grant Program for Care Centers- Deadline Extended
On September 7, 2023 by Jeff Bostic
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has decided to extend the application deadline for the Nursing Facility Workforce Incentive Grant Program to Friday, Sept. 15. DHS has posted a revised version of the RFP and application form for Workforce Incentive Grants on the Nursing Facility Provider Portal.
DEED Employer Resources and Webinar – Get Help Recruiting the Talent You Need
On August 31, 2023 by Anna Mowry
On Thursday, Sept. 14, employers are invited to learn more about “Follow Your Heart to a Caring Career” – a campaign launched by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) aimed at helping providers attract, hire, and retain the workforce needed to care for the older adults and people with disabilities in Minnesota.
DHS Receives Report Endorsing Continuing RUGs Case Mix
On August 10, 2023 by Jeff Bostic
A report commissioned by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) recommends the ongoing use of RUGs case mix, despite upcoming changes to the Minimum Data Set (MDS) from the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS).
Legislative Committee Holds Informational Hearing on Agency Progress for Assisted Living Providers
On August 3, 2023 by Erin Huppert
On Friday, Aug. 28, the House and Senate Human Services Committees held a joint informational hearing to receive progress updates from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) regarding several 2023 issues, including the development of recommendations for smaller providers of assisted living services.
New DHS FAQs for Aug. 1 Care Center Payments
On August 3, 2023 by Jeff Bostic
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) issued a second Frequently Asked Questions document to help address some of the questions regarding the Aug. 1 payments sent to all care centers.
MDH to Implement Optional State Assessment Starting October 1
On July 27, 2023 by Jeff Bostic
This morning, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) announced that as of Oct. 1, it will be implementing an Optional State Assessment (OSA) as part of the Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment done by all care centers.
DHS Seeking Proposals for CMP ResoLute Program Initiative
On July 27, 2023 by Julie Apold
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 interested in implementing the ResoLute Program.
2023 Legislative Report Spotlight – Legalization of Cannabis in Minnesota
On July 13, 2023 by Mark Schulz
This summer, we’ll regularly highlight some of the most significant issues summarized in the 2023 Legislative Report, a benefit of membership in LeadingAge Minnesota. This week’s topic: the impacts of legalized cannabis on aging services providers.
Board of Pharmacy Reminds Providers about Medication Carts
On July 13, 2023 by Mark Schulz
The Minnesota Board of Pharmacy reminds long-term care providers who utilize medication carts their provider pharmacist or pharmacy is not permitted under board rules to provide goods or services for “below the cost of the service or good.”
DLI Creates Notices and Posters for New Laws
On July 6, 2023 by Mark Schulz
The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry's (DLI) Labor Standards Division assists workers and employers in understanding their workplace rights and protections.
Assisted Living Change of Capacity Requests
On July 6, 2023 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has implemented several process changes for submitting Change of Capacity requests from assisted living settings.
Remote Adult Day Services Option Available July 1
On June 29, 2023 by Bobbie Guidry
Adult day services providers can offer a remote service option to clients beginning on July 1. Providers should review the requirements and take steps to receive approval from the Department of Human Services (DHS) if they choose to offer remote services.
DHS Updates Thresholds for Care Center Property Projects
On June 22, 2023 by Jeff Bostic
The Department of Human Services (DHS) recently announced the updated property rate thresholds that will apply for projects after Oct. 1. There are two thresholds and two different types of property rate increase projects.
New Resource Available! COVID-19 Facility Assessment Policy Template
On June 1, 2023 by Kari Everson
LeadingAge Minnesota has added a COVID-19 facility assessment policy template to the resource library as a companion document to the facility assessment workbook provided last week.
Higher Education Bonding Bill Invests in Minnesota’s Future Workforce
On May 18, 2023 by Kayla Khang
The Higher Education Omnibus bill (HF 2073) has now passed both the House and Senate and is awaiting a signature from the Governor. The measure will include a one-time investment of $3 Million for the Next Generation Nursing Assistant (NextGen) training program over the 2024-2025 biennium.
Permanent Remote Adult Day Services Option Available July 1
On May 11, 2023 by Bobbie Guidry
Remote adult day services will be a permanent option for licensed adult day services providers beginning July 1.
Certified Food Protection Manager Required in Food Code Requirements for Assisted Living
On May 4, 2023 by Bobbie Guidry
A licensed assisted living facility in Minnesota is required to comply with the Minnesota Food Code and have a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM).
MDH Releases Antibiotic Use and Stewardship 2023 Report
On May 4, 2023 by Kari Everson
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) summarizes data used to depict the state of antibiotic stewardship in Minnesota’s nursing homes in its newly released report, Antibiotic Use and Stewardship. The report outlines opportunities for MDH and clinical partners to use antibiotic stewardship programs.
Updated Agency Contact Info for Nursing Home Closures
On April 27, 2023 by Mark Schulz
The Minnesota Departments of Health (MDH) and Human Services (DHS) recently responded to inquiries about proper agency staff contacts for questions about nursing home closure.
Assisted Living Survey Data - First Quarter 2023
On April 20, 2023 by Bobbie Guidry
In assisted living and assisted living with dementia care licensing surveys completed in the first quarter of 2023 by the Minnesota Department of Health, the average number of survey citations is 13.85. Analyzing the survey data can help assisted living settings provide safe, quality care and avoid citations on future surveys.