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.
DHS Launches HCBS Provider Toolkit
On October 8, 2019 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has released a new Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Provider Toolkit that provides guidance, frequently asked questions, and examples of provider practices that support choice and autonomy for people who receive these services.
FluSafe: Help Protect Residents from Flu
On October 1, 2019 by Sue Boyd
21 LeadingAge Minnesota members were recently recognized for their commitment to protecting patient and resident health through high flu vaccination rates among health care personnel. Care centers across Minnesota can take proactive measures to protect the people you serve from the flu by enrolling in FluSafe.
Antibiotic Stewardship Honor Roll Recognizes LeadingAge MN Members at Gold and Silver Level
On October 1, 2019 by Sue Boyd
23 LeadingAge Minnesota members have been recognized on the Minnesota Antibiotic Stewardship Honor Roll for their commitment to antibiotic stewardship from the highest levels of administration to prescribers and caregivers.
MDH Releases Norovirus Toolkit
On October 1, 2019 by Sue Boyd
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has released the 2019 -2020 Norovirus Toolkit for Long-Term Care Settings.
Proposed Rule Expands Exemption of Salon Licensure to Some Assisted Living Settings
On September 24, 2019 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Board of Cosmetology is proposing changes in rules related to certain salon licensing and practice requirements that could exempt some assisted living settings. The revised language states:
DHS Convenes Adult Day License Stakeholder Group
On September 17, 2019 by Roni Falck
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) convened the first meeting of the Adult Day License Stakeholder Group, which will provide input on the development of new licensing standards for adult day services.
Time is Running Out: Apply Now for HCBS Scholarship Grant
On September 16, 2019 by Jenna Kellerman
Applications for the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Scholarship Grant Program are due Friday, Sept. 27. To help you complete your application, check out the following resources:
DHS Implementing New Verification Process for Medicaid Eligibility
On September 11, 2019 by Jeff Bostic
At the beginning of this month, the Minnesota Department of Human Services began implementing a new federal requirement for Medicaid long-term care eligibility. Clients will have 10 days to return the form. If they do not return the form, they will get a second notice about returning it. If they do not respond to that second request, the county will terminate their Medicaid enrollment.
CMS Postpones Heightened Scrutiny Site Visits in Minnesota
On September 10, 2019 by Bobbie Guidry
The Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services (CMS) has posted their planned visits to Minnesota to visit select Adult Day Services and Customized Living providers subject to heightened scrutiny.
Now Available: HCBS Grant Application Recorded Webinar & Resources
On September 10, 2019 by Jenna Kellerman
The Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Grant Application Workshop webinar and handouts are now available. To deadline to apply for a HCBS Grant is Friday, Sept. 27, so take some time to watch and learn how to apply for a grant that will help you recruit and retain staff and help them advance in their career pathways.
BENHA Continues Rules Development Team for Licensed Assisted Living Directors
On September 3, 2019 by Libbie Chapuran
The rulemaking process to establish directives related to licensure of assisted living directors is currently underway. An Assisted Living Rules Development Team is developing draft rules and the process is moving quickly.
Several LeadingAge Minnesota Members Will Receive CMS Heightened Scrutiny Visits
On September 3, 2019 by Bobbie Guidry
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will visit six to nine Adult Day Services and Customized Living settings in Minnesota that are subject to “heightened scrutiny” under the Home and Community-Based Settings rule at the end of September.
Register Today for Sept. 5 Webinar on HCBS Scholarship Program
On August 28, 2019 by Jenna Kellerman
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) will host a Sept. 5 webinar to help Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) providers learn more about application process for the HCBS scholarship program and provide best practices for completing an application.
Providers Now Authorized to Obtain, Store and Use Epinephrine Auto-Injectors
On August 28, 2019 by Sue Boyd
Nursing homes, board and care, and licensed basic and comprehensive home care providers have been added to the list of authorized entities that may obtain, store, and use epinephrine auto-injectors for emergency administration in cases of anaphylaxis, according to two new bulletins from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).
Sept. 5 Workshop Webinar: HCBS Scholarship Grant Application Process
On August 20, 2019 by Jenna Kellerman
The Minnesota Department of Health will host a Workshop Webinar on the Home and Community-Based Services Scholarship Program and Application Process on Sept. 5. Make plans now to participate and then apply for tscholarship grants that will help you recruit, retain and create career pathways for your staff.
Registration Open for Health Care Engineers Conference
On August 20, 2019 by Jonathan Lips
Registration is open for the Minnesota Health Care Engineers Association (MHCEA) Fall Conference and Vendor Show that takes place Sept. 11-13 at Grand Casino Hinckley.
Housing Support Approved as New Medicaid Benefit
On August 20, 2019 by Jodi Boyne
Minnesota seniors and people with disabilities soon will have more help finding and keeping housing, thanks to new services coming to the state’s Medicaid program next year.
Help Recruit Staff and Create Career Pathways: Apply for HCBS Scholarship Grant
On August 13, 2019 by Jenna Kellerman
The Minnesota Department of Health is soliciting grant proposals from providers of adult day care, home care and housing with services to provide educational scholarships for their employees. Find the HCBS Program detail, application, and forms on the MDH website here.
DHS Launches New Web Site Geared Toward People with Hearing Loss
On August 13, 2019 by Jodi Boyne
People with hearing loss can learn more about assistive technology, communications access and other issues at a new website launched this week by the Minnesota Department of Human Services.
Jodi Harpstead Named DHS Commissioner
On August 13, 2019 by Jodi Boyne
Governor Tim Walz has named Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota President Jodi Harpstead as the new commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS).