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.
Registration Is Open for May 3 Health Care Engineers Conference
On April 10, 2019 by Jonathan Lips
Registration is open for the Minnesota Health Care Engineers Association (MHCEA) Spring Conference, set for Friday, May 3 at the Grand Casino Hinckley Convention Center.
Employer Applications for Summer Health Care Internship Program Due April 12
On April 2, 2019 by Jenna Kellerman
Employer applications for the 2019 Summer Health Care Internship Program are due April 12. Care centers, home care providers and adult day services providers are encouraged to participate.
DHS Awards $8.6 Million in Live Well at Home Grants
On April 2, 2019 by Jodi Boyne
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) announced it has awarded $8.6 million in Live Well at Home grants to help older Minnesotans remain in their homes rather than move to nursing homes or other more expensive settings. Several of the award recipients are LeadingAge Minnesota members.
Deadline Approaching for HCBS Scholarship Grants
On April 2, 2019 by Jenna Kellerman
Reminder: The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is currently accepting applications for the bonus round of the HCBS Scholarship Grant. The application deadline is April 19. You can find the application here.
DWRS Bill Advances at the Legislature
On March 26, 2019 by Jeff Bostic
The House Long Term Care Committee advanced a Disability Waiver Rate System (DWRS) bill to its next committee stop this week that will be helpful in some ways to DWRS providers if it ultimately becomes law, but also impose new burdens.
Life Safety Code Documentation Tools & Templates Available to Care Centers
On March 20, 2019 by Jonathan Lips
Information guides, sample policies and other materials relating to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 101, Life Safety Code® 2012 edition, are available to download at no charge from the LeadingAge Minnesota website (scroll down to Life Safety Code Documentation: Guides and Sample Forms).
Considerations for Weekend and Evening Returns from Hospitalizations in Assisted Living
On March 13, 2019 by Bobbie Guidry
As renters of a housing setting, a resident has the right to return to their home following an absence at any time. In some instances, the person has had a change of need that requires added home care services, supplies, or even an interim stay at somewhere like a rehabilitation or transitional care setting. Communication with a resident/representative and hospital staff is vital to assure a smooth transition and appropriate services and supplies being in place.
Recruit Staff, Create Career Pathways: Apply for HCBS Scholarship
On March 13, 2019 by Jenna Kellerman
Reminder: The Minnesota Department of Health is currently accepting applications for the bonus round of the HCBS Scholarship Grant. The application deadline is April 19. You can find the application here.
DHS Announces PIPP Grants
On March 6, 2019 by Julie Apold
New efforts that improve the quality of life and care for care center residents will receive $6.5 million over two years through funding from the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Congratulations to these LeadingAge Minnesota members for receiving Performance-based Incentive Payment Program (PIPP) grants:
DHS Posts EW Rate Reform and Residential Services Tool Webinar
On March 6, 2019 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Department of Human Services has posted the Jan. 24 webinar that featured Elderly Waiver (EW) rate reform, the rate study that occurred in 2018, and their recommendations to the Legislature; along with updates and training on the Residential Services Tool.
Free Basic Training for New MDS Nurses on March 20
On March 6, 2019 by Sue Boyd
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Licensing and Certification Program is offering a free one-day MDS class, Basic Training for New MDS Nurses, on March 20. The class is intended for new MDS nurses with less than one-year experience. Space is limited, so register early!
Summer Health Care Internship Program: Employer Applications Due April 12
On March 6, 2019 by Jenna Kellerman
Employer applications are being accepted for the 2019 Summer Health Care Internship Program (SHCIP). Hospitals, clinics, nursing facilities, home care providers and adult day services facilities are encouraged to participate on behalf of qualified students in their community.
MDH Integrates Federal Complaints and Federal Surveys in SNFs
On February 26, 2019 by Sue Boyd
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has integrated responsibility for federal surveys and federal complaints into the Licensing & Certification (L&C) Program. What does this mean for care centers?
CMS Approves Minnesota’s HCBS Statewide Transition Plan
On February 26, 2019 by Bobbie Guidry
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) granted Minnesota final approval of its statewide transition plan to bring settings into compliance with the federal Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) settings regulations.
Bill Would Expand Critical Access Hospital Swing Bed Use
On February 19, 2019 by Jeff Bostic
A bill to dramatically expand authorized critical access swing bed admissions has been introduced in the Minnesota House. The bill, introduced by Rep. Tina Liebling (DFL-Rochester), would modify the authorized swing bed admissions from 2,000 bed days per year to 9,125 per year. We understand that a companion to this bill will be introduced in the Minnesota Senate in the coming days. LeadingAge Minnesota and the Long-Term Care Imperative oppose this legislation.
Home Care and Assisted Living Provider Change of Information Reporting Required
On February 19, 2019 by Bobbie Guidry
Licensed home care providers and registered home management providers are required to notify the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) within 10 days when there is a change on the license or registration. A Change of Information Form is available on the MDH website.
Adult Day: DWRS Bill Puts Access to Services At Risk; Take Action Today
On February 19, 2019 by Jeff Bostic
The Minnesota House Health and Human Services Policy Committee last week heard bills to address issues around the Disability Waiver Rate System (DWRS). The action taken by the committee is not in keeping with the goals of DWRS providers and creates a clear need for advocacy by impacted providers, including our Adult Day Services members.
DHS Seeks Public Comments on HCBS Setting Evidentiary Packages
On February 13, 2019 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is seeking public comments on evidentiary packages written for Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) settings across the state. Comments are due by 4 p.m. on March 6. We encourage our Adult Day Members and Customized Living providers to check the DHS web site on evidentiary packages as there are a large number of LeadingAge Minnesota provider members listed.
CMS and MDH to Offer Educational Calls for Care Centers This Week
On February 13, 2019 by Jonathan Lips
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will provide information on the SNF Quality Reporting Program, the Payroll Based Journal System and other issues during a Skilled Nursing Facilities/Long Term Care Open Door Forum this Thursday, Feb. 14, at 1 p.m. Click here to review the full agenda.
DHS Seeks Nursing Home PIPP Proposals
On February 13, 2019 by Julie Apold
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is seeking proposals for the next round of Nursing Home Performance-Based Incentive Payment Program (PIPP). Proposals are due May 1. Incentive payments for selected projects will begin on Jan. 1, 2020.