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.
Question of the Week: Elderly Waiver Policies
On January 29, 2019 by Bobbie Guidry
During our recent round of District Meetings, we received several questions regarding changes that were made to the Elderly Waiver policies based on our legislative efforts in 2017. We are reprinting this helpful synopsis as a quick reference guide, which many LeadingAge Minnesota members have found helpful when working with case managers.
MDH Commissioner Malcolm Shares Progress Report on OHFC, Abuse Working Groups
On January 29, 2019 by Libbie Chapuran
Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Commissioner Jan Malcolm shared updates regarding improvements at the Office of Health Facility Complaints (OHFC) and overviews of the work done on the Elder and Vulnerable Adult Abuse Working Groups in front of the Senate Family Care and Aging Committee and the House Long-term Care Subcommittee.
Save the Dates: MDH Hosts Basic Training for New MDS Nurses
On January 22, 2019 by Julie Apold
The Licensing and Certification Program at the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has released the 2019 training schedule dates for their free, one-day Basic Training for New MDS Nurses class.
New Free Resource: Mental Health for Older Adults Online Training Series
On January 22, 2019 by Julie Apold
A new three-part online video training series aimed at helping post-acute care providers and family caregivers gain a better understanding of older adult mental illness is now available from the Lake Superior QIN East Metro Coordination of Care Community.
Members Must Issue Certificate of Rent Paid by Jan. 31
On January 22, 2019 by Bobbie Guidry
All rental property owners, managers or operators must provide a Certificate of Rent Paid (CRP) to each person who rented from them during the previous year by Wednesday, Jan. 31, unless the property is tax-exempt.
MDH Care Center Regulatory Calls Resume in February; See Top 10 F-Tags for 2018
On January 16, 2019 by Jonathan Lips
The Minnesota Department of Health has announced the dates and times of two statewide conference calls to address care center regulatory issues:
Join MDH for Home Care Matters Call on Feb. 20
On January 15, 2019 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) will hold its next quarterly Home Care Matters call on Wednesday, Feb. 20 from 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. These calls are a great opportunity for providers to discuss issues affected home care with MDH.
DHS Completes Desk Audits of Submitted HCBS Provider Attestations
On January 15, 2019 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has completed desk audits of all submitted supporting documentation and determined 99.1 percent of settings to be compliant with the minimum requirements of the Home and Community-Based Settings Rule. However, 52 provider settings did not respond to requests to resubmit revised supporting documentation.
2 New Resources to Help Adult Day Providers Remain Compliant
On January 8, 2019 by Roni Falck
Adult Day Services providers now have access to two new resources from the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) to help them remain compliant: a webinar on licensing surveys, regulations and expectations and several sample policies and forms.
Four Care Centers Request Moratorium Exceptions Process Funding
On December 31, 2018 by Jeff Bostic
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) received proposals from four care centers – all LeadingAge Minnesota members -- for funding through the moratorium exceptions process.
Adult Day Services: A Closer Look at Individual Service Planning
On December 31, 2018 by Roni Falck
In our recent assessment of Adult Day Services surveys by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), we found several deficiencies in record keeping regarding Individual Service Planning. In this edition of our “Adult Day Services: A Closer Look” series, we review the requirements for the most common deficiencies in Individual Service Planning and link you to resources that will help you comply with the requirements.
Connect Residents to Senior LinkAge Line during Medicare Special Enrollment Periods
On December 18, 2018 by Jodi Boyne
Although the annual Medicare open enrollment period ended Dec. 7, special enrollment periods remain for most beneficiaries who live in one of the 66 Minnesota counties that are losing their Cost Plans as of Dec. 31, 2018. Members are reminded to refer residents and families with questions or in need of additional assistance to the Senior Linkage Line.
Focus on the Food Code: Person in Charge
On December 18, 2018 by Bobbie Guidry
The role of the Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) was reviewed in a previous edition of Advantage. One important clarification to that story is the designation of a Person in Charge (PIC). When present, the CFPM functions as the PIC. However, when the CFPM is not present and food service is being offered, the CFPM must designate a PIC.
Telemedicine Growing at Rapid Pace in Minnesota; Different Uses for Metro and Rural Patients
On December 12, 2018 by Jodi Boyne
Telemedicine grew at a rapid pace in Minnesota between 2010 and 2015 with a nearly seven-fold growth in visits jumping from 11,113 in 2010 to 86,238 visits in 2015, according to a new Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and University of Minnesota School of Public Health study highlighted in Health Affairs.
State Budget Surplus Grows, Economic Growth Predicted to Slow
On December 12, 2018 by Kari Thurlow
Minnesota’s latest budget forecast was released last week, showing a $1.544 billion surplus for the next biennium but also predicting a slowdown in economic growth. Positive reaction to the state budget surplus at the State Capitol was accompanied with a note of caution.
UMN Crookston Earns NAB Accreditation for Bachelor of Science in Health Management
On December 5, 2018 by Jodi Boyne
The Bachelor of Science in Health Management at the University of Minnesota Crookston received accreditation approval by the National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB) and the program also received its Health Service Executive (HSE) qualification. Both accreditations were earned under the leadership of Susan Klassen, program director and former member of LeadingAge Minnesota.
Aging Committees Return for 2019-2020 Session
On December 5, 2018 by Libbie Chapuran
Aging committees will return in both chambers of the Legislature for the 2019-2020 legislative session.
BENHA Announces Open Board Seat for a Registered Nurse
On November 28, 2018 by Jonathan Lips
The Minnesota Board of Examiners for Nursing Home Administrators (BENHA) announces the open appointment for one member actively engaged in the practice of professional nursing, licensed in Minnesota.
BENHA Announces Open Board Seat for a Registered Nurse
On November 28, 2018 by Jonathan Lips
The Minnesota Board of Examiners for Nursing Home Administrators (BENHA) announces the open appointment for one member actively engaged in the practice of professional nursing, licensed in Minnesota.
Long-Term Care Takes a Lead Role on Antibiotic Stewardship
On November 28, 2018 by Jodi Boyne
Nearly 40 hospitals and long-term care settings across Minnesota earned a shout out from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) for contributing to antibiotic stewardship efforts beyond their walls.