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.
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.
Food Code Rules in Brief: Nail Brushes Out, Hand Dryers In
On November 20, 2018 by Bobbie Guidry
Beginning Jan. 1, 2019, the Minnesota food code will no longer require nail brushes at handwashing sinks. Also, heated-air and air-knife hand dryers are now allowed at handwashing sinks in the kitchen.
Sign of The Times? Saint Paul Approves $15 Minimum Wage
On November 20, 2018 by Jodi Boyne
The Saint Paul City Council last week approved a $15 minimum wage ordinance that will be phased in at different levels over a period of three to eight years, beginning in 2020, depending on the size of the business.
Home Care Matters Provider Webinar is Nov. 28
On November 20, 2018 by Bobbie Guidry
Home Care and Assisted Living providers are encouraged to participate in the next Home Care Matters webinar on Nov. 28 from 10-11:30 a.m. to learn more about infection control and receive an update from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) on regulatory issues.
EW Residential Services Tool Webinar – Dec. 11
On November 20, 2018 by Bobbie Guidry
Elderly Waiver providers are encouraged to participate in a Dec. 11 webinar to learn more on the EW Residential Services tool.
Food Code Rules in Brief: Consumer Advisory
On November 14, 2018 by Bobbie Guidry
The new food code that takes effect Jan. 1 will require retail food establishments that serve or sell raw or undercooked animal food will need to use a consumer advisory. Minnesota food code specifies how to inform consumers of potential health risks from eating raw or undercooked animal food:
Now Available: Free OSHA Consultation Visit
On November 14, 2018 by Bobbie Guidry
Is your work place safe? Are you OSHA compliant? Through the free Workplace Safety Consultation service from the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, employers can find out about potential hazards at their worksites, improve their safety management systems and even apply for a safety grant of up to $10,000 to abate safety hazards.
MNSCU Train the Trainer Not Required for OnTrack Nursing Assistant Training
On November 7, 2018 by Jenna Kellerman
Nursing Assistant Training programs in Minnesota each offer their own unique Train the Trainer programs, requiring the RN to take the training that is associated with the curriculum they are preparing to teach. The OnTrack Nursing Assistant Training program offers its own unique, online and on-demand Train the Trainer program. OnTrack RN Trainers DO NOT take the MNSCU training.
MDH Food Safety Partnership Issues Updates and Information for Food Licensees
On November 7, 2018 by Bobbie Guidry
For the first time since 1998, Minnesota will have a new statewide rule for retail food establishment operations, including Food and Beverage Licensees operating in Senior Care and Housing Settings. The new code requirements for retail food establishments will be effective on Jan. 1, 2019. Over the next few months, the Food Safety Partnership of Minnesota will be your source to learn about:
Food Code Rules in Brief: Highly Susceptible Populations
On November 7, 2018 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota food code effective Jan. 1, 2019 includes the new term: highly susceptible population. The term identifies both who they are and where they are. A highly susceptible population means persons who are more likely than others in the general population to experience foodborne disease because they are:
Focus on the Food Code: New Details on the Certified Food Protection Manager
On October 31, 2018 by Bobbie Guidry
Food and beverage licensees must employ a Certified Food Protection Manager under the revised food code. This position is currently known as the Certified Food Manager. While the requirements remain similar, members should be aware and ready to comply with the changes.
Notice of Safety Grants for Employers
On October 24, 2018 by Jonathan Lips
The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) Workplace Safety Consultation Unit has announced continuation of its safety hazard abatement matching grant program. Employers covered by workers’ compensation insurance, and those approved as self-insured employers, are eligible to apply for safety/health matching grants up to $10,000 to abate safety hazards in their workplace.
Northeast Regional Healthcare Workforce Summit
On October 23, 2018 by Guest Contributor
Health care workforce shortage. Competition for wages. Retention issues. Employee morale. These are some of the top regional workforce issues that will be featured at the Northeast Regional Health Care Summit 2 on Nov. 9 from 12:30 – 4 p.m.
Now Available: MDS Section Q Webinar Recording and Handouts
On October 23, 2018 by Jeff Bostic
The Minnesota Board on Aging and Minnesota Department of Health hosted a free webinar last week on how section Q of the MDS is used to target state resources towards assisting those nursing home residents who wish to return to a community setting. The webinar and handouts are now available for members to download.
Senior LinkAge Line Ready to Help Seniors Navigate Big Medicare Changes
On October 16, 2018 by Jodi Boyne
With the start of Medicare open enrollment on Oct. 15, the Senior LinkAge Line is prepared to help Minnesotans navigate significant changes to Medicare plans. Cost Plans, a type of Medicare plan popular in Minnesota, will no longer be available in 66 counties for 2019 due to change in federal law. This means that about 375,000 affected Minnesotans on Medicare will need to change plans.
HCBS Scholarship Application Due Friday
On October 16, 2018 by Jenna Kellerman
Applications for the HCBS Scholarship Grant are due by Friday, Oct. 19. Are you interested in applying? Get more information on how to write a successful application! Click here to listen to a recent webinar and here to access a slide deck from Lina Jau, Grant Manager, and Craig Baarson, Reimbursement Fiscal Analyst, with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).
Northeast Regional Healthcare Workforce Summit
On October 16, 2018 by Jodi Boyne
Health care workforce shortage. Competition for wages. Retention issues. Employee morale. These are some of the top regional workforce issues that will be the focus on in the Northeast Regional Health Care Summit 2.
Register Now for Care Center Regulatory Training
On October 9, 2018 by Jonathan Lips
Registration is now open for a full-day of regulatory education, designed for care centers, Minnesota Department of Health surveyors, and Ombudsman staff to attend jointly.