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.
Minnesota Seeks Final Approval of Statewide Transition Plan for HCBS Settings Rule
On August 14, 2018 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Department of Human Services will be updating its Statewide Transition Plan for the Home and Community-Based Settings (HCBS) Rule and putting it out for public comment on Sept. 10.
Cultural Consultants Help Providers Reach Out to Diverse Communities
On August 7, 2018 by Bobbie Guidry
Cultural Consultants is a service supported by the Minnesota Board on Aging that provides cultural expertise and professional services to providers across Minnesota. The consultants have been specially trained in recognizing and understanding signs of memory loss as well as offering resources to support family, friends and neighbors who are caregiving.
DHS Conducting Two Provider Surveys as Part of HCBS Transportation Study
On August 7, 2018 by Jeff Bostic
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is contracting with Navigant Consulting for a review of the rates and availability of transportation services for Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver clients. That study has two works groups advising DHS and Navigant, one looking at rates and one looking at access.
Care Center Regulatory Updates Available from MDH and CMS
On August 7, 2018 by Jonathan Lips
The Minnesota Department of Health has posted the recording and transcript of its July 16 statewide regulatory conference call for care centers.
Check Your Email: MDH Now Sending Home Care Survey Results by Email
On July 31, 2018 by Bobbie Guidry
Effective July 1, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Home Care and Assisted Living Program discontinued mailing paper copies of license survey results to providers and began emailing the results to the agent on record with MDH.
Registration Is Open for Health Care Engineers Conference
On July 25, 2018 by Jonathan Lips
Registration is now open for the 43rd Annual Minnesota Health Care Engineers Association (MHCEA) Fall Education Seminar and Vendor Show.
HCBS: Changes in Evaluation of Services for Annual Assessments Effective Aug. 1
On July 24, 2018 by Bobbie Guidry
In keeping with the Minnesota State Transition Plan to comply with the Home and Community-Based Services Settings (HCBS) Rule, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has added a person’s evaluation of services and compliance with HCBS Standards to the MN Choices Tool. The questions are to be completed at the next reassessment visit on or after Aug. 1, 2018.
Now Available: Rights-Modification Form and Updates to HCBS Transition Process
On July 18, 2018 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) issued a form that can be used by case managers to modify rights for individuals requiring a modification of the rights enumerated in the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) standards for provider “owned or controlled settings.”
U of M Reaffirms Commitment to Preparing Nursing Home Administrators for Licensure
On July 17, 2018 by Jodi Boyne
As the Baby Boom Generation continues to age and rely more on the network of supports for older adults, the University of Minnesota recently reaffirmed its commitment to its high-quality Long-Term Care Administration courses.
Legislative Auditor Releases Report on Eligibility Process
On July 17, 2018 by Kari Thurlow
The Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA) last week released an audit on the Medical Assistance eligibility process for seniors and those under age 65 with a disability. The audit found that DHS and the counties who implement the eligibility process “generally complied” with legal requirements for determining eligibility. Specific findings and recommendations include:
DHS Conducting Survey of HCBS Transportation Provider Costs
On July 17, 2018 by Jeff Bostic
As we have covered previously, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is conducting numerous studies this summer that are related to reports it is required to submit to the 2019 Legislature. In addition to a study Elderly Waiver rates and of Adult Day Services, DHS is also reviewing rates and availability of transportation services for Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver clients.
HIE Grants Available from Health Department
On July 11, 2018 by Jonathan Lips
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is seeking proposals for the Minnesota Health Information Exchange (HIE) Grant Program. The program provides financial assistance to Minnesota health care providers to encourage implementation of admission, discharge and transfer alerts and care summary document exchange transactions.
What Happens after DHS Completes a Site Visit for HCBS Settings Rule Compliance?
On July 10, 2018 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is well underway with conducting site visits to Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) providers who are “presumed not to be HCBS settings.” As some of these site visits have now been completed, we are able to provide information on what happens once DHS completes its visit.
Minor Change Made to Home Care Law
On June 26, 2018 by Bobbie Guidry
While the legislative session did not result in the clarifications to the Home Care Law that we had worked on with the Minnesota Department of Health, the HomeCare Association and the Long-Term Care Imperative, a minor change was made to the law regarding life-sustaining treatment.
DHS Conducting HCBS Transportation Access Study
On June 19, 2018 by Jeff Bostic
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has contracted with Navigant Consulting, the company that is also conducting studies on Elderly Waiver rates and the role of Adult Day services, to conduct a study of transportation access for home and community-based service enrollees, including both the elderly and disabled populations.
DHS Updates and Extends Return to Community Initiative
On June 19, 2018 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has updated and extended the Return to Community initiative.
Care Centers: QIIP Goal Due June 30
On June 19, 2018 by Jeff Bostic
This is a final reminder for care centers that your QIIP goal for the rate year beginning Jan. 1, 2020 is due June 30.
“Normal Wear and Tear” and Security Deposits in Senior Housing
On June 12, 2018 by Bobbie Guidry
Managers of Senior Housing and Housing with Services Establishments are often in the position to determine what is considered beyond normal wear and tear when an apartment is vacated, and what will be recovered from a damage deposit.
Rate Increases for Home Delivered Meals, EW/AC and CDCS Budget Cap Effective July 1
On June 5, 2018 by Bobbie Guidry
The 2017 Minnesota Legislature authorized a 2.61 percent rate increase for home delivered meals for the Alternative Care (AC), Elderly Waiver (EW), and Essential Community Supports (ECS) programs for services delivered on or after July 1, 2018.
Inaugural Long-Term Care Antibiotic Stewardship Honor Roll Honorees Announced
On June 4, 2018 by Julie Apold
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recently announced the inaugural list of organizations honored for their demonstrated commitment to antibiotic stewardship. Congratulations to the following LeadingAge Minnesota members who were recognized for their efforts on this important topic: