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.
Legislative Update: Preparing Minnesotans to Own Their Future
On February 25, 2015 by Danielle Salisbury
The Aging and Long Term Care Policy Committee last week held a hearing focused on long term care insurance and Own Your Future, an initiative by the Dayton Administration to help Minnesotans prepare for their long term care needs.
Senior Care Reimbursement, Workforce Bills Advance in Minnesota House
On February 18, 2015 by Danielle Salisbury
After two hearings and much discussion, the Aging & Long Term Care Policy Committee unanimously passed HF316: Senior Care Reimbursement Reform. Two amendments were offered to the bill, but both were defeated:
MDH Develops Change of Information Form for Home Care Providers
On February 18, 2015 by Mary Youle
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has developed a new form for home care licensees to use when there is a change in information, such as a change in the office address, mailing address, telephone number, fax, email, Registered Nurse, authorized agent and more.
Form Needed for Special Transportation Service Reimbursement
On February 18, 2015 by Jeff Bostic
Special Transportation Services (STS) providers under the state’s Medical Assistance program should be aware of form DHS—7047, which needs to be filed in order for transportation services to be reimbursed in some cases.
MDH: Name Change for Compliance Monitoring Division
On February 4, 2015 by Darrell Shreve
The Minnesota Department of Health has announced a new name for the Compliance Monitoring Division. The new name is the Health Regulation Division. Licensure and Certification, Survey and Compliance, and the Office of Health Facilities Complaints, among others, are housed within this division, which is headed by Darcy Miner.
Governor’s Order Extends the Authority of the Olmstead Sub-Cabinet
On February 4, 2015 by Mary Youle
On Monday, Governor Dayton issued Executive Order 15-03 in the State Register to extend the authority of the Olmstead Sub-Cabinet to continue the implementation of the state’s Olmstead Plan, which received provisional approval from the Court on January 9, 2015.
Under the order, the Sub-Cabinet will include representatives from the following state agencies;
Recording of New Care Center Payment System Webinar Available
On February 4, 2015 by Jeff Bostic
Last week, Jeff Bostic and Kari Thurlow hosted a special hour-long Capitol News Live webinar on the LTC Imperative’s payment reform bill, House File 316 / Senate File 273. For those members who missed that webinar, or just want to relive the experience, it is now available to download or stream for free.
New Home Care Surveys are Now Being Conducted: Readiness is Key
On February 4, 2015 by Elizabeth Sether, RN, MHA, LNHA
Home Care Providers are now experiencing Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) survey teams who are utilizing the new comprehensive survey forms when reviewing for regulatory compliance.
AC Applicants/Recipients Must Attest to Immigration Status
On February 4, 2015 by Jennifer Mims
All Alternative Care (AC) applicants/recipients must attest to their immigration status, according to a new bulletin from the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). Bulletin #15-25-01, Alternative Care Program (AC)- New Process for Verification of Citizenship or Immigration Status provides policy and instructions for the new verification requirements of citizens or immigration status as part of the AC program eligibility process.
MNDOT Announces Availability of Federal Funds for Senior Transportation
On February 4, 2015 by Lori Meyer
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT) has announced the availability of federal funds to provide up to 80% of the cost for:
New Information and Training Available on Background Studies
On January 28, 2015 by Darrell Shreve
Preparations by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) for the implementation of NETStudy 2.0, the new background studies system that includes fingerprints and photographs, is proceeding slowly but carefully. DHS has released new information and resources to help members transition to the new system.
Moratorium Exceptions Process Proposal Cost Estimates Released
On January 21, 2015 by Jeff Bostic
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) recently completed the Medical Assistance (MA) state cost estimates for the moratorium exceptions projects submitted in the most recent round. The seven projects, of which six are LeadingAge Minnesota members, account for a total of more than $65 million in much needed construction to replace and renovate care centers. The annual state MA cost to cover all of the proposals is just over $438,000.
State Demographer Shares Implications of Aging Population with Lawmakers
On January 21, 2015 by Danielle Salisbury
The Aging and Long Term Care Policy Committee kicked off its inaugural meeting last week with an overview of aging demographics from Susan Brower, the state’s demographer.
DHS Still Looking for Fingerprint/Photo Sites
On January 21, 2015 by Darrell Shreve
Sites are still needed for the fingerprint and photo services for background studies in seven counties: Becker, Cook, Itasca, Lake of the Woods, Martin, Pine and Roseau. If you are geographically located within a needed area and would like to be considered to provide the services, send an email to Scott Snyder at ssnyder@mmm.com.
Technical Correction Issued to Essential Community Supports Program
On January 21, 2015 by Mary Youle
The Minnesota Department of Human Services has issued a technical correction to the Essential Community Supports Bulletin. The correction removes the procedure codes that allowed homemaker services to be included under the program using a daily rate. No services are available under Essential Community Supports using a daily rate.
The Essential Community Supports bulletin provides information about new program, which supports those who no longer qualify for Medical Assistance under the level of care changes.
MDH Discusses Antipsychotic Medication, Top 10 FTags
On January 21, 2015 by Darrell Shreve
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) quarterly statewide regulatory call for care centers this week covered a variety of issues, including information on antipsychotic medications, the Top 10 Ftags and National Nursing Home Quality Care Initiative.
New Changes for Advance Practice Registered Nurses Now in Effect
On January 14, 2015 by Elizabeth Sether, RN, MHA, LNHA
The state law removing requirements for a collaborative management plan and written prescribing agreement for Advance Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) became effective Jan. 1. Providers who utilize the services of APRNs or accept orders written by an APRN must verify current Minnesota licensure status. The Minnesota Board of Nursing is updating the verification report daily.
DHS Posts Update on GRH/MSA Reform
On January 14, 2015 by Mary Youle
The Minnesota Department of Human Services has posted an update on its reform effort for the Group Residential Housing and Minnesota Supplemental Aid Shelter Needy programs, which summarizes some of the recommendations from the advisory group that met during the summer and fall. LeadingAge Minnesota and a number of other advocacy groups participated in these discussions.
MDH Posts Notice for Medicare-Certified HHAs on Operating a Separate Entity
On January 14, 2015 by Mary Youle
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) last week released a notice on requirements for Medicare-certified home health agencies (HHAs) that want to operate a separate entity. The notice, which includes an application for Home Health Agency (HHA) Attestation and Demonstration of Operating a Separate Entity, outlines three options for HHAs:
Members Must Issue Certificate of Rent Paid by Jan. 31
On January 14, 2015 by Mary Youle
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 Saturday, Jan. 31 unless the property is tax-exempt.
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