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.
Update: Statewide Listening Sessions on Maltreatment Postponed Until Summer
On February 21, 2018 by Libbie Chapuran
The statewide listening sessions hosted by state senators referenced in last week’s edition of Advantage have been postponed. They plan to instead convene throughout the summer and include updates about progress that was made during the legislative session.
OHFC Reduces Backlog in Maltreatment Complaints
On February 20, 2018 by Jodi Boyne
The Office of Health Facility Complaints (OHFC) has made great strides in reducing the backlog of maltreatment complaints from seniors and vulnerable adults in care centers and senior living settings.
Waiver Billing Changes to be Enforced by DHS
On February 14, 2018 by Jeff Bostic
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) recently announced that providers must bill each date of service on a separate line for all Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) claims submitted starting March 5, 2018.
Senator Housley Hosts Listening Sessions Throughout the State
On February 14, 2018 by Libbie Chapuran
State Senators are holding a series of listening sessions focused on aging and long-term care issues across Minnesota throughout February and April. The listening sessions, hosted by Senator Karin Housley (R-St. Mary’s Point), chair of the Senate Aging and Long-Term Care Policy Committee, are designed to be a venue for vulnerable Minnesotans and their families to share their stories.
Governor Dayton Appoints Jan Malcolm as New MDH Commissioner
On January 31, 2018 by Kari Thurlow
Governor Mark Dayton has appointed former Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm to lead the state Health Department. Malcolm, a veteran health care executive with a national reputation in health policy, led the department under Governor Jesse Ventura from 1999 to 2003.
HCBS: 2018 National Core Indicators Survey Begins
On January 23, 2018 by Bobbie Guidry
Older adults and people with disabilities who receive home and community-based services, including adult day services, may be called and invited to participate in an in-person interview for the National Core Indicators – Aging & Disabilities initiative. The calls will begin this week and continue through May.
Influenza Prevention and Response Webinar Available for Replay
On January 23, 2018 by Jonathan Lips
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has posted to its website the recording and presentation slides from its Jan. 12 webinar titled Preventing and Responding to Influenza in Minnesota Long-Term Care Facilities.
DHS Seeks Nursing Home PIPP Proposals
On January 23, 2018 by Julie Apold
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is seeking proposals for the next round of the Nursing Home Performance-Based Incentive Payment Program (PIPP). Proposals are due May 1. Incentive payments for selected projects will begin on Jan. 1, 2019.
Care Center Surveys Show Uptick in Activities Tags
On January 17, 2018 by Jonathan Lips
Thank you to all the members who turned out for our District Meetings last week. We are traveling to Districts A (Bagley), B (Grand Rapids) and C (Detroit Lakes) next week, and we hope to see many of you there. The program features a break out for care centers to discuss recent survey activities and outcomes. If the State surveyed your facility recently, please join us at Districts next week to share what you learned about the new process.
Influenza Rates Spike with 55 Reported Long Term Care Outbreaks
On January 16, 2018 by Elizabeth Sether, RN, MHA, LNHA
Flu activity season is in full swing. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, influenza activity has moved from low rates to widespread. Hospitalization rates for 2017 – 2018 indicate that the 65+ age group has almost tripled all other flu cases for those who have been hospitalized. There have been 55 reported influenza-like illness outbreaks in long term care.