News

The Minnesota Department of Human Services, through a contract with Navigant Consulting, recently launched a survey of the cost of providing services under the Elderly Waiver (EW) program. The survey is part of a larger study designed to validate and propose adjustments to EW rate reform that was introduced by Long-Term Care Imperative last year and due to be partially implemented on Jan. 1, 2019.  

Two questions that arise frequently from Assisted Living Home Care Providers relate to what an LPN can carry out when delegated to by the RN.  Both questions have been addressed by the Minnesota Department of Health in their Provider FAQ responses: 

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) recently awarded more than $7.5 million in Live Well at Home grants to programs that help older Minnesotans remain in their homes and communities. Of the 53 grants awarded, seven were for projects led by LeadingAge Minnesota members: 

The deadline for submitting a Performance-Incentive Payment Program (PIPP) proposal is midnight on May 1. 

The debate on how to deal with the impending seven percent cut in DWRS funding continues at the State Capitol, with three different positions from the House, Senate and Governor Dayton. 

Rising rents and apartment shortages are problems around the state, particularly for low-income individuals. The St. Louis Park City Council recently passed a new renter protection ordinance, believed to be the first of its kind in Minnesota, that could impact housing with services members who provide affordable housing to older adults. 

The Minnesota Board on Aging has released its competitive dementia grants request for proposal (RFP) seeking qualified grantees to provide services, education, and/or resources for persons with dementia and their caregivers. The deadline is May 11. 

The Minnesota Department of Human Services posted new data regarding Quality of Life and Hospitalizations/Community Discharge to the Nursing Facility Provider Portal. 

LeadingAge Minnesota’s Day at the Capitol was held on Wednesday, March 28 and brought nearly 150 providers from around the state for a day of powerful advocacy for seniors and their caregivers. 

The Minnesota Department of Health Office of Health Facility Complaints (OHFC) intends to replace its existing case management system and wants input from the public – including private sector technology vendors – about its decision. 

Legislation to fix a cut in the Disability Waiver Rate System (DWRS) rates is advancing this session, but needs support from adult day providers to keep the momentum going when the Minnesota Legislature returns from its spring break next week.  

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has reversed guidance it previously issued relating to care center Directors of Food and Nutrition Services. 

Minnesota care centers should receive high marks for their work to meet the federal emergency preparedness requirements that took effect Nov. 16, 2017! 

The Minnesota Department of Human Services has posted new quality indicators for care centers to the Nursing Facility Provider Portal. The indicators cover the period of Jan. 1, 2017 – Dec. 31, 2017. 

The Home Care and Assisted Living Program Advisory Council quarterly meeting will meet on April 16 from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. 

Senior housing providers have the opportunity to share how housing options for seniors can be improved and advanced in Minnesota with the Governor's Task Force on Housing. 

Governor Mark Dayton last week introduced his supplemental budget recommendations, based on the state’s most recent forecast which showed a surplus available. In the health and human services area, the Governor suggests additional spending building on previous appropriations that would focus on investments in processes for protecting older adults.  

Minnesota’s latest budget forecast that came out a couple of weeks ago includes roughly $65 million in state savings related to an action by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) rejecting the state’s implementation of an update to the Disability Waiver Rate System (DWRS) last year. This “savings” is potentially bad news for adult day services providers. 

Employer applications are being accepted for the 2018 Summer Health Care Internship Program. Skilled nursing, home care providers and adult day centers are encouraged to participate. The deadline to apply is Friday, April 13. 

The Minnesota Department of Human Services has updated the MnCHOICES Fact Sheet.