News

In late August, the public health community was surprised by news that Senate-confirmed CDC Director Susan Monarez was terminated, along with the temporary departure of three top CDC officials. The decision followed Director Monarez’s reported refusal to sign off on the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations for the COVID-19 vaccine.

The 2025 Legislature approved a transition of the nursing home case mix system from RUGs to PDPM. DHS has now produced new rates for nursing homes and posted them on the nursing facility portal.

The slow developing HCBS workforce incentive grant program, officially named the Minnesota Care Force Incentive Grant Program by DHS, which was created and funded by the 2023 Legislature, has just reached the point of distributing funds to providers.

Bonuses from State Funds 

Under the program, HCBS workers, including those in assisted living, are eligible for bonuses from state funds. The law set the amount of bonuses at up to $1,000, but DHS has determined that based on interest in the program across HCBS providers, that bonuses must be limited to $770. 

The DHS contractor has been reaching out to providers to inform them of which employees are eligible for grants and how to access the funds. Those providers who have received grant funds then have 45 days to provide the bonuses to employees who are on the eligible list. In addition, providers should give their employees this form notifying them that they can deduct the grant amount from their state, but not federal, taxes. 

LeadingAge Minnesota’s VP of Clinical Services, Kari Everson, recently had an opportunity to speak with Minnesota Board of Nursing Executive Director Caryn Gaytko, not to recap policy, but to get to know the leader behind the title. The goal was simple: build a stronger working relationship, understand Caryn’s leadership approach and values firsthand, and open a clear line of communication between the Board and Minnesota’s long-term care community.

We have received several calls from members recently regarding their Assisted Living license renewal process being very slow, or licenses expiring before the renewal is received.

In Minnesota, landlords are required to notify residential tenants about the availability of the Minnesota Attorney General's Office Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities handbook. 

HUD has released the Fiscal Year 2026 Fair Market Rents (FMRs), which are now available on their website. These new rates will take effect on October 1, 2025, unless HUD receives valid reevaluation requests for specific areas, as outlined in its August 22nd Federal Register notice. The public has until September 22nd to submit comments. 

To assist you in setting budget revenue goals for the coming year, providers of affordable housing with rents based on HUD’s published FMR’s should refer to the link above for the rent that is appropriate for your county.  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced updated recommendations for flu vaccination for the 2025–2026 flu season. On August 28, 2025, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) approved the guidance that will shape flu prevention efforts nationwide.

LeadingAge learned this week of a move within the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to execute on President Trump’s March 1 English-as-America’s-official-language Executive Order (EO) by replacing the agency’s Limited English Proficiency (LEP) policy with an English-only policy.

Memo

In a memo to HUD employees, HUD deputy secretary Andrew D. Hughes stated that the EO will “enhance social and economic integration,” and reports that the agency will no longer have contracts for translation services for documents or communications, and all paper and online materials in languages other than English would be removed. HUD Secretary Scott Turner stated on Fox News, “… HUD will solely use English for all Departmental business and services. We are one people, united, and we will speak with one voice and one language to deliver on our mission.”

Previously, HUD had a practice of translating materials like resident brochures, documents, and forms into nearly 20 languages.

LeadingAge National confirmed the announcement with HUD leadership, who said that the change would take effect “immediately.” However, next steps and timelines for removing materials and ending contracts is currently unclear, and as of August 20, several translated materials are still available online through HUD’s LEP webpage.

LeadingAge National is working to save translated materials that housing providers may need in order to serve households with diverse LEP needs. Providers are encouraged to consider doing the same, particularly for documents that you use frequently for the population you serve.

Executives in senior services nutrition and culinary leadership are invited to join the inaugural statewide gathering of your peers. This virtual meeting will provide an opportunity to exchange ideas and best practices, gain insights from colleagues facing similar challenges, and strengthen your professional network across Minnesota.

During our 2026 Institute & Expo, we’re excited to feature photos of residents centered on our Institute theme of Changemakers.

Feature Your Residents

To achieve this, we’re launching a photo contest to help us shine a light on the incredible individuals living in your communities—residents who are redefining aging, living with purpose, and making a difference in their own unique ways.

Whether it’s someone mentoring others, starting a new chapter in life, advocating for their peers, or simply living each day with vibrancy and intention—we want to see the moments that move you.

Submit your photos here for a chance to win!

What We’re Looking For

If you have upcoming events at your community – whether simple things like exercise classes, or something larger in scale like a community event – these present great opportunities to capture images of your residents. We know you help your residents live meaningful lives as they age, and we’d love to help uplift those moments to inspire others.

Contest Highlights:

• Open to all LeadingAge Minnesota member organizations
• Submit up to three original photographs that reflect the theme of Changemakers
• Include a short description
• Deadline: Oct. 29, 2025
• Voting on finalists will occur during 2026 Institute General Session

Click here to submit your photos.

Operators of independent senior housing communities are invited to join the monthly networking group that is specifically designed for you! This virtual networking meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 19^th from 10 to 11 a.m.

During our 2026 Institute & Expo, we’re excited to feature photos of residents centered on our Institute theme of Changemakers.

Have you identified the people in your organization to nominate for LeadingAge Minnesota’s Stars Among Us Award nominations? This popular recognition program shines the spotlight on the best and brightest people working, living, and volunteering in our communities.

With the average data breach costing organizations $4.88 million, we must be aware of the leading cybersecurity threats.