LeadingAge Minnesota

Now Available On-Demand: Minnesota EW and CADI Waiver Programs Webinar

On October 6, 2022 by Sharon Hollister

Understand how waivered services for assisted living are managed, who is eligible, and how to optimize reimbursement to improve your community's financial health and ability to continue providing appropriate care and services for the people you serve. Find details and register here.

Oct. 26 Quality Management Workshop for Assisted Living

On October 6, 2022 by Sharon Hollister

Quality Management Workshop for Assisted Living Providers is a half-day in-person workshop on Wednesday, Oct. 26, to help refine your quality management plan and identify quality improvement opportunities. Find details and register here.

MAGIC Releases Suggested Influenza Protocols for the 2022-2023 Flu Season

On October 6, 2022 by Kari Everson

This week the Minnesota Association for Geriatric Inspired Clinicians (MAGIC) released suggested protocols for influenza in long-term care for the 2022-2023 flu season. The release includes a letter outlining the basics for influenza control in long-term care settings and a sample Influenza Protocol for Recognition, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prophylaxis for Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living Facilities.

FAQ on Assisted Living Contracts Added to MDH Website

On October 6, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry

A section on Assisted Living Contracts was recently added to the FAQ section of the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Assisted Living webpage. Included are responses to questions on liability waivers, renter's insurance, and arbitration provisions posed by providers.

Emergency Relocation for Assisted Living – Definition and Requirements

On October 6, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry

The assisted living statutes (144G.52) define an emergency relocation and state that an assisted living facility "may remove a resident from the facility in an emergency if necessary due to a resident's urgent medical needs or an imminent risk the resident poses to the health or safety of another facility resident or facility staff member."

Frontline Workers Receive State Bonus Checks

On October 6, 2022 by Erin Huppert

Pandemic frontline workers will begin to see $487.45 in one-time bonuses from the State of Minnesota this week. Applicants who chose direct deposit of their payment should see it in their accounts in seven to ten days. People who choose to be mailed a prepaid debit card should receive them in three to four weeks.

Resident, Staff, and Visitor COVID-19 Screening

On October 6, 2022 by Kari Everson

On Sept. 23, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released updates to multiple COVID-19 infection prevention and control practices. One of the areas that required further clarification was screening practices for residents, staff, and visitors. On yesterday's call, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) clarified these practices for providers.

Quality Management Workshop for Assisted Living, Oct. 26

On September 29, 2022 by Sharon Hollister

Quality Management Workshop for Assisted Living Providers is a half-day in person workshop on Wednesday, Oct. 26 to help refine your quality management plan and identify quality improvement opportunities.

On Demand: Minnesota EW and CADI Waiver Programs Webinar

On September 29, 2022 by Sharon Hollister

Understand how waivered services for assisted living are managed, who is eligible, and how to optimize reimbursement to improve your community’s financial health and ability to continue providing appropriate care and services for the people you serve. This one-hour webinar is available on-demand and eligible for one CEU clock hour. Find details and register here.

Still Time to Apply for EW Customized Living Disproportionate Share Program

On September 29, 2022 by Jeff Bostic

Providers have until the end of this week to submit the application form for the Elderly Waiver Customized Living (EWCL) Disproportionate Share Program for 2023. This is the program's second year, which provides a floor rate for EWCL providers serving a high percentage of waiver clients. DHS also recently announced that for 2023 the floor rate per resident day would increase from $119 to $131.

New – Quality Management Workshop for Assisted Living, Oct. 26

On September 22, 2022 by Sharon Hollister

Quality Management Workshop for Assisted Living Providers is a half-day in-person workshop on Wednesday, Oct. 26, to help refine your quality management plan and identify quality improvement opportunities.

Resident and Family Satisfaction Surveys to Inform Assisted Living Report Card

On September 22, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry

In partnership with Vital Research, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Minnesota Board on Aging are preparing for data collection for the Assisted Living Report Card. Assisted living directors will be informed by letter of the plans for this year's statewide assisted living resident quality of life and family satisfaction surveys in early October.

Specialized Equipment and Assistance to Lower Communication Costs Available for Eligible Individuals

On September 15, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry

Lifeline and the Telephone Assistance Program are two programs that help make communication services more affordable.

Access to affordable phone service, whether landline, wireless, or internet, is essential to help people stay connected. Individuals who qualify can receive a discount on their phone or internet service bill.

PHI Releases a New Report on the Direct Care Workforce in the U.S.

On September 15, 2022 by Anna Mowry

A new report providing insights and data on the nation's direct care workforce was recently released.

The report, Direct Care Workers in the United States: Key Facts, is released annually by PHI, which researches, supports, and promotes the nation's direct care workforce. The report includes workforce projections and demographic overviews of home care workers, residential care aides, and nursing assistants in nursing homes.

Preventing Ingestion-Related Adverse Events

On September 15, 2022 by Julie Apold

LeadingAge Minnesota has recently updated a Property/Grounds Hazard Vulnerability Assessment Tool as a guide to conduct regular safety checks to ensure that your property and grounds are maintained in a safe and sanitary manner.

Join us for LeadingAge Minnesota’s October District Meetings

On September 8, 2022 by Luke Jenkins

Join us next month for our October District Meetings, where you can connect with your peers to share experiences, strengthen relationships, and find solutions. As a member of LeadingAge Minnesota, you belong to a community of dedicated providers who together are tackling the challenges and shaping the delivery of senior care in Minnesota.

Assisted Living Facility Capacity Changes Can Now Be Requested Throughout the Year

On September 8, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry

The Health Regulation Division (HRD) of the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) will now take requests to change the capacity of assisted living settings any time throughout the year. MDH has reversed its previous practice, which limited change of capacity requests to the time of license renewal.

Assisted Living Director License Renewal Begins Sept. 1

On August 25, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry

Licensed Assisted Living Directors (LALD) are due for their first license renewal in September. The Board of Executives for Long-term Services and Supports (BELTSS), licensing board for LALDs, will issue a notice by the end of this week. It will include directions for licensees on how to renew their licenses.

Closing Soon! Early Registration for 2022 Annual Meeting & Leadership Forum

On August 18, 2022 by Sharon Hollister

Don't miss this year's 2022 Annual Meeting & Leadership Forum on Sept. 20-23 at Madden's on Gull Lake in Brainerd. Early bird registration ends tomorrow, Friday, Aug. 19. After tomorrow, registration fees will increase.

Variance Request Required for 24-Hour Staffing Rule in Assisted Living

On August 18, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry

If your assisted living setting satisfies the 24-hour staffing rule by utilizing staff from another licensed setting, you must request a variance from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to remain in compliance with assisted living requirements.