LeadingAge Minnesota

Office of Administrative Hearings Holds Hearings on Proposed Assisted Living Licensure Laws

On January 20, 2021 by Kari Thurlow

The Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) conducted a remote-access public hearing on the proposed assisted living licensure rules on Jan. 19^th and 20^th. This is a critical step in finalizing the rules that will govern assisted living providers under the assisted living licensure law that takes effect later this year.

In Case You Missed It: Assisted Living Licensure Rulemaking Webinar

On January 6, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran

In December, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) published Proposed Rules and Notice of Hearing in the State Register. This effectively begins the formal public comment period on the proposed rules that will govern licensed assisted living settings after Aug. 1, 2021. This is a significant advocacy opportunity for LeadingAge Minnesota members, as the process invites the public to weigh in on the rules and express support or concerns.

JOIN US: Learn How You Can Impact the Assisted Living Licensure Rulemaking Process

On December 23, 2020 by Libbie Chapuran

Last week, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) published Proposed Rules and Notice of Hearing in the State Register. This effectively begins the formal public comment period on the proposed rules that will govern licensed assisted living settings after Aug. 1, 2021. This is a significant advocacy opportunity for LeadingAge Minnesota members, as the process invites the public to weigh in on the rules and express support or concerns.

MDH Publishes Proposed Assisted Living Licensure Rules and Notice of Hearing

On December 16, 2020 by Kari Thurlow

On Monday, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) published Proposed Rules and Notice of Hearing in the State Register. This effectively begins the formal public comment period on the proposed rules that will govern licensed assisted living settings after Aug. 1, 2021.  This is a significant advocacy opportunity for LeadingAge Minnesota members, as the process invites the public to weigh in on the rules and express support or concerns.

Assisted Living Licensure Technical Changes Legislation Advances in 7th Special Session

On December 16, 2020 by Kari Thurlow

Legislature Adjourns without Bridge Funding for LTC COVID-19 Response

The Minnesota Legislature met yesterday for the seventh special session of 2020, required as the Governor extended the Peacetime Emergency for another 30 days, and to pass the latest round of COVID-19 relief.  A $216 million COVID 19 relief package received bipartisan support in both the House and the Senate and is on its way to the Governor for his signature. The bill includes:

Licensed Assisted Living Director Rules Published

On December 2, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry

The Minnesota Board of Executives for Long Term Services and Supports (BELTSS) has published the draft rules for the licensure of assisted living directors and has reached the hearing process. Included in the draft rules (pages 515-539) are requirements for licensure, courses, the director in residence requirements, course provider program review and continuing education. The draft rules and Statement of Need and Reasonableness (SONAR) for the Licensed Assisted Living Directors (LALDs) can be accessed on the BELTSS website.

MDH Home Care Matters Call Provides Information on Transition to Assisted Living Licensure

On December 2, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry

In a special “Home Care Matters” call this week, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) provided basic information on assisted living licensure and the transition for settings currently registered as Housing with Services Establishments with “arranged home care providers” to licensure as assisted living facilities.

Home Care and Assisted Living Providers – Save the Date

On November 18, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry

A special “Home Care Matters Call” will be held Monday, November 30, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. The call will cover Assisted Living Licensure topics and discussion. A full announcement with call-in information is expected today and we will share additional detail in next week’s Advantage. Also expected later this week is an FAQ that MDH will cover during the call.

Assisted Living Director Rules to be Posted for Public Comment December 1

On November 4, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry

On October 25^th, staff of the Board of Executives of Long-Term Services and Supports (BELTSS) submitted the draft Licensed Assisted Living Director rules to the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH). The rules will be posted for a 30-day public comment period to begin December 1, 2020 (LeadingAge Minnesota will provide a link as soon as it is available). A Statement of Need and Reasonableness (SONAR) has also been prepared and can be viewed on the BELTSS website along with the updated rule draft.

Legacy Assisted Living Providers in Limbo

On November 4, 2020 by Kari Thurlow

Last week, MDH shared a discussion document with LeadingAge MN staff outlining key questions regarding the application of physical plant and design requirements under the assisted living licensure law to existing settings and those settings under development. At the time 144G passed the Legislature, there was a common understanding among stakeholders that existing providers would be grandfathered under current building codes and new physical plant requirements would not apply. We further understood that these “legacy providers” would include those settings currently under development, so long as they had applied for building permits on or before July 31, 2021.

MDH to Convene Assisted Living Licensure Rules Advisory Committee to Consider Proposed Rules

On November 4, 2020 by Kari Thurlow

MDH has released Proposed Rules for Assisted Living Licensure. It is important to note that these rules are not yet final, and changes may be made through the rulemaking process.

Final Assisted Living Licensure Rules Advisory Committee Meeting Scheduled

On October 21, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry

The final meeting of the Assisted Living Rules Advisory Committee (RAC) is scheduled for Nov. 5, 2020, 2:30-4:30 p.m. via Webex.

MDH Provides Update on the Transition to Assisted Living Licensure

On July 28, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recently provided an update on the status of Assisted Living Licensure in Minnesota that reviewed licensure and the transition process to the new regulatory structure. It also included an overview of licensure, fees and the ability for excluded settings to continue to provide customized living services pending federal waiver approval.  

2020 Connect Conference Features “Hot Topic” Programs

On July 8, 2020 by Heidi Simpson

This year’s Connect Conference (Aug. 19-20) features a line-up of timely topics for assisted living, senior housing and home care providers. Join us – virtually! – to hear about the latest developments in the roll out of assisted living licensure, the path to becoming a licensed assisted living director, and how COVID-19 is changing our field. 

BENHA is now BELTSS

On July 8, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry

The Board of Examiners for Nursing Home Administrators (BENHA) officially changed its name July. The statutory change in the board’s name to the Board of Executives for Long-Term Services and Supports (BELTSS) reflects the changing paradigm of long-term care services and the planned July 1, 2021 new licensure category for Licensed Assisted Living Directors. 

1st Special Session of 2020 Ends Without Much Progress

On June 23, 2020 by Kari Thurlow

The Minnesota Legislature’s first 2020 special session adjourned sine die in the early morning of June 20, just one week after Governor Walz called lawmakers back to St. Paul. Lawmakers failed to reach agreement on any of the major issues – including police reform, bonding, and distribution of CARES Act funds for COVID-19.  

Legislature is Back in Special Session

On June 17, 2020 by Kari Thurlow

For the ninth time in 10 years, there is a legislative special session. It began on June 12 and we do not yet know the length of this special session nor is there any agreement on what issues will be resolved during it. Where do our key issues stand in terms of special session priorities?

MDH Cancels March 26 Assisted Living Licensure Advisory Committee Meeting

On March 25, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry

Due to COVID-19, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has cancelled the Assisted Living Licensure Rules Advisory Committee meeting scheduled for March 26.  

The Pace Picks Up in Assisted Living Licensure Rulemaking

On December 10, 2019 by Bobbie Guidry

LeadingAge Minnesota staff and members are participating in three processes this week that will shape the next generation of assisted living.  

Assisted Living Licensure Rulemaking Update

On November 13, 2019 by Kari Thurlow

The two rulemaking processes designed to flesh out the details related to the assisted living licensure and licensed assisted living directors under the 2019 Elder Care and Vulnerable Adult Protection Act are underway.