News

NextGeneration Nursing Assistant Program: How Employers Can Engage with NextGen Students

On December 1, 2022 by Anna Mowry

Join us on Tuesday, Dec. 6, at 1 p.m. to learn about the NextGeneration Nursing Assistant (NGNA) program and how your organization can connect with NextGen students. This webinar is for employers who want to learn more about the following:

Minnesota Ahead of Most States in Effort to Comply with HCBS Settings Rule

On December 1, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry

The federal government is giving states and providers an ultimatum to make progress on meeting the requirements of the home- and community-based services settings final rule that goes into effect in the spring. Minnesota is only one of 18 States that has already received final approval of the statewide transition plan. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approved the Minnesota State Transition plan on Feb. 12, 2019.

HUD Proposes to adjust OCAF Based on Higher Inflation and Insurance Costs

On November 17, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry

After advocacy from LeadingAge and others, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has proposed a change in the calculation of Operating Cost Adjustment Factors (OCAFs) to account for high inflation and sharp increases in property insurance costs.

Elderly Waiver Rate Caps Increasing January 1

On November 17, 2022 by Jeff Bostic

The customized living, 24-hour customized living, and overall case mix caps in the Elderly Waiver (EW) program increase effective Jan. 1, 2023, because they are tied to the rise in care center rates. The 24-hour customized living caps will increase by 9.69%, which is the amount of the 2022 care center increase, and the overall EW caps are going up by 9.63% due to minor rate changes in a couple of EW services.

MDH Issues a Special Edition ALL Together Newsletter with Changes to Assisted Living Laws

On November 6, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry

In a special edition of the ALL Together Newsletter sent last week, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) reviewed the assisted living license renewal information and provided a list of changes affecting assisted living facilities included in the Health and Human Services Policy Bill passed in the final hours of the 2022 legislative session.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions on Recent COVID-19 Guidance Changes

On November 4, 2022 by Kari Everson

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released several changes to COVID-19 guidance over the past two weeks. Members have several questions about the nursing home vaccine mandate, source control and eye protection use, antigen testing of asymptomatic individuals, and resident screening.

Modifications to Emergency Relocation Notice Template

On November 3, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry

Thanks to feedback from several of you, a revised Emergency Relocation Notice template is now available. We have added new language required in all notices that go to residents that passed in the 2021-22 legislative session:

MDH Posts Updated PPE Grid

On November 3, 2022 by Kari Everson

On Nov. 2, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) updated the personal protective equipment (PPE) grid to reflect the guidance updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The Coaching Room - Nov. 1

On October 28, 2022 by Libbie Chapuran

Workforce Development Resource Round-up

On October 20, 2022 by Anna Mowry

September was National Workforce Development Month. To celebrate LeadingAge Minnesota and our national partners at LeadingAge released several resources for members to support and grow their workforce.

For Provider Members

On October 19, 2022 by Libbie Chapuran

Participate in LeadingAge Minnesota Committees in 2023

On October 13, 2022 by Lori Meyer

As the new year approaches, we invite you to participate in LeadingAge Minnesota committees in 2023. We are tackling your challenges on numerous fronts, and we need you to help shape the critical work ahead.

Supportive State Regulations Help Assisted Living Residents Die in Place

On October 13, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry

Researchers from Brown University School of Public Health found a positive correlation between states with supportive third-party service regulations and the likelihood of assisted living residents dying in place.

NLRB Issues Notice to Change the Joint Employer Standard

On October 13, 2022 by LeadingAge

On Sept. 6, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) issued a notice of proposed rulemaking. The rule will change the standard for when two employers who do business together are considered joint employers and are, thus, liable for one another's unfair labor practices under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA).

Temporary Nurse Aide Program Extension, Next Steps

On October 13, 2022 by Anna Mowry

Minnesota's nurse aides hired or who worked during the 1135 waiver now have until April 5, 2023, or the end of the public health emergency (PHE), whichever is sooner, to be placed on the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry.

Answers to FAQ on Recent COVID-19 Guidance Changes

On October 13, 2022 by Kari Everson

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released several changes to COVID-19 guidance over the past two weeks. Members have several questions about the nursing home vaccine mandate, source control and eye protection use, antigen testing of asymptomatic individuals, and resident screening.

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.