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CMS Clarifies Limited Survey Functions During Federal Shutdown
On October 23, 2025 by Mark Schulz
As the federal government shutdown stretches beyond three weeks, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has clarified which survey and certification activities may continue — and which must halt — during the funding lapse. The updated guidance from CMS’s Quality, Safety & Oversight Group (QSOG) underscores the limited scope of oversight allowed, raising concern among nursing home providers about enforcement delays and regulatory uncertainty.
Federal Government Shutdown: What Aging Services Providers Need to Know
On October 2, 2025 by Mark Schulz
Congress did not reach agreement on appropriations for federal fiscal year 2026, and the federal government shutdown began on Oct. 1. HHS, CMS, and CDC have issued contingency and lapse plans outlining which activities will continue and which will pause. HUD has notified LeadingAge that they will be updating their contingency plan, leaning heavily on plans written in 2023.
CDC Releases 2025–2026 Flu Vaccine Recommendations
On September 4, 2025 by Kari Everson
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.
CDC Leadership Shake-Up Raises Questions on COVID Vaccine Access
On September 4, 2025 by Kari Everson
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.
Preparing For and Responding To Measles
On June 9, 2025 by Kari Everson
CDC's Project Firstline and the American Medical Association (AMA) recently hosted a webinar to share important measles updates and help providers and clinics stay prepared for measles. The recording is now available to watch and share. The webinar featured a panel of CDC experts covering current trends in measles epidemiology, clinical recognition of measles, the importance of vaccination, and infection prevention and control measures to help prepare and respond to measles in healthcare settings. "Continuing Medical Education" is available and can be accessed via the recording page.
Additional measles resources:
- Project Firstline's New Measles Micro-Learn: Resource for leading a quick, on-the-job training about recognizing measles and preventing spread.
- CDC's Be Ready for Measles Toolkit: Tools and communication materials to make it easier for jurisdictions to communicate with the public, clinicians, and partners before and during a measles outbreak.
- AMA Measles Resources: Resources and information from AMA for clinicians and public health professionals.
Managing Safety Amid the Recent Mall of America Measles Outbreak
On June 5, 2025 by Kari Everson
As reports of a measles outbreak linked to the Mall of America emerge, it serves as a timely reminder for nursing homes and assisted living facilities to revisit their infection control policies and ensure staff preparedness.
Sample EBP Policy Available for Members
On June 13, 2024 by Kari Everson
The LeadingAge Minnesota resource center now contains a new resource for implementing enhanced barrier precautions (EBP) in assisted living and nursing home settings.
Enhanced Barrier Precautions FAQ Resource
On April 4, 2024 by Kari Everson
LeadingAge Minnesota has developed an enhanced barrier precautions (EBP) resource document that includes the topmost questions from members.
NHSN Revises Definition of “Up To Date” for COVID-19 Vaccination
On March 21, 2024 by Kari Everson
The National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) revised its definition of "up to date" for COVID-19 vaccine reporting in long-term care (LTC) facilities.
Assisted Living Communities and the Latest CDC Guidelines: What You Need to Know
On March 21, 2024 by Kari Everson
Earlier this month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released updated respiratory virus recommendations for the public.
CMS Issues New Enhanced Barrier Precautions Guidance
On March 21, 2024 by Kari Everson
Yesterday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released QSO-20-08-NH, which outlines the required use of enhanced barrier precautions in nursing homes starting April 1, 2024.
MDH Clarifies CDC Isolation Guidance for COVID-19
On March 7, 2024 by Mark Schulz
Effective March 1, individuals in the general public with COVID-19 no longer have to isolate for five days, per new guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
MDH Issues Notice About Infection Control
On February 29, 2024 by Mark Schulz
On Feb. 28, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) issued a govdelivery notice about infection control to assisted living facilities and nursing homes.
NHSN Quality Alert Errors
On September 28, 2023 by Kari Everson
The National Health and Safety Network (NHSN) appears to be generating inaccurate quality alerts for the Weekly COVID-19 Vaccination Module for long-term care facility residents.
Aerosol Generating Procedures Post-PHE
On June 15, 2023 by Kari Everson
Healthcare organizations used N95 or higher-level respirators for all aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs) as a transmission mitigation strategy throughout the public health emergency (PHE).
COVID-19 Facility Risk Assessment Updated
On June 8, 2023 by Kari Everson
LeadingAge Minnesota updated the COVID-19 Facility Risk Assessment and Workbook to reflect a change in the metrics published by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).
Dining and Activity Visitor Attendance
On June 1, 2023 by Kari Everson
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recently clarified with LeadingAge Minnesota when families and visitors can share a meal with a resident in the dining room or attend activities. According to MDH, organizations should continue infection prevention and control practices and complete a facility risk assessment to determine visitor attendance in congregate dining settings and activities.
New Resource Available! COVID-19 Facility Assessment Policy Template
On June 1, 2023 by Kari Everson
LeadingAge Minnesota has added a COVID-19 facility assessment policy template to the resource library as a companion document to the facility assessment workbook provided last week.
Post-Survey Feedback Opportunity
On June 1, 2023 by Kari Everson
Beginning June 5, onsite surveys and investigations will include an electronic provider feedback form to help provide information for the Minnesota Department of Health’s (MDH) continuous improvement.
CMS To Discontinue Vaccine Mandate
On June 1, 2023 by Kari Everson
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will discontinue the nursing home staff vaccination mandate in early August.