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COVID-19/Flu Tests Coming Soon to SNFs Throughout the State
On December 22, 2022 by Kari Everson
The Minnesota Department of Health is mailing a combination of COVID-19/Flu A&B rapid test kits to all skilled nursing facilities in the state. Kits should be arriving in the next 2-3 weeks.
Summary Resource for Assisted Living and Nursing Home Infection Reporting
On December 22, 2022 by Kari Everson
LeadingAge Minnesota has developed a new resource for members to help clarify the complex and often confusing infectious illness reporting requirements for our nursing home and assisted living members.
Really Big Book of Nursing Home Regulations – Available for Download
On December 15, 2022 by Mark Schulz
The thirteen edition of the Really Big Book of Nursing Home Regulations is finally here and ready to go! It is now available for order.
CMS Reminds Entities about Workplace Violence Prevention Requirements
On December 1, 2022 by Mark Schulz
On Nov. 28, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a new QSO memo to hospitals (QSO-23-04-Hospitals) on workplace violence and prevention. While there is no enforcement change for nursing homes within the new memo, one violence prevention expert noted, “[nursing homes] would do well to heed new CMS messaging. The ongoing stress of working short-staffed, and even the holidays themselves, can make healthcare facilities an even more vulnerable environment, safety experts said this week.”
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.
CMS Issues New QSO After White House Statement
On December 1, 2022 by Kari Everson
The White House released a statement on Nov. 22 announcing a six-week campaign targeted to increase COVID-19 vaccinations nationwide. Within the message, the Biden-Harris administration has a section specifically focused on nursing homes and our existing requirement to educate residents and staff on COVID-19 vaccinations and offer vaccination.
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.
CMS Releases New QSO on Nursing Home Vaccine Mandate
On October 27, 2022 by Kari Everson
On Oct. 26, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released QSO 23-02-ALL, replacing QSO 22-07-ALL and QSO 22-11-ALL. The new version revises guidance for staff vaccination requirements and includes multiple attachments for each provider type. Nursing homes should continue to refer to Attachment A.
CMS Announces Immediate, Aggressive Enforcement for Special Focus Facilities (SFF) Participants
On October 25, 2022 by LeadingAge
On Friday, Oct. 21, CMS announced new actions "to significantly strengthen accountability for nursing homes in the Special Focus Facilities (SFF) Program." According to the White House press release, the "SFF Program already provides more frequent inspections of these nursing homes, but more action is needed to ensure these nursing homes improve."
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.
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.
New CMS Food Service Manager Rules Kick in October 1
On September 29, 2022 by LeadingAge
Federal requirements to be a qualified long-term care facility director of food and nutrition services are changing Saturday (Oct. 1) to ease training and staffing obstacles while keeping standards high, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
CDC and CMS Release Updated SARS-CoV-2 Guidance for Nursing Homes and Assisted Living
On September 29, 2022 by Kari Everson
Late on Sept. 23, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published updated COVID-19 guidance for nursing homes and assisted living. The updated guidance reflects the increased prevalence of vaccine-acquired and disease-acquired immunity. The updated information includes:
New Five-Star Reports Available with Staffing Domain Changes
On September 15, 2022 by Julie Apold
New Five-Star Reports that reflect recent changes to the Five-Star Staffing Domain are ready to view in the LeadingAge Minnesota Data Portal. Primary contacts have access to the portal to view these reports.
Updated SNF QRP User’s Manual Now Available
On September 15, 2022 by Julie Apold
The Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) Quality Measures Calculations and Reporting User’s Manual Version 4.0 is now available. Changes go into effect on Oct. 1.
CMS releases draft version of Nursing Home MDS
On September 15, 2022 by Erin Huppert
A draft version of the Minimum Data Set (MDS) Nursing Home Comprehensive Item has been released ahead of the October 2023 implementation date. The sheer volume of proposed updates means that operators and their software providers have their work cut out for them to be ready by Oct. 1, 2023.
CMS Researchers Enter Nursing Homes to Establish a Federal Staffing Standard
On August 25, 2022 by Anna Mowry
This week, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced plans to conduct a four-part analysis in pursuit of establishing a federal minimum staffing standard in nursing homes. As part of their study, researchers will visit 75 nursing homes across the country over the next three months though none are planned for Minnesota sites. A national staffing plan would be incorporated into skilled nursing proposed rules published next spring.
New Season, Same Guidance: Refresher on Visitation, Activities, and Group Gatherings Guidance
On August 18, 2022 by Kari Everson
Guidance for activities, visitation, and large group gatherings has not changed significantly. However, as the summer is winding down, long-term care settings that host gatherings are seeking a guidance refresher for these events.
Updates from CMS on Staffing Standards Study in Nursing Homes
On August 11, 2022 by Anna Mowry
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) reported that, due to the significant response to the Request for Information on establishing a minimum staffing standard, it will conclude the staffing study in December. Initially, we expected the study to be part of the recently-issued final 2023 Skilled Nursing Facility Prospective Payment System rule.
CMS Releases Final SNF PPS Rule; Includes Cuts Related to Impact of PDPM
On August 4, 2022 by Jeff Bostic
Late last week, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published the annual final rule that updates the Prospective Payment System (PPS) rates for care centers.