News

DHS Sends Out Application and Instructions for Minimum Wage Add-On for Nursing Homes

On August 21, 2025 by Jeff Bostic

The 2025 Legislature approved a temporary rate add-on to cover the cost of raising employees to the minimum wage levels passed by the Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board. This step was taken based on strong advocacy by the LTC Imperative. We have long-argued, even before the Board’s creation, that any standards it approves which increase costs for providers must have upfront funding to be workable. 

Application Details

DHS has now developed an application and written instructions to apply for the rate add-on. They also recently produced an instructional video that talks through how nursing homes should complete the application.  

The add-on will be calculated using two months of actual wage data for individuals below the minimum standards, then annualized and calculated as a per day rate adjustment that will appear on nursing homes’ 2026 and 2027 rates in the external fixed category where it is not subject to the operating rate caps that will apply starting in 2026. Applications must be submitted by October 1 to receive a rate increase, so member nursing homes are strongly encourage to complete and return the application forms to DHS quickly. 

LeadingAge Minnesota Certified Worker Organization Training Compliance Webinar and Materials Now Available

On July 24, 2025 by Mark Schulz

The Minnesota Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board (NHWSB) has established training requirements for nursing home employers under the Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board Act. All nursing home workers must complete at least one hour of training every two years on their workplace rights, provided by a Certified Worker Organization (CWO). This requirement takes effect January 1, 2025, with full compliance required by December 31, 2026.

LeadingAge Minnesota Certified Worker Organization Training Compliance Webinar

On July 10, 2025 by Mark Schulz

Join LeadingAge Minnesota staff for an important webinar on the new Certified Worker Organization (CWO) training requirements for nursing facilities. We'll review the key employer responsibilities under the Minnesota Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board Act, including timelines, compliance documentation, and employee training logistics.

Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board: No Court Order Yet

On May 21, 2025 by Alecia Crumpler

There are less than two weeks until the next required paid holiday under the Board’s holiday pay rule occurs. However, because the court has not issued its order yet, we have no new update about the situation in our ongoing legal challenge against the Holiday Pay Rule. That said, we are expecting the court to issue its order shortly. At the end of the hearing held in mid-February, the court indicated it would issue its order before the Memorial Day holiday (5/26), but that could literally mean the day before the holiday. Therefore, the pragmatic result is this: providers should continue to prepare for compliance with the rule (definitions of who gets paid the holiday pay, and how much they are paid on those 11 state holidays, or those holidays the employer worked with the employees to change the date or time of) for now. Once we receive the court’s order, we will notify members directly regarding what the decision means for your operations.

Holiday Pay Litigation Update - Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board

On January 16, 2025 by Mark Schulz

Last week, our attorney filed an amended complaint in our legal challenge of the Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board’s (NHWSB) Holiday Pay Rule. The amended complaint included more information about the harms suffered by our members because of implementing the Holiday Pay Rule at their nursing homes.

Litigation Update – Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board

On December 19, 2024 by Mark Schulz

The Holiday Pay rule was officially entered into the State Register on December 9, with state enforcement of the rule set to begin on Jan. 1, 2025.

Important Update Regarding the Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board

On November 7, 2024 by Kari Thurlow

The Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board (NHWSB), an unelected body created by the 2023 Legislature, has the power to create rules related to the pay of nursing home workers and other working conditions.