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. 

Are You Ready to Prevent Mechanical Lift Falls? 

On August 14, 2025 by Julie Apold

Join your colleagues in taking the Safe Lift: STOP for Safety Pledge – a shared commitment to protect residents and staff by reducing lift-related falls. By taking this pledge, your organization commits to implementing the Safe Lift: STOP for Safety 3-Step Process as a standard practice, ensuring every resident transfer is safe, respectful, and reliable.

Could Your Community Be Featured at the 2026 Institute & Expo?

On August 7, 2025 by Ben Hansen

During our 2026 Institute & Expo, we’re excited to feature photos of residents centered on our Institute theme of Changemakers.

Data to Help You Turn Insight into Action - Q1 2025 Quest Report

On July 31, 2025 by Julie Apold

The LeadingAge Minnesota QUEST Report is now available for Q1 2025.

14th Edition of the Really Big Book of Nursing Home Regulations Available Now

On July 31, 2025 by Mark Schulz

The fourteenth edition of the Really Big Book of Nursing Home Regulations is finally here and ready to go! It is now available for order.

New Laws Effective Aug. 1, 2025

On July 31, 2025 by LeadingAge Minnesota

Several new state laws go into effect on Aug. 1, 2025 that will impact aging services. As a reminder, many of these changes will require additional guidance from our state agency partners, so continue to look to LeadingAge MN for resources, expert support and operational counsel.

CMS Revalidation Deadline Extended to Jan. 1, 2026

On July 17, 2025 by Mark Schulz

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has extended the deadline for off-cycle Medicare provider revalidation to Jan. 1, 2026 — a significant shift from the previously announced Aug. 1, 2025 deadline. This marks the third postponement of the requirement.

Analyzing the “One Big Beautiful Bill” – State Impact Remains Unclear

On July 17, 2025 by Mark Schulz

The passage of the federal "One Big Beautiful Bill" (OBBB) introduces substantial reforms to Medicaid, Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act premium tax credits, focusing on cost containment, program integrity, and greater state flexibility.

Save the Date — Infection Prevention and Control Updates for both Nursing Homes and Hospitals

On July 3, 2025 by Kari Everson

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is sponsoring a statewide call related to infection prevention and control for nursing homes and hospitals on August 13 from 3:00 to 4:00 pm. All nursing home and hospital infection prevention and control practitioners and affiliated leadership are encouraged to attend.

Upcoming PBJ Submission Deadline and iQIES Service Center Availability

On July 3, 2025 by Mark Schulz

On July 14, 2025, the Nursing Home Survey & Certification functionality will launch in iQIES—just one month prior to the PBJ submission deadline. This rollout is expected to result in a substantial influx of new users, potentially leading to longer hold times.

Special Session Concludes – Legislature Chooses Not to Prioritize Aging Services Providers

On June 12, 2025 by LeadingAge Minnesota

The 2025 special session of the Minnesota Legislature concluded in the early hours of Tuesday, June 10.

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.

Legislature Releases Draft Health and Human Services Bill

On June 5, 2025 by LeadingAge Minnesota

State legislative leaders have finalized the Human Services Budget Bill at the Capitol. As previously shared with members, the agreement includes several disappointing provisions.

Updated COVID-19 Information for AL and Nursing Homes

On May 22, 2025 by Kari Everson

LeadingAge Minnesota received an increasing volume of inquiries over the past several months regarding the ongoing COVID-19 requirements in both nursing homes and assisted living communities. In response, LeadingAge Minnesota has updated its materials to encompass a broader respiratory illness framework that includes both COVID-19 and seasonal influenza.

NETStudy 2.0 Offline Starting Friday Evening until Monday Morning

On April 24, 2025 by Mark Schulz

Late on Wednesday afternoon the Department of Human Services (DHS) notified NETStudy 2.0 system users via a GovDelivery message that the NETStudy 2.0 system will be offline for a server upgrade starting on Friday, 4/25, at 7 p.m. and expected to return to normal operations on Monday, 4/28, at 8 a.m.  During this server upgrade, do not log into NETStudy 2.0 until you receive an all-clear message from DHS.

Federal Judge Blocks CMS Staffing Mandate

On April 10, 2025 by Ben Hansen

On April 7, 2025, U.S. District Judge Matthew J. Kacsmaryk (TX) ruled in favor of the American Health Care Association, LeadingAge, and four nursing homes, finding that CMS exceeded its authority by imposing a federal minimum staffing mandate on nursing homes.

Free Recruitment Tool to Help Your Workforce Efforts

On November 14, 2024 by Anna Mowry

CaringCareersStartHere.com is helping connect job seekers with long-term care employers. We’ve welcomed over 50,000 visitors to the site since May, helping to elevate careers in aging services across the state.

LeadingAge Minnesota Joins 20 Other State Affiliates in Lawsuit to Overturn CMS Staffing Mandate

On October 10, 2024 by LeadingAge Minnesota

LeadingAge Minnesota has joined with 20 other affiliated organizations, together representing hundreds of not-for-profit aging services providers across the country, in a lawsuit to overturn the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services’ (CMS) staffing mandate. The mandate creates an untenable situation for senior care facilities across Minnesota and throughout the country.

QSO-24-13-NH Revised Guidance for Long-Term Care Facility Assessments Released Yesterday

On June 20, 2024 by Kari Everson

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released QSO-24-13-NH providing guidance for nursing homes regarding the long-term care facility assessment requirements. LeadingAge Minnesota adapted the facility assessment from Quality Improvement Organizations to include the new requirements in a template for members. Access the Facility Assessment Tool here.

US House Resolution Introduced to Overturn Final Staffing Rule

On May 16, 2024 by LeadingAge

Representatives Michelle Fischbach (R-MN) and Greg Pence (R-IN) introduced a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution of disapproval to overturn the final minimum staffing rule. The resolution was introduced May 10, the same day the final rule was published in the Federal Register.