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News related to "nursing homes"
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HHS Issues Final Rule: Annual Inflation Adjustment to Civil Monetary Penalties
On January 29, 2026 by Mark Schulz
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has published a final rule updating its civil monetary penalty (CMP) amounts to reflect inflation, under the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015. This change ensures that penalties retain their deterrent effect by adjusting them annually based on changes in the Consumer Price Index.
Adult Day Services in Skilled Nursing Facilities: A Little-Known Licensing Flexibility
On January 29, 2026 by Kelly Conrad
Did you know that Minnesota law allows skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) to provide adult day services without obtaining a separate Adult Day Services license? Under Minn. R. 9555.9610, subp. 2, a licensed SNF may serve up to five individuals from the community who do not reside in the facility through an adult day program operating under the facility’s existing license.
The SNF Validation Program: When Data Integrity Becomes a Measure of Trust
On January 29, 2026 by LeadingAge Minnesota
For years, skilled nursing facilities (SNF) operated in a system where data submitted through the Minimum Data Set (MDS) was largely accepted at face value. Facilities reported, measures were calculated, and reimbursement and public reporting followed. That is ending.
DHS Delay Leaves Long-Term Care in the Dark on 2026 Medicaid Rates
On December 18, 2025 by Ben Hansen
LeadingAge Minnesota, alongside our Long-Term Care Imperative (LTCI) partner, continues to press state leaders for accountability after the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) failed to complete a critical step required to establish 2026 Medicaid nursing facility rates.
Federal ICE Enforcement Actions Increase in Minnesota
On December 4, 2025 by Mark Schulz
Federal enforcement activities in Minnesota have intensified following national directives expanding expedited removal and activating multi-agency Homeland Security task forces.
CMS Repeals Nursing Home Minimum Staffing Standards
On December 4, 2025 by Mark Schulz
An interim final rule repealing the nursing home minimum staffing standards was released to the Federal Register on December 2. It is important to note that the interim final rule does not repeal the entire rule that was finalized in April 2024.
SNF Provider Preview Reports Updated and Ready for Review
On November 20, 2025 by Alecia Crumpler
Skilled nursing facilities can now access updated SNF Provider Preview Reports reflecting quality measure data that will be publicly reported in January 2026. Providers have until December 17, 2025, to review their data and request CMS corrections if needed.
Minnesota’s Paid Leave and NHWSB Minimum Wage: What You Need to Know
On November 20, 2025 by Mark Schulz
Following recent member discussions and questions about the upcoming Minnesota Paid Leave (MPL) law, we wanted to provide clarity about its relationship with the Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board (NHWSB) established minimum wages and how those NHWSB minimum wages may not necessarily be the minimum wages required to be paid for MPL compliance.
Minnesota’s Paid Family and Medical Leave Program: Employers Focused FAQ
On November 6, 2025 by Mark Schulz
Following recent LeadingAge Minnesota member webinars on the upcoming Minnesota Paid Family and Medical Leave (MPL) law, we received dozens of thoughtful and practical questions from providers.
Minnesota May Suspend Payments for 14 Medicaid Services: Here’s What You Need to Know
On November 6, 2025 by Bobbie Guidry
On Oct. 28, the Walz Administration announced it would be using a new process for Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) to review claims for certain Medicaid benefits and services before they are paid.
Countering a One-Sided Narrative About Long-Term Care: Our Response to a Recent MinnPost Series
On October 30, 2025 by Ben Hansen
A few months ago, LeadingAge Minnesota was contacted by a MinnPost reporter who was developing a series about the work of the Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board—with an initial focus on the Board’s forthcoming minimum wage rules and their anticipated impact on the long-term care sector.
Strengthening Community Engagement Across Minnesota
On October 9, 2025 by Jessica Lacher
LeadingAge Minnesota’s Community Engagement Workgroup recently gathered for a full day of collaboration and planning to strengthen local connections across the state. The event featured county commissioners and member leaders who shared insights and strategies to advance community partnerships statewide.
Quick Guide to Nursing Home Quality Measures and Programs
On October 9, 2025 by Julie Apold
A LeadingAge Minnesota Quality Work Group has developed a Quick Guide to Understanding the Federal and State Nursing Home Quality Measures & Programs — a concise, easy-to-use resource designed to help providers navigate the complex landscape of quality programs that impact nursing homes.
Join Your Colleagues Who Have Taken the Safe Lift Pledge
On October 9, 2025 by Julie Apold
LeadingAge Minnesota members are taking action to prevent mechanical lift falls by pledging to implement the Safe Lift: STOP for Safety process. These organizations are leading the way in creating safer, more respectful resident transfer practices.
Now is the Time to Submit Your Third Quarter Data
On October 3, 2025 by Julie Apold
Data submission for Quarter 3, 2025 is now open in the LeadingAge Minnesota Data Portal. Data submission for all LeadingAge Minnesota Data Portal applications is due by Oct. 31. Take advantage of this opportunity to track your operational performance over time and benchmark your data against others at the state, regional and other comparison groups, such as groups with similar capacity and services.
LeadingAge MN Strengthens State’s Rural Health Transformation Application
On October 2, 2025 by Mark Schulz
LeadingAge Minnesota submitted comprehensive comments to strengthen the State of Minnesota’s application to CMS’ new Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program. Our recommendations emphasize workforce solutions, improved access to care, and sustainable models for aging services in rural communities—ensuring older Minnesotans can continue to receive care close to home.
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.
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.
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.