LeadingAge Minnesota

SNF Quality Reporting Program Webinar: Achieving a Full Annual Payment Update

On March 24, 2021 by Julie Apold

Listen in to CMS’ March 30 webinar to learn how you can receive the full SNF Quality Reporting (SNF QRP) Annual Payment Update. The webinar covers updates to elements of the MDS used to calculate measures for the SNF QRP program, data submission requirements, and the reconsideration process for providers identified as being noncompliant with the requirements.

Register to attend the March 30 webinar, or sign up to be notified when the recording of the session becomes available.

CMS Quality Measures and MDS Web-Based Trainings Available

On January 20, 2021 by Julie Apold

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced the following new quality and Minimum Data Set (MDS) web-based training content for skilled nursing facilities and Medicare home health providers:

Shared Accountability: New National Commission on Nursing Home Safety & Quality

On June 23, 2020 by Jodi Boyne

A new White House commission focused on protecting nursing home residents throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond was announced last week. Providers who were appointed to that commission are seeking deeper collaboration with regulators that is focused more on solutions, not penalties.  

DHS Extends PIPP Application Deadline

On March 17, 2020 by Jeff Bostic

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is delaying the application deadline for the 2020 Performance Incentive Payment Program (PIPP) Request for Proposal (RFP) until May 1, so nursing home staff can focus on COVID-19 emergency preparedness. 

Status Report: Assisted Living Surveys and Report Card

On March 10, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry

The development of an Assisted Living Resident and Family Survey and Assisted Living Report Card are well underway, reported Peter Spuit, Home & Community Based Services Program Consultant for the Aging and Adult Services Division at the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), at last week’s LeadingAge Minnesota Assisted Living Committee meeting.  

Early Bird Discount: MAPS “All In. Safer Together” Conference

On February 18, 2020 by Julie Apold

Early bird registration ends March 6 for the 2020 Minnesota Alliance for Patient Safety (MAPS) Conference. “All In. Safer Together.” takes place April 30 and May 1 in Brooklyn Park. 

New Study: Less Nursing Homes, Growth in Post-Acute Care, Improved Quality

On February 18, 2020 by Jodi Boyne

A new study shows dramatic changes in nursing home over the past 30 years: a loss of 400 nursing homes, significant growth in post-hospital admissions and dementia care, a growing number of residents who are racial or ethnic minorities residents, and a dramatic drop in the use of restraints and inappropriate antipsychotic use.  

DHS Publishes New Report on Assisted Living Report Card

On February 12, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has published a new report related to the development of the Minnesota assisted living report card. Once complete, the report card will measure and report on the quality of assisted living settings across Minnesota.  

CMS Announces Integration of Compare Sites

On January 29, 2020 by Jodi Boyne

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that the eight “compare” websites currently operating will be integrated into one streamlined user interface in spring 2020. The move is part of the its efforts to increase transparency and will create a one-stop-shop for Medicare beneficiaries exploring their provider options.  

Focus on Value and Outcomes as Payment Models Evolve

On January 21, 2020 by Jodi Boyne

Post-acute care providers must demonstrate their value and outcomes in more care setting as payment models evolve in the coming years, according to a new report by Avalere Health.  

Apply Now: Grants Available to Improve Care Transitions

On January 21, 2020 by Jodi Boyne

Up to $2 million in grant funding is available from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to test technology solutions that improve care transitions, communication and care coordination. 

Sue Kiel, Dietary Cook at North Share Health, Makes Zero Harm Possible

On January 12, 2020 by Jodi Boyne

Sue Kiel truly embodies the mission of providing community access to compassionate care each day in her work and is a tremendous team member who all who live and work at North Shore Health in Grand Marais.  For her commitment to safety, respect and dignity, Sue Kiel is the most recent recipient of the Make Zero Harm Possible award from LeadingAge Minnesota.  

Superior Health Rolls Out New Work to Support Quality and Safety in Nursing Homes

On January 7, 2020 by Jodi Boyne

The Superior Health Quality Alliance (Superior Health) is rolling out new work to help nursing homes and community coalitions improve quality and safety.   

CMS Awards QIO-QIN Contract to Superior Health Quality Alliance

On November 26, 2019 by Jodi Boyne

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently awarded a five-year contract to Superior Health Quality Alliance (Superior Health) to serve as a Quality Innovation Network – Quality Improvement Organization (QIN-QIO) in Minnesota, Michigan and Wisconsin. 

Hospitals Now Required to Share Your Quality Data with Patients

On November 26, 2019 by Julie Apold

As part of the new discharge planning rule that is effective Nov. 29, hospitals are required to provide patients preparing to transition from acute care to post-acute care with access to information about their provider choices. The information includes performance on quality and resource utilization measures, such as number of pressure ulcers, proportion of falls that lead to injury, and number of readmissions back to the hospital.  

Infection Prevention & Control: It’s Everybody’s Job

On October 8, 2019 by Heidi Simpson

Join our Oct. 25 webinar, The Important Role of Environmental Services in Infection Prevention and Control, for practical guidance on minimizing infection risks in your community.  

Antibiotic Stewardship Honor Roll Recognizes LeadingAge MN Members at Gold and Silver Level

On October 1, 2019 by Sue Boyd

23 LeadingAge Minnesota members have been recognized on the Minnesota Antibiotic Stewardship Honor Roll for their commitment to antibiotic stewardship from the highest levels of administration to prescribers and caregivers.  

Aug. 27 Call: Understand Your SNF VBP Program Performance Score Report

On August 6, 2019 by Jeff Bostic

Do you understand the Value-Based Purchasing Performance Score Card? Are you interested in results from payment year one? Join the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for a call on Tuesday, Aug. 27 from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. for a high-level summary of the program and a review of the FY2019 program year.   

Safe Care for Seniors Workshop – Aug. 5

On July 10, 2019 by Jodi Boyne

Did you take the Safe Care for Seniors pledge and find yourself asking “now what?” Get that answer and more at our final in-person Safe Care for Seniors workshop on Monday, Aug. 5 in Saint Paul. Register Today!   

Anxiety Shared Pathway Toolkit Now Available

On July 2, 2019 by Jodi Boyne

Anxiety is one of the leading causes of hospital readmissions and crosses many diagnoses. A new toolkit developed on behalf of the Lake Superior Quality Improvement Network (QIN) will help transitional care units and home care agencies prepare staff to mitigate anxiety symptoms and offer integrated therapy programs to alleviate anxiety and improve outcomes.