News

Applications to participate in this year's Leadership Academy are open through March 9. Leadership Academy is a nine-month, cohort-based program that delivers high-impact, mission-aligned leadership development for emerging and mid-level leaders in aging services. The 2026 program runs May through November. 

Registration is open for LeadingAge Minnesota’s January district meeting, scheduled for 1–3:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15. Register online to join members from across the state for association updates, education and opportunities to connect at the start of the year.

OnTrack Medication Aide (TMA) Training is now available. Launching today, Jan. 1, 2026, this new hybrid Medication Aide training program—approved by the Minnesota Department of Health—expands career pathways for caregivers and provides members with a flexible, statewide TMA training option.

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has announced the upcoming launch of the Assisted Living Competitive Grant Program, established under new legislation effective Jan. 1, 2026 (see Minnesota Statutes, section 144G.31). This program supports projects and initiatives that improve resident quality of care and outcomes in assisted living settings licensed under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 144G, or organizations with experience in assisted living operations, compliance, resident needs, or best practices.

Some members are navigating increased questions related to immigration enforcement activity reported in communities across the state—including both metro and greater Minnesota communities with higher concentrations of immigrant populations. While LeadingAge Minnesota is currently not aware of any senior living or long-term care facilities with reported ICE raids, we also know that some employers are seeing related activity—document requests or staff concerns stemming from encounters outside of work—and are seeking ways to respond proactively and compassionately.  

In assisted living settings, unlicensed staff are often the first to respond to resident situations. LeadingAge Minnesota developed member supports to assist in clarifying practical expectations for incident response, reinforcing the use of the airway, breathing, circulation (ABCs), and providing education and tools that help organizations make decisions about when, and whether, to move a resident after a fall.

The National Association of Long-Term Care Boards (NAB) has launched the 2025-26 Professional Practice Analysis (PPA) survey. A PPA, sometimes referred to as a Job Analysis, is the practice of gathering and analyzing details about a particular job, such as responsibilities, day-to-day duties, qualifications, etc.

Members who provide HUD subsidized housing may have received a letter dated November 25, 2025 from HUD Secretary E. Scott Turner addressing the current administration’s guidance related to criminal background screenings for prospective tenants.

The Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act has been reintroduced – A federal bill that proposes to recapture up to 40,000 previously authorized but unused immigrant visas—25,000 for nurses and 15,000 for physicians.

Executives in senior services nutrition and culinary leadership are invited to join our upcoming gathering of your peers. These virtual meetings will provide an opportunity to exchange ideas and best practices, gain insights from colleagues facing similar challenges, and strengthen your professional network across Minnesota.  This forum will foster idea-sharing and collaborative problem-solving.

Welcome 2026, and Happy New Year everyone!

AscendRural, a program of Sourcewell, is inviting rural senior-serving nonprofits and government agencies to apply for their Senior Care Community Cohort — a guided pathway focused on identifying high-potential technology solutions that solve your organization’s most critical problems.

As a reminder, 2026 membership renewal invoices, sent in November, are due this month.

Sholom is pleased to announce the appointment of Andrea Horvath as its new Chief Operating Officer, effective December 14, 2025. Horvath has been serving as Interim COO and brings more than 16 years of experience within the organization.

Large events that include exhibitors and overnight accommodations can unfortunately attract fraudulent activity, including unauthorized list selling and hotel room solicitations. We encourage you to exercise caution when responding to unsolicited emails or phone calls.