News

The application materials for another round of the nursing facility moratorium exceptions process were recently posted on the MDH website. Nursing homes interested in applying for approval to fund a construction project will need to complete all the required application materials and return them to MDH by December 18, 2025.

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.

As shared in last week’s Advantage, there are still several unknowns for how the federal budget bill, also known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill”, will impact older adults and the services they need. Minnesota budget officials estimate that the law will result in nearly $500 million in annual losses to our Medicaid program. Most of those reductions will not take effect until Jan. 1, 2027, or later, and will be subject to future state action by the Minnesota Legislature.

The slow developing HCBS workforce incentive grant program, which was created and funded by the 2023 Legislature, has still not reached the point of sending money to employers despite plans to have done so a while ago.

The Minnesota Department of Health is expanding in-facility testing to add additional test sites for nurse aide candidates. The application deadline has been extended to July 31.

In Minnesota, landlords are required to notify residential tenants about the availability of the Minnesota Attorney General's Office Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities handbook. 

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has posted draft materials needed for certain federally-assisted housing providers to comply with requirements under the Housing Opportunity and Modernization Act (HOTMA).

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.

On June 18, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released memo QSO-25-20-NH, announcing several impactful changes to the Nursing Home Care Compare website, set to take effect with the July and October 2025 quarterly data refreshes. These updates are part of CMS’s continuing efforts to enhance transparency and improve the accuracy and utility of performance data for nursing home providers, residents, and families.

Whether you’re new to LeadingAge Minnesota or a longtime member who could use a quick refresher, our upcoming member orientation is a great opportunity to learn about the many benefits and resources available to you.

We’re excited to share that the New American Resource Map is now available! This interactive tool highlights organizations, programs, and resources across Minnesota to help connect your staff—especially New Americans—with resources that support their lives outside of work. When our staff are well-supported, retention rates increase, and our entire long-term care community benefits.

Yesterday, an email from LeadingAge Minnesota was sent to the dues contact for our provider members with a personalized link to report your organization’s 2024 adjusted gross revenue. Thank you to everyone who has already completed this important step!

We are seeking feedback from our not-for-profit member organizations on the board and governance resources available at LeadingAgeMN.org. LeadingAge Minnesota places a priority on providing quality resources and education about nonprofit governance to help our member organizations be successful.

LeadingAge Minnesota’s Stars Among Us Award nominations are in full swing for 2026. This popular recognition program shines the spotlight on the best and brightest people working, living, and volunteering in our communities. Who on your team deserves the spotlight? Tell us about them today.

LeadingAge Minnesota member Mary T. Inc., founded and operated by Dr. Mary Tjosvold, is hosting a benefit concert at Crooners Supper Club — also owned by Tjosvold — on Monday, July 28, at 7 p.m.