May 5, 2022
Featured News
11% of Nursing Homes; 20% of Assisted Living Face Closure According to New Long-Term Care Imperative Survey
On May 5, 2022 by Jeff Bostic
Aging services providers across the state face dire financial conditions that jeopardize access to care for Minnesota's seniors, according to a recent survey conducted by the Long-Term Care Imperative.
Long Overdue Frontline Worker Bonuses Signed into Law
On May 5, 2022 by Erin Huppert
On Friday, April 29, the legislature passed a bill to provide frontline workers a bonus check for their commitment to serving our community during the height of the pandemic. The measure will use $500 million of federal funds to provide "hero" payments to an estimated 667,000 frontline workers in specified sectors, including long-term care and home care settings like nursing homes and assisted living.
State News
Nursing Assistant Test Sites Weekly Update
On May 5, 2022 by Anna Mowry
With the 1135 waiver ending on June 6, members will have until Oct. 6 to place Nursing Assistants on the state registry. Minnesota State and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) communicate weekly updates to LeadingAge Minnesota regarding nursing assistant test sites as they open and increase their capacity.
Occupancy Increases Slightly but Held Back by Staffing Challenges
On May 5, 2022 by Jeff Bostic
The Long-Term Care Imperative recently completed an analysis of care center occupancy for the first quarter of this year. Compared to last year, it shows some improvement but nothing close to a return to pre-pandemic occupancy levels.
Assisted Living License Renewals Now Open
On May 5, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry
License renewals for assisted living are now open. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) received 115 applications during this first week. If you have not received your renewal information, contact MDH at health.assistedliving@state.mn.us.
Advance Care Planning For Gun Ownership
On May 5, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry
In Minnesota, landlords cannot prohibit a tenant from having a legal firearm. This is, at times, a safety concern within assisted living and housing communities. Several tools have recently been developed that may be helpful in related discussions with residents or potential residents.
Federal News
Reminder: Certain CMS COVID Waivers Expire May 7
On May 5, 2022 by Jonathan Lips
Several of the CMS blanket COVID-19 waivers are expiring on May 7.
In a memorandum released last month, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that it will terminate several temporary emergency declaration blanket waivers that have provided nursing facilities and other provider types with flexibilities designed to support the COVID response.
CDC to Streamline Some NHSN Reporting
On May 5, 2022 by Jonathan Lips
In a recent national stakeholder call, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) previewed changes coming to the COVID-19 Long-Term Care Facility module and vaccination reporting module in NHSN. Beginning May 23, reporting in both modules will be streamlined to simplify some reporting.
Don’t Miss Your Opportunity to Challenge Provider Relief Fund (PRF) Payments
On May 5, 2022 by Jeff Bostic
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) recently closed Phase Four of the Provider Relief Fund (PRF) payments to health care providers. Now providers are dealing with both reporting requirements and the last opportunity to review what they have received and request reconsideration of the amount or not being paid.
Notable News
Safe Care Begins with You in 2022
On May 5, 2022 by Julie Apold
After over two years of COVID-19, we invite you to join us in the latest Safe Care Living the Pledge activity, called “Living the Pledge Every Day.” In a few weeks, we will share easy-to-use tools and resources to refocus on the key components of the Safe Care Pledge through monthly activities that you can bring to your community. They will help your organization celebrate and renew your commitment to respect, dignity, safety, and quality of life for those we serve.
Celebrate National Nurses Week and Month this May
On May 5, 2022 by Anna Mowry
Every year, the American Nurses Association (ANA) celebrates National Nurses Week, May 6-12, to promote, support, and honor the varying roles of nurses and the positive impacts they make in our communities every day. This year, ANA expanded National Nurses Week to National Nurses Month in May to show gratitude for the invaluable contributions of nurses all month long.
Celebrate How Seniors “Age My Way” During Older Americans Month
On May 5, 2022 by Libbie Chapuran
May is Older Americans Month (OAM), a national celebration established in 1963 to acknowledge the contributions of past and current older persons to our country, in particular those who defended the nation. We celebrate and honor older adults and all their contributions every day.
Member News
Annual Membership Survey: Feedback Requested by May 27
On May 5, 2022 by Luke Jenkins
We respect and value your opinion, and we ask you to share your thoughts in our 2022 Annual Membership Survey.
Looking back at the past two years, we can all agree it hasn’t been easy. We faced a global pandemic head-on and continue to work together to address the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 and the severe workforce crisis plaguing our settings. But we also must look ahead. Minnesota is now home to one million seniors, and we are seeking new, innovative ways to serve all those who need care in our settings.
LeadingAge Minnesota Education Solutions
Register Today - 2022 Nurse Leadership Certificate Program Starts May 17
On May 5, 2022 by Heidi Simpson
Registration closes soon for LeadingAge Minnesota’s Nurse Leadership Certificate Program – the premier training program for new and emerging nurse leaders in skilled care and assisted living settings. The series begins May 17 and is scheduled over five months, including in-person and virtual sessions.
Other Meetings and Events
Just Two Weeks Until Argentum Conference in Minneapolis
On May 5, 2022 by LeadingAge
There is still time to register for the Senior Living Executive Conference happening May 16-18.
Thousands of senior living professionals, operators, owners, executives, and community leaders will gather in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for the next edition of the Senior Living Executive Conference & Expo, the official meeting of Argentum.