March 23, 2023
Featured News
Legislative Leaders Announce Joint Budget Targets
On March 23, 2023 by Erin Huppert
This week, legislative leaders and Governor Walz announced they had reached global budget targets for creating Minnesota’s biennial budget (FY2023-2025). This agreement sets the stage for the Legislature to spend the state’s $17.6 billion surplus. According to the agreement, human services has been given a $1.3 billion target for the two-year period, and health care an additional $755 million.
State News
Walz’s Revised Budget Addresses Hospital Back-Ups, Not LTC Funding
On March 23, 2023 by Jeff Bostic
Governor Tim Walz recently updated his budget proposal and introduced some new spending initiatives after the most recent budget forecast was released. Unfortunately, those initiatives do not include a rate increase for care centers despite the ongoing staffing and financial challenges. Despite the lack of support from the Governor, the Long-Term Care Imperative continues to work with legislators to advocate for this vitally needed funding.
New Housing Support Rate Effective July 1
On March 23, 2023 by Libbie Chapuran
On July 1, the Housing Support maximum monthly room and board rate will increase to $1,135.
Federal News
Safe Care Addresses CMS Focus on Patient Safety
On March 23, 2023 by Julie Apold
During National Patient Safety Awareness Week, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) highlighted their renewed focus on patient safety because harm is still too common and often preventable in a blog published on its website. Progress in patient safety has significantly declined since the beginning of the pandemic erasing previous patient safety gains.
Notable News
Member News
Gene Gustason Announces Retirement
On March 23, 2023 by Libbie Chapuran
Gene Gustason, a long-time LeadingAge Minnesota member, has announced his retirement from the Stewartville Care Center effective at the end of March. He completes his career in the sector after 29 years at the skilled nursing setting in Stewartville. The Stewartville Care Center is an 85-bed skilled nursing facility for residential and rehabilitative care.
LeadingAge Minnesota Education Solutions
Communication and Conversations with Direct Care Staff – Access in the Resource Library
On March 23, 2023 by Sharon Hollister
This new resource includes a 10-minute recording with an accompanying exercise and discussion handout. Gather your nurses, particularly staff nurses and direct care nurses, to watch the recording and work through the exercise together.