April 11, 2024
Featured News
Minnesota Selected for Nursing Home Risk-Based Survey Pilot Participation
On April 11, 2024 by Mark Schulz
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) informed the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) that it has selected Minnesota to participate in their pilot for a risk-based survey (RBS) approach for nursing home standard recertification surveys.
Currently, MDH is awaiting CMS training on the revised process before it will be permitted to begin conducting the revised surveys. The anticipated start date of these risk-based surveys is not yet known. MDH has assured us they will inform us before implementing the pilot survey process.
Background
In 2017, CMS implemented a new nursing home survey process across all states in conjunction with the implementation of revised Requirements for Participation for Long Term Care Facilities. In its only public information release to date on the risk-based survey pilot topic, CMS states it is essential to prioritize limited resources toward those compliance areas that pose an increased risk to individuals’ health and safety.
By modifying some surveys based on compliance and quality history, CMS states it will be able to devote more time and resources to nursing homes with lower quality whose residents are at higher risk of harm.
Risk-based survey approach
First announced in December 2023, CMS has been tight-lipped about the pilot until now. CMS will pilot the RBS approach to allow consistently higher-quality facilities to receive a more focused survey that takes less time and resources than the traditional standard recertification survey while ensuring compliance with health and safety standards.
CMS is exploring several indicators of high quality, including citation history, such as a history of fewer citations of noncompliance and an absence of citations related to abuse or resident harm, staffing and compliance with staffing data submission requirements, quality metrics such as hospitalizations, and other indicators (e.g., no citations related to resident harm or abuse, no pending investigations for residents at immediate jeopardy for serious harm, compliance with staffing and data submission requirements). However, CMS has not yet provided details about the exact indicators it will use to select facilities for the pilot RBS approach.
CMS estimates the scope of the new survey approach would be limited, impacting approximately 10% of providers in a state. While the targeted survey would replace the standard survey for these providers, complaint surveys would not be affected, and a risk-based survey could be expanded to a regular standard survey as indicated by findings at the time of survey.
Providing feedback
MDH has informed us that facilities will be informed during their entrance conference they are receiving an RBS instead of a standard recertification survey. At that time, the facility will also be instructed on providing direct feedback to CMS about the RBS approach experience and pilot. Additionally, during these surveys, MDH will continue to provide its anonymous feedback questionnaire and encourage facilities to express immediate concerns with survey team supervisors as they would typically do.
Stay tuned for updates
We anticipate that more information will be forthcoming from CMS and MDH in the very near future as our state’s regulatory leadership heads to CMS’ annual Survey Executives Training Institute, where they will hear directly from CMS about this developing topic.
Watch Advantage for updates on this developing topic as we learn more from CMS.
We encourage any providers selected to participate in this pilot program to email Mark Schulz to share your experiences with it.
State News
Workplace Safety Grants for Health Care Settings Now Open
On April 11, 2024 by Anna Mowry
A new grant opportunity, Workplace Safety Grants for Health Care Entities, has been released by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and is open for applications until June 7.
About the grant
Authorized by 2023 Session Law Chapter 70, Article 4, Section 109, this new grant program was established to increase safety measures in healthcare settings by establishing or expanding programs to train staff on de-escalation and positive support services. The program is focused on preventing workplace violence. The program's overarching goal is to improve safety and stability for staff and patients in healthcare settings.
Application details
- The deadline to apply is Friday, June 7th, 4:30 p.m.
- A virtual information session will occur on Wed, April 24, at 1 p.m. Click here to join the call.
- Organizations can review the full application details in the Request for Proposals.
- MDH anticipates awarding approximately $1,500,000 through 30 grants in this funding cycle. The maximum award amount is $50,000.
The following healthcare entities are eligible to apply for funding:
- Long-term care facilities
- Acute care hospitals that are staffed for 49 beds or fewer and located in a rural area
- Critical access hospitals
- Medical clinics
- Dental clinics
- Community health clinics
For more information, please contact: health.orhpc.workforcegrants@state.mn.us
Find more loans, scholarships, and grants
Members can find more grant opportunities with our resource, Grant Grid: Funding Opportunities for Minnesota Aging Services Providers. This comprehensive grid contains information on over 25 grants, scholarships, loans, workforce development programs, and more funding opportunities for providers to consider.
Deadline May 6: Grant to Support New Americans in Long-Term Care
On April 11, 2024 by Anna Mowry
A new grant opportunity to Support New Americans in the Long-Term Care Workforce has been released by the Department of Human Services (DHS). It is open for applications until May 6.
Passed during the 2023 legislative session, the purpose of these new grants is to provide specialized services and support to new Americans to enter and grow within the long-term care workforce.
LeadingAge Minnesota looks forward to this opportunity and the state's commitment to enriching our diverse workforce. This investment creates paths for new Americans to pursue meaningful roles and leadership within our sector and allows employers to foster inclusive and welcoming communities.
Application details
- The deadline to apply is Monday, May 6, at 4 p.m. CT.
- A virtual information session will occur on Thursday, April 11, at 1 p.m. Click here to join the call.
- Organizations can review the full application details in the Request for Proposals.
- Questions regarding the grant must emailed by April 15 to MN.GEAR.DHS@state.mn.us.
- A question-and-answer document will be published here: https://mn.gov/dhs/partners-and-providers/grants-rfps/open-rfps/.
LeadingAge Minnesota is eagerly reviewing the grant opportunity to seek funding to grow our workforce and ensure quality care for Minnesota's seniors. To connect more, please reach out to Anna Mowry, Director of Workforce Solutions.
Find more loans, scholarships, and grants
Members can find more grant opportunities with our resource, Grant Grid: Funding Opportunities for Minnesota Aging Services Providers. This comprehensive grid contains information on over 25 grants, scholarships, loans, workforce development programs, and more funding opportunities for providers to consider.
Federal News
Notable News
Three Sessions Left! Seats Available for No-Cost Mental Health First Aide Sessions
On April 11, 2024 by Anna Mowry
No-cost, virtual Mental Health First Aid sessions are being offered to LeadingAge Minnesota members this spring. To accommodate the schedules of the professionals in our settings, we are hosting two virtual Saturday sessions.
Like CPR training, the eight-hour virtual Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course prepares people to be the first line of support in a crisis—to identify, understand, and guide others to mental health resources. Over the past two years, the LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation has sponsored over 300 aging services professionals to attend MHFA training.
Don’t wait—there are only three free sessions left, so register now. Participants should only register for one session. By registering, you are agreeing to virtually attend and fully participate on the selected session date.
What do you gain from Mental Health First Aid?
- A five-step action plan to respond to a mental health crisis.
- Increased confidence and likelihood of helping an individual in distress.
- Knowledge of signs, symptoms, and risk factors of mental illnesses and addictions.
- A nationally recognized certification supported by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.
Upcoming session dates – register now:
- Saturday, April 27, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Saturday, May 4, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, May 8, 2024, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
For more information, please contact Julie Kiehne, Winona State University Business Outreach Coordinator. This project is sponsored by the LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation, with funding from the Minnesota Department of Health.
Engaging High School Nursing Assistants in Long Term Care
On April 11, 2024 by Anna Mowry
Attend an upcoming webinar to learn how to connect with talented high school nursing assistants who are ready to enter the long-term care workforce.
Webinar details
Join Minnesota State on Thursday, April 25, at 3:30 p.m. for an informative session tailored to address your questions on how to best connect to high school nurse aides in Minnesota. The webinar will include:
- An overview of Next Generation Nursing Assistant - Train. Test. Work.
- Best practices to connect with high school nurse aide students and programs
- Questions and answers
Register now. Can't make it live? The session will be recorded for on-demand viewing. Simply use the registration link to access the recording at your convenience.
Become an employer partner and stay up-to-date
This webinar is offered as part of the Minnesota State campuses program— Next Generation Nursing Assistant – Train. Test. Work. To improve communication and help grow connections with your local Minnesota State campus location, employers are asked to opt in to participate as an employer partner. Employers interested in connecting with candidates can complete the employer partner sign-up to learn more. Got questions or need further assistance? Reach out to elaine.vandenburgh@winona.edu.
Member News
Kraus-Anderson begins expansion of Trillium Woods
On April 11, 2024 by Libbie Chapuran
Kraus-Anderson has begun the $41.5 million expansion of Trillium Woods, an independent living retirement community located at 5855 Cheshire Parkway in Plymouth, Minn.
Trillium Woods is a Life Plan Community featuring a casual, upscale environment that provides wellness services and levels of senior healthcare, including memory care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation.
Designed by Pope Design Group, the 160,321-square-foot, five-story expansion consists of 18 assisted living units, 16 assisted living memory care units, 52 independent living units, and 67 underground parking spaces.
The prairie-style community is surrounded by 46 acres with walking and hiking trails and features 24-hour on-site security, fine dining, an indoor pool, a salon, a day spa, and a fitness center. Amenities also include a pub, café, pickleball court, library, auditorium, art studio and guest suite.
Construction is expected to be completed in the fall of 2025.
Seeking Compassionate Volunteers for Alzheimer’s Support Group
On April 11, 2024 by Jessica Lacher
Are you looking for a way to give back to your community? The Alzheimer's Association MN-ND, an associate member of LeadingAge Minnesota, is seeking caring individuals to volunteer as facilitators for their virtual support group, "Moving Forward - Life After Dementia Caregiving (For Partners)."
This group provides invaluable support to spouses who have recently lost their partners to Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia.
Visit The Alzheimer’s Associate MN-ND or reach out to Jenna Pogorels at jpogorels@alz.org or 218.722.4335 to learn more about this opportunity to provide compassionate support and build connections in our community.
The group meets virtually from 9:30 -11 a.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month.