Feb. 19, 2020
Featured News
Safe Care for Seniors Action Honor Roll Announced
On February 18, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
Fifty-one LeadingAge Minnesota members have been named to the Safe Care for Seniors Action Honor Roll. The Action Honor Roll recognizes aging services providers who have made the Safe Care for Seniors pledge and demonstrated action and outcomes in prevention, safety, respect, learning and improvement, and collaboration.
“Safe Care for Seniors is a new way of thinking and taking action to prevent the risk of harm that can occur in the course of caregiving,” said Gayle Kvenvold, President & CEO, LeadingAge Minnesota. “These 51 providers are modeling the Safe Care for Seniors pledge in ensuring the older adults they serve are safe from harm and that all who live and work in their settings are treated with respect and dignity."
Safe Care for Seniors is a comprehensive safety and quality improvement program focused on prevention. The program, created by LeadingAge Minnesota in 2019, begins with a commitment pledge to safety, respect and dignity. It is then followed by implementation of a five-step action plan that includes leadership accountability, designated safety champions, identifying and addressing improvement opportunities, enhanced transparency, communication and collaboration with residents and families, and an ongoing commitment to report, learn and improve from near miss events or when something unexpected happens.
More than 450 aging services providers have made the Safe Care for Seniors Pledge. The Action Honor Roll recognizes the first 51 providers to complete the intensive five-step action plan. LeadingAge Minnesota will recognize providers who complete the plan on a quarterly basis.
“Through Safe Care for Seniors, our members are improving the quality of care and services they provide, empowering staff to respond appropriately in difficult or unexpected situations, and enhancing relationships with the older adults and families they serve - all of which contribute to safe, inclusive and trusted environments that provide a high quality of life."
- Augustana Care Health Rehabilitation - Moose Lake
- Augustana Regent - Burnsville
- Benedictine Living Community of Duluth
- Buffalo Lake Health Care Center -Buffalo Lake
- Clara City Care Center - Clara City
- Cuyuna Regional Medical Center Care Center - Cuyuna
- Ecumen Detroit Lakes - Detroit Lakes
- Ecumen Lakeshore - Duluth
- Ecumen Meadows - Worthington
- Ecumen Oaks - Hutchinson
- Ecumen Pines - Hutchinson
- Ecumen of Litchfield
- Ecumen Pathstone Living Care Center - Mankato
- Ecumen Prairie Hill - St. Peter
- Ecumen Sand Prairie - St. Peter
- Ecumen Seasons - Apple Valley
- Elim Care and Rehab Center - Princeton
- Field Crest Care Center - Hayfield
- Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls
- Grand Meadows Senior Living - Glencoe
- Grand Village – Grand Rapids
- Granite Falls Health Care Center – Granite Falls
- Heritage Manor - Chisholm
- Jones-Harrison Assisted Living - Minneapolis
- Knute Nelson - Alexandria
- Lakeview Methodist Health Care Center - Fairmont
- LB Homes – Fergus Falls
- Majestic Pines Senior Living – Grand Rapids
- Minnesota Veterans Home – Luverne
- Minnesota Veterans Home – Minneapolis
- North Shore Care Center - Grand Marais
- Prairie Senior Cottages of Albert Lea
- Prairie Senior Cottages of Alexandria
- Prairie Senior Cottages of Hutchinson
- Prairie Senior Cottages of Isanti
- Prairie Senior Cottages of New Richland
- Prairie Senior Cottages of New Ulm
- River Grand Senior Living – Grand Rapids
- Saint Therese of New Hope Care Center
- Saint Therese of New Hope Residence
- Saint Therese of Woodbury
- Scandi Haven Village - Benson
- Spring Valley Care Center – Spring Valley
- Sunnyside Care Center – Lake Park
- The Glenn Minnetonka
- The Harbor at Peace Village – Norwood Young America
- The Haven at Peace Village – Norwood Young America
- The Pines - Richfield
- Three Links - Northfield
- Vista Prairie at Copperleaf - Willmar
- Walker Methodist – Minneapolis
Help Us Tell the Story: Day at the Capitol on March 19
On February 18, 2020 by Libbie Chapuran
We hear it from lawmakers all the time: what matters most to them as they weigh issues and make decisions at the State Capitol is their constituents. That’s why your voice matters! It’s time to be heard. Join us at our Day at the Capitol on March 19 to show lawmakers that we are committed partners in our shared goal to assure access to safe, quality care for older Minnesotans in the communities they call home.
We’ll kick-off our day at the Capitol Ridge Best Western near the State Capitol with a session update, key messages to share with lawmakers and prep session on how to make the most of your visit. You will then head to the State Capitol for visits with your lawmakers. We encourage you to invite staff, residents, volunteers and board members to join you at Day at the Capitol.
Registration is now open. There is no cost to participate in Day at the Capitol. Please register by March 6 to ensure we have time to schedule meetings with your lawmakers and that we have an accurate count for food, beverage and materials.
A special thank you to Medline and Guardian Pharmacy for sponsoring Day at the Capitol.
Questions? Contact Libbie Chapuran at lchapuran@leadingagemn.org.
State News
BENHA Seeks Comments on Proposed Rules for Health Service Executive
On February 18, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Board of Examiners for Nursing Home Administrators (BENHA) has published the notice of proposed rules for the Health Service Executive, which applies to individuals eligible or desiring the national Health Service Executive credential.
BENHA engaged with various stakeholders and board members to prepare this set of rules. You can view the proposed rules and submit comments via the Office of the Administrative Hearings website from now through April 20.
BENHA will issue a second announcement on rules for the Assisted Living Directors once those are returned from the Revisors office and approved by the Office of Administrative Hearings for the publication and comment period. All information is updated on the website at www.benha.state.mn.us. LeadingAge Minnesota will keep members up to date on this email via Advantage and email.
For more information, contact Randy Snyder at randy.snyder@state.mn.us.
Apply Now for Live Well at Home Grants
On February 18, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is seeking proposals to develop and/or provide services for older Minnesotans to live and age in the community of their choice.
Live Well at Home Grants help develop, strengthen, integrate, and maintain culturally competent home and community-based services for individuals age 65 and older, at-risk of long-term nursing home use, and/or spending down into Medical Assistance.
Approximately $8 million will be available to successful responders in fiscal year 2021. Grants will range from 12 to 24 months, from July 1, 2020 until June 30, 2022, with the option to potentially extend beyond that date. The maximum initial award per year is $350,000. There is a dollar-for-dollar or 50% project total matching requirement for all grant funds expended.
Live Well at Home Grants promote the development of services that are available to people of all income levels, particularly those who are eligible for public programs and that expand affordable options that are sustained through the private market. Grants are available for three general categories:
- capital and renovation projects;
- long-term services and support development; and
- core home and community-based services.
Proposals may include strengthening services for supporting solo agers, family, friends, and neighbor caregiving.
The RFP provides detailed information on the grant program, categories, application process and requirements. Access the RFP here.
We Count. Minnesota: 2020 Census Underway
On February 18, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
A new collaboration of businesses, governments, non-profits and community groups across the state have formed We Count. Minnesota to support a fair and accurate 2020 Census. Why do we need to count every person in Minnesota?
The U.S. Census Bureau works to count every person in the United States every 10 years. The count is important as it guides the distribution of billions of dollars to Minnesota and its communities, including programs funded the Older Americans Act, determines political representation for the next decade and provides data that shapes how policymakers will invest resources.
What You Need to Know
By April 1, 2020, everyone in Minnesota will receive an invitation to participate in the Census. You can complete the census for online, by phone or over the mail. The information you provide is confidential and will not be shared with any other person or organization, inside or outside of government.
Tools, Resources, FAQs
We Count. Minnesota has prepared tools, resources, frequently asked questions and more to help people understand the U.S. Census. As you may get questions from residents, clients, patients and staff, we encourage you to visit the We Count. Minnesota website to access the resources.
Federal News
Now Active: VA Community Care Network
On February 18, 2020 by Roni Falck
The Community Care Networks (CCNs) from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are now active. CCNs replace the Veterans Choice Program and are designed to expand the provider network and improve customer service for veterans and timeliness of payments for providers. Along with Veterans Care Agreements, the CCNs are the main vehicle through which VA pays non-VA providers.
UnitedHealthcare/Optum will manage the CCN for Minnesota effective Feb. 19. Providers will work through them for reimbursement, billing and claims, but will continue to work with the VA to determine veteran enrollment and eligibility, referrals, authorization and reauthorization.
IMPORTANT STEPS TO FOLLOW
- Verify Identity and Eligibility Before Providing Care: Providers must verify a Veteran’s identity before providing care and ensure eligibility. An approved referral sent to the provider or the referral letter VA has sent the Veteran is proof of eligibility. Providers can also check eligibility online at www.vacommunitycare.com.
- All Services Require an Approved Referral from VA Before Claims Can Be Processed: Providers will receive a referral packet that authorizes care that includes a specified number of visits and/or services related to a plan of care. It is the responsibility of providers to ensure there is an approved referral before providing care or services to a Veteran.
- Electronic submissions are preferred for sending claims to Optum. Providers must submit claims on nationally recognized claims forms, including the CMS-1500, CMS-1450 and UB04. Claims must be submitted within 180 days from the date of service for outpatient care and submitted via www.myVACCN.com.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
- Optum VA CCN Website: A comprehensive resource for everything providers need to know about CCNs, including provider manual, training videos, toolkits, documentation and more. Access the website at: www.vacommunitycare.com.
- Step-by-Step Guide: Access a step-by-step guide on registering and using the payment site at Claims Portal Guide. Providers may also reach out to the provider hotline with any questions: 844-839-6108.
- Optum Training Videos: Access self-service resources and education videos to help providers understand the new process. Access the videos here.
- CCN provider resources and updates: https://provider.vacommunitycare.com/
- CCN claims portal: https://www.myvaccn.com/
NEED ASSISTANCE – CALL THE HOTLINE
- Providers may also reach out to the provider hotline with any questions. Call 844-839-6108 to reach someone who can help.
New Video Resource: PRACtical RAD Overview
On February 18, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
The U.S. Housing & Urban Development Department (HUD) has released the first of a series of short videos on RAD for PRAC.
The first video, PRACtical RAD: Overview, describes the benefits of conversion to the Section 8 platform via HUD’s Rental Assistance Demonstration for Section 202 owners with Project Rental Assistance Contracts, an overview of property eligibility, a section on how to prepare for conversion and a list of additional resources.
1 in 6 Medicaid Dollars at Stake: Medicaid Takes a Hit in Trump Budget
On February 18, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
We delved deeper into the proposed fiscal year 2021 budget from the Trump Administration and discovered a $1 trillion spending cut that could impact aging services and the people you serve. While there is a lack of detail on where these cuts would come from and the budget is likely dead on arrival, it provides perspective on the Administration's vision for Medicaid that could come into play as part of the November election.
Block Grants and Per Capita Caps Results in Less Funding
The proposed budget would cut more than $900 billion, a 16% cut, from the Medicaid program through 2030. The cut in funding comes in part from block grants and per capita cap waivers. It would be impossible to make a spending reduction of this scale without affecting long-term services and supports that account for close to 1 in 3 Medicaid dollars.
New Rulemaking on Eligibility Forthcoming
The proposed budget includes a reference to an upcoming proposed rule that would call for more frequent eligibility redeterminations and other reforms to improve the integrity of state eligibility determination and renewal processes.
Budget Assumes Final Medicaid Fiscal Accountability Regulation
The proposed budget does not estimate the financial implications of the proposed Medicaid Fiscal Accountability Regulation (MFAR), which would make changes to how states can structure provider taxes and supplemental payments in their Medicaid program. The budget narrative indicates that the proposed rule is part of its strategy to cut Medicaid spending. LeadingAge has raised concerns regarding this proposal and a group of bipartisan lawmakers last week asked CMS to withdraw the MFAR proposal.
Home Equity and Long-Term Services and Support Eligibility
Under the proposed budget, states would no longer have the flexibility to set home equity limits for long-term services and support above the federal ceiling, which could result in a $34.3 billion Medicaid cut through 2030. It’s likely that thousands of older adults would lose eligibility for the care they currently receive. To read more, see this Kaiser Family Foundation Issue Brief.
Money Follows the Person State Option
The proposed budget would enact Money Follows the Person as a permanent state option. This program has helped transition more than 60,000 people from nursing homes to home and community-based settings. A permanent option would save $91 million through 2030.
Medical Transportation at Risk
The proposed budget seeks to make non-emergency medical transportation service optional to states, which could limit transportation support for people in affordable housing and/or receiving community-based services.
Increased Focus on Payment Integrity
The proposed budget indicates that CMS will increase its crack down on improper payments for services that do not have the appropriate documentation to support them. The budget estimates a $17.6 million cut to Medicaid through 2030 as a result of these efforts. Such payments are not always inappropriate and often occur as a result of clerical or similar errors. We will monitor this proposal to ensure that people receiving Medicaid long-term services and support do not have their care unduly disrupted.
HUD Seeks 15% Budget Cut but More Funding for Section 202 Housing
On February 18, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
Yes. You read that correctly. The U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) is seeking a 15% cut to its own funding in fiscal year 2021 that will have a detrimental impact on programs that serve older adults.
HUD proposes to eliminate the Home Investment Partnership (HOME) program, the Community Development Block Grant programs and the national Housing Trust Fund, and not provide enough funding for voucher renewals in FY21.
In addition, HUD is also seeking authority to impose rent increases and work requirements for HUD-assisted residents. These proposals would immediately impact newly-housed seniors by redefining who is considered “elderly” to push more than 291,000 households currently considered elderly (because at least one person in the household is 62) to become not elderly under the proposed definition (which would require everyone in the household to be 62 years old). These households would then be under the proposal’s new rent and work requirements.
Congress has rejected similar requests for big cuts and damaging rent increases and work requirements for the last two years and we anticipate they will again oppose these proposals for FY21. We strongly oppose these proposals.
HUD did however request an 8% increase in funding for the Section 202 Housing for the Elderly Program and PRAC contract renewals, $100 million for new Section 202 homes, full renewal of Service Coordinator grants, an extension of HUD’s current 40-site Integrated Wellness in Supportive Housing (IWISH) demonstration, and accommodations in RAD for PRAC to allow for rents to meet service needs.
To read more, see HUD Proposes Budget Cuts.
Notable News
New Study: Less Nursing Homes, Growth in Post-Acute Care, Improved Quality
On February 18, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
A new study shows dramatic changes in nursing home over the past 30 years: a loss of 400 nursing homes, significant growth in post-hospital admissions and dementia care, a growing number of residents who are racial or ethnic minorities residents, and a dramatic drop in the use of restraints and inappropriate antipsychotic use.
The authors of the study, Thirty-Year Trends in Nursing Home Composition and Quality Since the Passage of the Omnibus Reconciliation Act, said providers are performing admirably in a complex clinical landscape and are seeing quality gains while serving an increasingly vulnerable and higher-need population.
The study showed a 15% increase in post-acute care, more providers becoming Medicare and Medicare-certified, and more providers embracing not-for-profit care models.
The Omnibus Reconciliation Act was designed to overhaul the nursing home quality assurance system, and there have been significant improvements over the past 30 years. The number of residents who are physically restrained dropped from 19% to 1% and the inappropriate use of antipsychotics decreased from 16% in 2000 to 12% in 2015. However, there has been little change in the area of medication errors.
Scholarship Available: Advanced Degree in Long-Term Care
On February 18, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
The Robert L. Kane Endowed Chair in Long-Term Care and Aging has announced it will provide $40,000 in scholarship funding during the 2020-2021 academic year.
The scholarship is open to any student currently enrolled in a Master’s or professional doctorate (e.g., Doctorate of Nursing Practice/DNP; Doctor of Pharmacy/PharmD) degree granting program at the University of Minnesota. Students who have previously received the Long-Term Care Scholarship are not eligible.
Deadline to apply is June 1. Apply at: http://bit.ly/ltc scholar.
Member News
Spirit of Aging: Harold Hansen, Resident, Advocate and Volunteer at Saint Therese of Woodbury
On February 18, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
Harold Hansen, who lives at Saint Therese of Woodbury, was recently honored by LeadingAge Minnesota with the Spirit of Aging Award.
“Harold is the embodiment of active and vibrant aging. An advocate, a collaborator and the go-to resource for creative ideas, Harold supports all who live and work at Saint Therese of Woodbury and does what he can each day to build a better community,” said Gayle Kvenvold, President and CEO, LeadingAge Minnesota.
Pictured (l to r): Sara Sterling, Chair of the LeadingAge MN Awards & Recognition Committee; Harold Hansen; Nancy Stratman, LeadingAge MN Board Chair; and Gayle Kvenvold, President & CEO, LeadingAge Minnesota.
The Spirit of Aging Award honors an older adult who exemplifies the concept of positive and active aging. Harold was selected from a pool of nominations submitted by a field of 750 senior care organizations throughout the state.
Harold moved to Saint Therese of Woodbury in 2016 with his wife, Delores, and immediately became an integral member of the community. He volunteers his time and his skills on various projects, his charismatic spirit is infectious, and he is an advocate for residents and staff alike
“Harold is truly the spirit of aging and his generosity is unmatched. He is always willing to support our community and is shaping the culture of caring that is so important to our organization and all who live and work here,” said Katelyn Nowack, Executive Director, Saint Therese of Woodbury.
To learn more, read Harold Hansen Receives Spirit of Aging Award and watch this video.
Education Solutions
Sharpen Your Sales & Marketing Skills: Certificate Program Begins March 31
On February 18, 2020 by Heidi Simpson
Today’s consumers are more informed, prepared and savvy than ever before, requiring sales and marketing professionals in senior living to be prepared for a very personalized, multi-faceted approach. Our Sales & Marketing in Senior Living certificate program provides the tools, training and resources needed to successfully market your community, help consumers make informed choices and increase occupancy.
Led by seasoned professionals in our member communities, this three-day course -- March 31, April 28 and May 19 -- also includes training on digital marketing, managing your online reputation and the legal requirements affecting sales and marketing in senior living.
Bonus for assisted living providers: this year’s course includes vital information about how the new Assisted Living Licensure in Minnesota affects the sales and marketing professional’s role.
Find complete details and register here.
Early Bird Discount: MAPS “All In. Safer Together” Conference
On February 18, 2020 by Julie Apold
Early bird registration ends March 6 for the 2020 Minnesota Alliance for Patient Safety (MAPS) Conference. “All In. Safer Together.” takes place April 30 and May 1 in Brooklyn Park.
The conference brings together multiple stakeholders across the continuum to drive improvement in emerging patient safety areas.
This year’s topics include safety excellence; evolution of Minnesota’s adverse health event reporting system; combating healthcare staff burnout; impact of an age-friendly health system on safety; and communicating when adverse events occur.
Register before March 6 and receive discounted early bird pricing. Register Today.