February 10, 2021
Featured News
Senate Committee Advances Background Studies Bill
On February 10, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
The Minnesota Senate’s Human Services Licensing Policy Committee has advanced a proposal designed to address challenges with Minnesota’s background studies system.
FAQ: Can You Quarantine a New Admission for Fewer Than 14 Days?
On February 10, 2021 by Kari Everson
A 14-day quarantine after admission is daunting for many residents. Transitions may already be difficult and are now compounded by the necessary infection prevention and control practices in place during the pandemic.
COVID-19
MAGIC Launches Resource to Address Vaccine Hesitancy
On February 10, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran
This week, the Minnesota Association for Geriatrics Inspired Clinicians (MAGIC) launched a new video resource to help providers address vaccine hesitancy in long-term care settings.
CMS Director Joins LeadingAge Call to Answer Questions about Visitation Guidance Changes
On February 10, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran
Evan Shulman, Director of the Division of Nursing Homes, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, will answer questions about how CMS is approaching any changes in visitation guidance on Thursday, February 11 at 2:30 on the Coronavirus Update Call hosted by LeadingAge, the national partner of LeadingAge Minnesota.
Resilience Tip: Sleep & Resilience
On February 10, 2021 by LeadingAge
Featuring Dr. Alyson VanAhn from Associated Clinic of Psychology
You are in good company if you have noticed changes in your sleeping patterns during COVID-19. Because of factors like extra screen time, change in routines and increase in stress, we are prone to poor sleep at this time. Sleep is important not only for our well-being and stability of mood, but it is also linked to immune system function.
State News
Public Comment Period on Assisted Living Licensure Concludes
On February 10, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
The public comment period on the proposed rules for assisted living closed on Tuesday, Feb. 9 at 4:30 p.m. In addition to comments provided during the public hearing held Jan. 19 and 20, over 275 were submitted to the administrative law judge (ALJ) on the topic of assisted living licensure.
JOIN US: Virtual Advocacy Week at the Capitol Slated for March 15 – 19.
On February 10, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran
Join us starting March 15, 2021 for a week of virtual advocacy at the Capitol featuring expert training from our public affairs team, inspiring conversations with aging services leaders, opportunities to meet with your legislator, and times to share with colleagues from around the state about your successes and challenges in serving seniors.
At the Capitol: Committees on Human Services and Taxes Hear LTC-focused Bills
On February 10, 2021 by Matt Steele
With about a month to go until the first of three lawmaking deadlines, policy makers are shepherding numerous bills through the committee process, in particular, legislation that allows for providers to have extra time to get background reviews completed for their employees following the expiration of the public health emergency. Here is what you need to know about what’s happening at the Capitol:
MDH Announces Webinar on Assisted Living Licensure
On February 10, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Department of Health is offering a webinar on Thursday Feb. 18, 2021, from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. Information will be provided regarding changes to the laws that affect home care, assisted living and housing with services providers in relation to assisted living licensure.
Federal News
LeadingAge Continuing to Provide Five-Star Analysis Reports
On February 10, 2021 by Jeff Bostic
Earlier today, LeadingAge sent all care center members Five-Star Analysis reports that reflect updates to the data implemented by CMS a couple weeks ago. For more details on the scoring updates, go to this recent Advantage story that covers the changes in depth.
NHSN Updates for Care Centers
On February 10, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
We noted two newsworthy items from CDC this week relating to the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) data collection system.
Monoclonal Antibodies
CDC has added data fields for monoclonal antibodies to the NHSN COVID-19 surveillance module.
Notable News
2020 Compensation Reports Available for Purchase
On February 10, 2021 by Jeff Bostic
LeadingAge Minnesota recently mailed out complimentary copies of the 2020 compensation reports for nursing facilities and senior housing providers to members who participated in those surveys. Copies of those reports are now available for purchase by members who did not participate.
Member News
Governor Walz visits Jones-Harrison to Highlight Vaccine Successes
On February 10, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran
Gov. Tim Walz and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Commissioner Jan Malcolm visited Jones-Harrison to highlight Minnesota’s successful vaccination effort in long-term care settings on the afternoon of Tuesday, Feb. 9.
Friendship Village of Bloomington Opens First Phase of Redevelopment Project
On February 10, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran
This month, Friendship Village of Bloomington will officially open the first phase of its new health center to area seniors. The project adds 16 assisted living apartment homes and five memory care suites to the senior living community, bringing the total communitywide capacity to 42 assisted living apartments and 32 memory care suites. The three-story building is equipped with a secure memory care courtyard, game and activity room, and spa bath.
Education Solutions
Next Gen Governance for a Next Gen World: A Two-Part Governance Workshop
On February 10, 2021 by Barbara Landeen
Next Gen Governance for a Next Gen World is a two-part workshop for executives and board members to explore proactive and agile governance in navigating your organization through and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. It also explores reputation management to restore consumer confidence and includes a study of top trends impaction senior living.
The Governance Workshop is April 7 and 14, 4 – 6 p.m. each day. Find complete details and register here.
Free Webinar! Optimizing Therapy Services Considering COVID Challenges
On February 10, 2021 by Heidi Simpson
Respiratory disease is one of the leading causes of death and disability. During COVID-19, respiratory therapists are treating even greater numbers of clients with compromised lung function. Two complimentary webinars hosted by Select Rehabilitation provide strategies for treatment interventions and in-room therapy.