News
Category: Featured News
Welcome to the Featured News category. The following news items include major developments in the aging services world, as well as important notifications and timely reminders.
Evaluations and Activity Planning for Residents of Assisted Living with Dementia Care Facilities
On July 13, 2023 by Bobbie Guidry
Requirements for residents with dementia residing in a facility licensed as Assisted Living with Dementia Care include that each person is to be evaluated for their particular interests and specialized needs. Based on the evaluation, service planning should include an individualized activity plan.
CNA Training Ban: MDH Waiver Request Form Now Available
On July 13, 2023 by Anna Mowry
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has released a new waiver request form for nursing homes to complete after losing the ability to operate a nurse aide training program for two years.
Workforce Technology Playbook – Resident Vital Signs Technology
On July 6, 2023 by Julie Apold
The Resident Vital Signs Machine Technology Playbook is the third in a series of workforce technology solution playbooks designed to assist you in identifying technology solutions to help address the workforce crisis.
Become an In-Facility Test Site for your Nurse Aide Candidates
On July 6, 2023 by Anna Mowry
After a successful pilot program, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is expanding in-facility testing to add additional nurse aide test sites around the state.
DHS Starts Process for Distributing Lump Sum Payments to Care Centers
On July 6, 2023 by Jeff Bostic
The Department of Human Services (DHS) has developed plans to distribute lump sum payments for care centers approved in the recently completed legislative session.
DLI Opens Ergonomic Safety Grants Applications for Nursing Homes
On June 29, 2023 by Mark Schulz
The Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) is now accepting grant request applications for its Workplace Safety Grant Program. The legislature provided DLI with $2 million in one-time funding to establish a temporary grant program to assist impacted employers.
2023 Legislative Session Impact: Grant Programs, Loans, and Other Opportunities for Long-Term Care Providers
On June 29, 2023 by Anna Mowry
After a year of historic investments in long-term care, LeadingAge Minnesota has compiled a resource detailing several grant programs and other opportunities funded in the 2023 Minnesota legislative session.
Attention Care Centers: Select New QIIP Goals Now
On June 22, 2023 by Jeff Bostic
The Department of Human Services (DHS) recently announced that they have opened the selection process for all care centers in the Medical Assistance program to select a new goal to work on for another round of the Quality Improvement Incentive Payment Program (QIIP). Each year, based on their progress toward the goal they select, care centers receive a rate increase of $0 to $3.50 per resident day for QIIP.
Changes Coming to the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry
On June 22, 2023 by Anna Mowry
Coming later this summer, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is launching the “Nurse Aide Registry (NAR) Modernization Project,” a project to transition the nurse aide registry to a new digital format. This new and improved NAR portal will allow nurse aides and nursing homes to complete all their updates, reports, and communications electronically within the portal rather than via U.S. mail or email.
2023 Legislative Report Available Now
On June 22, 2023 by Erin Huppert
LeadingAge Minnesota is pleased to share its 2023 Minnesota Session Legislative Report. This written report summarizes what you need to know about the 75 laws sent to the Governor this year impacting aging services, the seniors you care for, when those laws are effective, and the steps you should take next.
In-Facility Testing for Nurse Aide Candidates is Expanding this Summer
On June 15, 2023 by Anna Mowry
Coming later this summer, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) announced that it is expanding in-facility nurse aide testing.
Celebrate CNA Week, June 15 – 21
On June 15, 2023 by Anna Mowry
Today marks the start of CNA Week, an annual celebration of the vital work of nursing assistants. Since 1977, the National Association of Health Care Assistants (NAHCA) has observed CNA Week yearly.
Aerosol Generating Procedures Post-PHE
On June 15, 2023 by Kari Everson
Healthcare organizations used N95 or higher-level respirators for all aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs) as a transmission mitigation strategy throughout the public health emergency (PHE).
COVID-19 Facility Risk Assessment Updated
On June 8, 2023 by Kari Everson
LeadingAge Minnesota updated the COVID-19 Facility Risk Assessment and Workbook to reflect a change in the metrics published by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).
Juneteenth, June 19, Becomes a State-Recognized Holiday in Minnesota
On June 8, 2023 by Mark Schulz
Minnesota now recognizes Juneteenth as a state holiday. Employers should review collective bargaining agreements and policies to ensure compliance with the new law.
Post-Survey Feedback Opportunity
On June 1, 2023 by Kari Everson
Beginning June 5, onsite surveys and investigations will include an electronic provider feedback form to help provide information for the Minnesota Department of Health’s (MDH) continuous improvement.
CMS To Discontinue Vaccine Mandate
On June 1, 2023 by Kari Everson
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will discontinue the nursing home staff vaccination mandate in early August.
ICYMI: Legislature Adjourns with Historic Funding for Aging Services
On May 25, 2023 by Libbie Chapuran
As of Monday at midnight, the Minnesota Legislature has adjourned the 2023 legislative session. After months of tireless advocacy by seniors, their families, and their caregivers, we are proud to report that we have left the session with historic investments in aging services that will help ensure access to care for Minnesota seniors and support caregivers with the wages they deserve.
Facility Assessment and Broader Use of Source Control Post Public Health Emergency
On May 18, 2023 by Kari Everson
New information released over the last week directs each nursing home and assisted living in conducting a COVID-19 facility assessment to determine whether a broader source control practice is needed. LeadingAge Minnesota has created a sample COVID-19 facility assessment to aid in implementing the new practices.
Human Services Conference Committee Completes Its Work with Mixed Outcomes for Aging Services Providers
On May 18, 2023 by Erin Huppert
The Human Services Conference Committee closed the conference report on Wednesday with far-reaching implications for senior care. The report, which will proceed to each legislative chamber for final passage, includes mixed outcomes for aging services providers.