News

The Minnesota Department of Health has announced the dates and times of two statewide conference calls to address care center regulatory issues: 

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) will hold its next quarterly Home Care Matters call on Wednesday, Feb. 20 from 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. These calls are a great opportunity for providers to discuss issues affected home care with MDH. 

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has completed desk audits of all submitted supporting documentation and determined 99.1 percent of settings to be compliant with the minimum requirements of the Home and Community-Based Settings Rule. However, 52 provider settings did not respond to requests to resubmit revised supporting documentation. 

Adult Day Services providers now have access to two new resources from the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) to help them remain compliant: a webinar on licensing surveys, regulations and expectations and several sample policies and forms. 

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) received proposals from four care centers – all LeadingAge Minnesota members -- for funding through the moratorium exceptions process. 

In our recent assessment of Adult Day Services surveys by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), we found several deficiencies in record keeping regarding Individual Service Planning. In this edition of our “Adult Day Services: A Closer Look” series, we review the requirements for the most common deficiencies in Individual Service Planning and link you to resources that will help you comply with the requirements.  

Although the annual Medicare open enrollment period ended Dec. 7, special enrollment periods remain for most beneficiaries who live in one of the 66 Minnesota counties that are losing their Cost Plans as of Dec. 31, 2018. Members are reminded to refer residents and families with questions or in need of additional assistance to the Senior Linkage Line.  

The role of the Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) was reviewed in a previous edition of Advantage. One important clarification to that story is the designation of a Person in Charge (PIC). When present, the CFPM functions as the PIC. However, when the CFPM is not present and food service is being offered, the CFPM must designate a PIC. 

Telemedicine grew at a rapid pace in Minnesota between 2010 and 2015 with a nearly seven-fold growth in visits jumping from 11,113 in 2010 to 86,238 visits in 2015, according to a new Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and University of Minnesota School of Public Health study highlighted in Health Affairs. 

Minnesota’s latest budget forecast was released last week, showing a $1.544 billion surplus for the next biennium but also predicting a slowdown in economic growth. Positive reaction to the state budget surplus at the State Capitol was accompanied with a note of caution. 

The Bachelor of Science in Health Management at the University of Minnesota Crookston received accreditation approval by the National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB) and the program also received its Health Service Executive (HSE) qualification. Both accreditations were earned under the leadership of Susan Klassen, program director and former member of LeadingAge Minnesota. 

Aging committees will return in both chambers of the Legislature for the 2019-2020 legislative session.   

The Minnesota Board of Examiners for Nursing Home Administrators (BENHA) announces the open appointment for one member actively engaged in the practice of professional nursing, licensed in Minnesota. 

The Minnesota Board of Examiners for Nursing Home Administrators (BENHA) announces the open appointment for one member actively engaged in the practice of professional nursing, licensed in Minnesota. 

Nearly 40 hospitals and long-term care settings across Minnesota earned a shout out from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) for contributing to antibiotic stewardship efforts beyond their walls. 

Beginning Jan. 1, 2019, the Minnesota food code will no longer require nail brushes at handwashing sinks. Also, heated-air and air-knife hand dryers are now allowed at handwashing sinks in the kitchen. 

The Saint Paul City Council last week approved a $15 minimum wage ordinance that will be phased in at different levels over a period of three to eight years, beginning in 2020, depending on the size of the business. 

Home Care and Assisted Living providers are encouraged to participate in the next Home Care Matters webinar on Nov. 28 from 10-11:30 a.m. to learn more about infection control and receive an update from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) on regulatory issues.  

Elderly Waiver providers are encouraged to participate in a Dec. 11 webinar to learn more on the EW Residential Services tool. 

The new food code that takes effect Jan. 1 will require retail food establishments that serve or sell raw or undercooked animal food will need to use a consumer advisory. Minnesota food code specifies how to inform consumers of potential health risks from eating raw or undercooked animal food: