News

MDH Anonymous Feedback Results are In

On December 14, 2023 by Mark Schulz

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has made its anonymous survey process feedback results public, with most respondents reflecting a positive survey experience.

MDH Offers One-Time PPE Request Opportunity

On November 30, 2023 by Kari Everson

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is currently offering a one-time disbursement of personal protective equipment (PPE) to improve infection prevention capacity in assisted living organizations and nursing homes.

Year-End Assisted Living Audits and the Essential Guide

On November 30, 2023 by Bobbie Guidry

As 2023 ends, assisted living settings should consider auditing compliance with required postings and procedures.

MDH Webinar on Conducting Internal Investigations for Assisted Living and Home Care

On November 16, 2023 by Bobbie Guidry

Join the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is hosting a webinar on how to conduct internal investigations for assisted living and home care providers. The webinar will be held on Nov. 17 from noon to 1 p.m.

Side Rails: Continued Focus to Ensure Safe Use and CMS, MDH Compliance

On October 26, 2023 by Kari Everson

During regulatory surveys in both assisted living communities and nursing homes, side rails and other bed assistive devices are a continued focal point.

MDH to Pass Background Studies Cost to Providers

On October 12, 2023 by Erin Huppert

On Monday, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) convened a meeting with LeadingAge Minnesota and other provider o

Top New Laws Starting Aug. 1

On August 3, 2023 by Mark Schulz

Several new laws became effective before or on Aug. 1 and impact senior care services in the state. While you can review more information about these changes and more in the 2023 Legislative Report, we have provided links to Advantage articles for topics previously discussed for easy reference and review.

Navigating the Care Center Moratorium Exceptions Process Webinar – Registration Open

On July 27, 2023 by Sharon Hollister

The Navigating the Care Center Moratorium Exceptions Process webinar will help care center staff evaluate whether to apply for a moratorium exception and provide an understanding of the various options for implementing property projects and the potential rate impacts of those options.

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.

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.

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).

Dining and Activity Visitor Attendance

On June 1, 2023 by Kari Everson

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recently clarified with LeadingAge Minnesota when families and visitors can share a meal with a resident in the dining room or attend activities. According to MDH, organizations should continue infection prevention and control practices and complete a facility risk assessment to determine visitor attendance in congregate dining settings and activities.

New Resource Available! COVID-19 Facility Assessment Policy Template

On June 1, 2023 by Kari Everson

LeadingAge Minnesota has added a COVID-19 facility assessment policy template to the resource library as a companion document to the facility assessment workbook provided last week.

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.

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.

CDC Published Updated COVID-19 Guidance

On May 8, 2023 by Kari Everson

Updated from original content posted on Monday, May 8

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Healthcare Personnel During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic. The CDC updated sections on recommendations for universal source control and admission testing and added an appendix section to help organizations determine when to implement broader use of source control. In response to the CDC guidance release, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released an update to QSO 20-39-NH REVISED, essentially adopting the CDC guidance.

Assisted Living Survey Data - First Quarter 2023

On April 20, 2023 by Bobbie Guidry

In assisted living and assisted living with dementia care licensing surveys completed in the first quarter of 2023 by the Minnesota Department of Health, the average number of survey citations is 13.85. Analyzing the survey data can help assisted living settings provide safe, quality care and avoid citations on future surveys.

MDH, DHS Postpone Nursing Home Provider Webinar

On April 13, 2023 by Mark Schulz

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Department of Human Services (DHS) have postponed the webinar scheduled for 1 p.m. on April 17 to provide information on nursing home topics including:

• Receivership
• Closure and emergency relocation procedures
• The role of governing board