News

DHS Announces New Process to Improve Accuracy of QIIP Scores and Incentive Payments

On June 12, 2018 by Jeff Bostic

As we reported a few weeks ago, care centers are currently being asked by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) to select a QIIP goal by June 30 for the rate year beginning Jan.1, 2020. 

Inaugural Long-Term Care Antibiotic Stewardship Honor Roll Honorees Announced

On June 4, 2018 by Julie Apold

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recently announced the inaugural list of organizations honored for their demonstrated commitment to antibiotic stewardship. Congratulations to the following LeadingAge Minnesota members who were recognized for their efforts on this important topic: 

Assisted Living Learning & Improvement Collaborative on Fall Prevention - Register Today!

On June 4, 2018 by Julie Apold

It is estimated that up to 50 percent of individuals residing in assisted living experience one or more falls annually, and between 10 percent – 25 percent of these falls result in serious injuries requiring medical attention. In addition, falls is one of the top categories of substantiated OHFC reports in Home Care/Assisted Living settings in Minnesota. Implementing an effective falls prevention program in the assisted living setting has the potential to reduce falls, improve quality of life and reduce costs for your organization. 

Time to Select New QIIP Goals

On May 22, 2018 by Jeff Bostic

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) recently prepared the data needed 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 up to $3.50 per resident day. 

New C. diff Toolkit for Long-Term Care

On May 22, 2018 by Julie Apold

Clostridium difficile (C. diff) causes almost half a million infections yearly, with more than 100,000 occurring among residents in long-term care. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has developed a new toolkit to help prevent and manage C. diff infection in long-term care. 

LeadingAge Minnesota Members Share Outcomes at Performance Excellence Panel Presentation

On May 15, 2018 by Julie Apold

Three LeadingAge Minnesota members represented the Performance Excellence in Aging Services program and shared how they are driving continuous quality improvement in their organizations during a panel presentation at the 2018 PENWorks Conference on May 3.  

Care Centers: New Reports on Hospitalization Rates and Community Discharge

On May 15, 2018 by Jeff Bostic

Detailed trend reports for care centers on two new quality measures – hospitalization rates and rate of discharge back to the community – are now available from the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). 

New Analysis on Proposed SNF Payment Rule

On May 9, 2018 by Jeff Bostic

As we covered in last week’s Advantage, the new proposed payment system from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for skilled nursing facilities will be the first year where Value-Based Purchasing (VBP) will be implemented. LeadingAge has prepared a detailed analysis of the proposed changes to the VBP program and the Quality Reporting Program. 

Now Available: Care Center Resident Quality of Life and Family Satisfaction Survey Results

On May 9, 2018 by Jeff Bostic

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) recently posted updated results for both the Resident Quality of Life survey and Family Satisfaction survey to the MN Nursing Home Report Card web site. 

May 17 Workshop Delivers Tools for Effective Strategic Planning

On May 1, 2018 by Heidi Simpson

Bring your team to discover new tools and approaches to your strategic planning process. As part of LeadingAge Minnesota’s Performance Excellence in Aging Services platform, the May 17 workshop A Systematic and Effective Approach to Strategic Planning unfolds the strategic planning process from preparation and prioritization to deployment and sustaining the plan. 

New Assisted Living Certificate Program – Registration Open Soon

On April 25, 2018 by Heidi Simpson

Last week’s newsletter included a preview of our new Assisted Living Certificate Program, a combined series with separate tracks for Assisted Living/Housing with Services Managers and Nurse Managers. 

This program will be offered in the spring and the fall of 2018. Registration will be open very soon and is expected to fill quickly. Watch the LeadingAge Minnesota website and your email for registration announcement.

PIPP Deadline is May 1

On April 25, 2018 by Jodi Boyne

The deadline for submitting a Performance-Incentive Payment Program (PIPP) proposal is midnight on May 1. 

DHS Posts Quality of Life, Discharge Data

On April 10, 2018 by Jeff Bostic

The Minnesota Department of Human Services posted new data regarding Quality of Life and Hospitalizations/Community Discharge to the Nursing Facility Provider Portal. 

HSS Regional Hubs Will Focus on Mentoring, ICan Kickoff

On March 27, 2018 by Laura Lutgens

Our spring Health Support Specialist (HSS) regional hubs that begin next week will deliver on a core foundation of apprenticeship: mentoring. 

2017 Quality Indicators Posted to DHS Provider Portal

On March 20, 2018 by Elizabeth Sether, RN, MHA, LNHA

The Minnesota Department of Human Services has posted new quality indicators for care centers to the Nursing Facility Provider Portal. The indicators cover the period of Jan. 1, 2017 – Dec. 31, 2017. 

CMS and CDC to Collaborate on Infection Prevention Training for Care Centers

On March 20, 2018 by Jonathan Lips

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have announced a collaboration to develop a training course in infection prevention and control for nursing home staff. 

LeadingAge Minnesota Recognizes 5 Members with Excellence in Practice Awards

On March 13, 2018 by Jodi Boyne

LeadingAge Minnesota recently recognized five members with Excellence in Practice awards. The Quality, Star Workplace and Community Collaboration awards recognize and showcase exceptional progress in long term services and supports, serving as a platform to share promising programs and new ideas to help advance and transform the way we serve older adults. 

National Quality Forum Releases Opioid Stewardship Playbook

On March 13, 2018 by Julie Apold

The National Quality Forum released a new, comprehensive guide to help frontline providers more safely and effectively manage patient and resident pain. 

Register Now for Full-Day Leadership Session with Bryan Williams on March 29

On March 13, 2018 by Julie Apold

Anyone who saw Bryan Williams at Institute will not want to miss spending a day with him engaging in a discussion on effective leadership. The Thursday, March 29 session is the first in a four-part leadership series focused on the essential components of achieving a high performing organization. 

Ready to Take the First Step? Your Path to Continuous Quality Begins March 15

On March 6, 2018 by Julie Apold

When it comes to quality, you can’t afford to wait. In just one week, LeadingAge Minnesota members from across the state will take their first steps on a path continuous quality. You can join them by registering today for the March 15 kick-off meeting for Performance Excellence in Aging Services.