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.
Oct. 8 Safe Table: DNR Status and Response
On August 20, 2019 by Julie Apold
Does our staff know how to access a resident’s DNR status in an emergency or what to do – without delay – when they find a resident unresponsive? Are they confident to take those next important steps? Join us Oct. 8 for a Virtual Workshop that will explore those questions and more, as we provide a new systematic approach called Rapid Evaluation Teams to help improve your organization’s process for staff to call for and receive support to rapidly evaluate and address an urgent or concerning situation.
Survey Tip: CMS Clarifies Transfer/Discharge Documentation Questions
On August 20, 2019 by Jonathan Lips
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Central Office recently shared survey guidance relating to a couple of transfer/discharge documentation issues.
Ban on Flushing of Hazardous Medications Takes Effect Aug. 21
On August 20, 2019 by Sue Boyd
Under regulations enacted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hazardous waste pharmaceuticals may not be sewered (flushed or poured down a drain) for disposal after Aug. 21, 2019.
MDH Posts Notice on Distribution of New Home Care Bill of Rights Language
On August 13, 2019 by Bobbie DuChamp Guidry
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) this week issued an update that addresses changes to the Home Care Bill of Rights that went into effect Aug. 1. MDH is working on updating each version of the Home Care Bill of Rights with the changes and will post them on its website when they are available. In the meantime, MDH is directing providers to the following notice to Home Care Providers to guide distribution of the new Bill of Rights language:
Direct Caregivers Make Direct Impact on Quality
On August 13, 2019 by Jenna Kellerman
Quality improvement projects developed by Health Support Specialists from Avera Marshall, Three Links, Traverse Care Center and Regent at Burnsville were recently selected as the winners of the ICan Innovation Contest.
List of Candidates for “Special Focus Facility” Status is Now Public
On August 6, 2019 by Jonathan Lips
At the request of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is now publishing a list of nursing homes in each state that are candidates for “Special Focus Facility” (SFF) status. For many years CMS has published a list of facilities that currently hold SFF designation, and that monthly publication now includes the names of facilities at risk of being designated.
DHS Seeks Public Comments on Third Set of HCBS Setting Evidentiary Packages
On August 6, 2019 by Bobbie DuChamp Guidry
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has posted for public comment the third round of evidentiary packages for Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) settings. This batch includes settings that have been identified as Prong 3 and includes Adult Day, Customized Living and Foster Care providers.
Checking In on PDPM: Checklists, Milestones and Outcomes
On August 6, 2019 by Jeff Bostic
It’s happening in less than 60 days. The new Patient Driven Payment Model (PDPM) goes into effect on Oct. 1. Are you prepared for this major change in how you document and are reimbursed for care?
MDH Releases New Bulletin on Assisted Living and Home Care Protections
On August 6, 2019 by Bobbie DuChamp Guidry
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has issued Information Bulletin 19-03 informing the public about the home care and assisted living protections strengthened by the Minnesota Legislature as part of the Elder Care and Vulnernable Adult Protection Act of 2019.
Recognition Challenge: Make Zero Harm Possible
On August 6, 2019 by Jodi Boyne
Recognition is the greatest motivator! We are launching a Recognition Challenge as part of our Safe Care for Seniors program. Between now and Sept. 15, we challenge you to nominate individuals and/or staff teams in your setting for a Make Zero Harm Possible award.
CMS Posts Final Rule on PDPM Implementation
On July 31, 2019 by Jeff Bostic
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) earlier this week released the final Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Payment Rule, which is the last step before implementation of the new Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM) that will take effect on Oct. 1. In addition to transitioning to the new case mix system, the Oct. 1 rates also include an inflation update of 2.4%. The rule makes few changes from the proposed rule that come out earlier this year, but it does finalize a definition of group therapy that allows up to six clients to be part of a treatment group as well as updating some requirements around ICD-10 coding that is a major driver of rates under PDPM.
2020 Board of Directors, Lifetime Honorary Memberships: Nominations Open
On July 30, 2019 by Gayle Kvenvold
Nominations are now open for two elected Director-at-Large positions on the LeadingAge Minnesota Board of Directors. The Nominating Committee is also accepting nominations for Lifetime Honorary Memberships.
CMS Publishes Final Rule on Arbitration Agreements
On July 30, 2019 by Jonathan Lips
The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published a final rule on arbitration agreements that nursing facilities must meet to participate in the Medicare and Medicaid programs.
BENHA Establishes Rule Development Team for Licensed Assisted Living Directors
On July 30, 2019 by Bobbie DuChamp Guidry
The Minnesota Board of Examiners for Nursing Home Administrators (BENHA) has developed a Rules Development Team, which held its first meeting last week, to facilitate rulemaking for the licensure of Assisted Living Directors.
First Pieces of Elder Care Protection Take Effect Aug. 1
On July 24, 2019 by Kari Thurlow
Several elements of the new Elder Care and Vulnerable Adult Protection Act of 2019 take effect on Aug. 1, including retaliation protections, new fines, a maltreatment compensation fund, revisions to the Home Care Bill of Rights and the new Health Services Executive license. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has not released guidance on many of these provisions at this time.
Nominations Open for 2020 Board of Directors, Honorary Memberships
On July 24, 2019 by Gayle Kvenvold
Nominations are now open for two elected Director-at-Large positions on the LeadingAge Minnesota Board of Directors. The Nominating Committee is also accepting nominations for Lifetime Honorary Memberships.
CMS Proposes to Amend and Delay Certain Requirements of Participation
On July 24, 2019 by Jonathan Lips
As we reported last week, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced a proposed rule that would lighten some regulatory burdens for nursing facilities and delay implementation of certain Phase 3 requirements.
CMS Proposes to Amend, Delay Certain Requirements of Participation
On July 17, 2019 by Jonathan Lips
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced a proposed rule that would lighten some regulatory burdens for nursing facilities and delay implementation of certain Phase 3 requirements.
Join the Safe Care Movement: Participate in Aug. 5 Workshop
On July 16, 2019 by Jodi Boyne
Nearly 450 LeadingAge Minnesota member sites have taken the Safe Care for Seniors Pledge and committed to the 5-Step Action Plan! Don’t be left behind. Register today for the Aug. 5 Safe Care for Seniors Workshop and take your first step on a safety and quality journey that will benefit all who live and work in your setting.
Klobuchar Announces A Plan for Seniors
On July 16, 2019 by Jodi Boyne
Senator and presidential candidate Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) last week announced A Plan for Seniors, a comprehensive plan that tackles Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, enhances health care and retirement security, reduces prescription drug prices, supports a world-class long-term care workforce, and combats senior fraud and abuse.
Connect with other members »
Membership directory »
Want to talk? Contact us »
Find a job/Post a job »
