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.
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.
Introducing LeadingAge Minnesota’s Executive Leadership Masterclass
On November 16, 2023 by Barbara Landeen
We are excited to introduce the Executive Leadership Masterclass for Aging Services Professionals, an exclusive experience for ambitious leaders who aspire to lead their organizations at the highest level.
“A Clean Start” Quality Improvement Project Recognized in ICan Contest
On November 9, 2023 by Julie Apold
Cuyuna Regional Medical Center in Crosby was recognized for its quality improvement project in LeadingAge Minnesota’s ICan Quality Improvement Contest.
RNs and LPNs: Apply Now for Loan Forgiveness
On November 9, 2023 by Anna Mowry
The next cycle for the Minnesota Long-Term Care Nurse Loan Forgiveness Program is now open. The program provides funds to repay qualified educational loans for eligible RNs and LPNs.
Minimum Staffing Comment Letters Posted
On November 2, 2023 by Mark Schulz
Two new additions have been added to our CMS Staffing Standard webpage: LeadingAge Minnesota’s draft comments, which will be filed by the end of the week, and LeadingAge’s final comments, filed earlier this week.
New Resource: Find Grant Opportunities for Your Organization
On November 2, 2023 by Anna Mowry
Members can now access a comprehensive grid of over 25 grants, scholarships, loans, workforce development programs, and more funding opportunities for Minnesota senior care providers.
DHS Releases Guidance on Spending Requirements for Increased EW Rates
On November 2, 2023 by Jeff Bostic
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) posted guidance on how Elderly Waiver (EW) providers should develop a distribution plan for the rate increase that starts Jan. 1, 2024.
MDH Revises Physical Plant Survey Process for Assisted Livings with Capacity of Five or Less
On October 26, 2023 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has tested and will begin utilizing a remote engineer consultation for small residential home assisted living licensees with five or fewer residents.
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.
Messaging Toolkit: Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board
On October 19, 2023 by Libbie Chapuran
LeadingAge Minnesota and its partner in the Long-Term Care Imperative have developed key messages for you to use to share your organization’s strong track record of advocacy to increase wages for our workforce.
2024 Institute & Expo Schedule Announced
On October 19, 2023 by Libbie Chapuran
The LeadingAge Minnesota’s Institute and Expo is quickly approaching! While we’re working hard behind the scenes to share with you the Institute experience you have come to expect, we wanted to share a change in this year’s schedule.
Analysis of Proposed CMS Hours Per Resident Day Hardship Exemption Shows Only 18% May Qualify
On October 12, 2023 by Mark Schulz
All but 62 of Minnesota’s nursing homes would not be eligible for a hardship exemption to CMS’s hours per resident day requirement found in the proposed staffing standard rule. Only approximately 18% of providers would qualify.
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
Data Portal Shows Increases in Statewide Vacancy Rates for Licensed Nurses
On October 12, 2023 by Anna Mowry
Vacancy rates for registered and licensed practical nurses increased last quarter to over 20%, according to data submitted by members in the LeadingAge Minnesota Data Portal.
New Data Portal Assisted Living Quality Reports Now Available
On October 5, 2023 by Julie Apold
New LeadingAge Minnesota Data Portal benchmark reports are now available for assisted living quality and services measures.
Minnesota Congresswoman Fischbach Leads Efforts to Stop CMS Nursing Home Staffing Rule
On October 5, 2023 by Erin Huppert
Minnesota Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach, who represents Minnesota’s 7th Congressional District, introduced HR 5796, a bill proposing to prohibit the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) from promulgating its misguided minimum staffing ratio mandate.
Minimum Staffing Standard – 3.0 Nursing Hours Per Resident Day
On September 28, 2023 by Mark Schulz
In its proposed staffing rule, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) puts forward a minimum staffing standard of 0.55 hours per resident day (HPRD) for RNs and 2.45 HPRD for nurse aides.
Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board Meets for The First Time
On September 21, 2023 by Erin Huppert
The Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board, created during the past legislative session, met for the first time last Thursday.
Minimum Staffing Standard – 24/7 RN Requirement
On September 21, 2023 by Mark Schulz
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published the nursing home minimum staffing standards proposed rule in the Federal Register on Sept. 6 and proposes standards that include minimum staffing for Registered Nurses (RNs) and nurse aides (NAs).
Become an Employer Partner of NextGen – Train. Test. Work.
On September 14, 2023 by Anna Mowry
Employers can sign up now to become an employer partner for the next round of the Next Generation Nursing Assistant or NextGen “barrier-free” training program.