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.
Elderly Waiver Rates Increasing Jan. 1
On December 28, 2023 by Jeff Bostic
Providers Required to Prepare Distribution Plan
As a result of advocacy by LeadingAge Minnesota and the Long-Term Care Imperative, 2024 rates for Elderly Waiver (EW) services include substantial increases for all services.
Several Landlord-Tenant Law Changes Effective Jan. 1
On December 21, 2023 by Bobbie Guidry
The 2023 Legislative Session brought several changes to Landlord-Tenant Laws under Minnesota law (§504B), which governs requirements landlords and tenants must follow in a rental situation. Many of the changes take effect on Jan. 1.
Jan. 1 Employment Law and Other Changes
On December 21, 2023 by Mark Schulz
Several new laws or requirements will become effective on Jan. 1. Many relate to employment situations, new regulatory requirements, and healthcare entity transactions.
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.
Annual Assisted Living Resident Quality of Life and Family Satisfaction Surveys to Launch in January
On December 14, 2023 by Bobbie Guidry
The State of Minnesota is conducting annual resident quality of life and family satisfaction surveys in assisted living communities across the state starting in January and lasting most of the year.
LeadingAge Minnesota Advocates for Seniors in DC
On December 7, 2023 by Erin Huppert
This week, senior care providers joined LeadingAge Minnesota in traveling to Washington, DC, to advocate for seniors’ access to care. Leaders from several senior care organizations based in Minnesota completed seven visits over 36 hours, reinforcing concerns from across the state about a pervasive workforce shortage.
New Resource: Template EW Distribution Plan
On November 30, 2023 by Jeff Bostic
Providers must develop an Elderly Waiver (EW) distribution plan and share it with employees as part of the requirements tied to rate increases effective Jan. 1, 2024. LeadingAge Minnesota has developed a template that can serve as the framework for member distribution plans.
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