News

As Minnesota high schoolers head back to school this fall, they have new incentives to work in caring careers.

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.

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has decided to extend the application deadline for the Nursing Facility Workforce Incentive Grant Program to Friday, Sept. 15. DHS has posted a revised version of the RFP and application form for Workforce Incentive Grants on the Nursing Facility Provider Portal.

Despite the current workforce reality, the evidence that no single staffing level would guarantee quality care, and our ardent advocacy to negate the most troubling portions of this rule, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has proposed a rule that will impose minimum staffing ratios. We are disappointed our calls to moderate and mitigate the potentially devastating impacts of the rule were not heeded.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reporting an increase in COVID-19 cases as of last week. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) COVID-19 status update shows Minnesota’s cases are increasing, especially in people 85 and older.

A nursing home minimum staffing feasibility study commissioned by CMS was leaked this week. The key findings provide important insights into the challenges of proposing and implementing staffing ratios in nursing homes.

Members and staff of the House and Senate Human Services Committees went into the community last week to experience firsthand the care given by long-term care providers, see the impact of their legislative actions, and talk about priorities for 2024. Over a single day, they visited five providers of senior care and disability services.

Four new resources requested by members are now available in LeadingAge Minnesota’s Resource Library related to cannabis, education requirements, staffing in assisted living, and background checks.

The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) released the minimum-wage rate information that begins on Jan. 1, 2024. Minnesota's minimum wage rates will be adjusted for inflation on Jan. 1, 2024, to $10.85 an hour for large employers and $8.85 an hour for other state minimum wages.

Effective Aug. 1, 2023, two modifications were made to consumer surveys for assisted living, adult day services, and home care.

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has posted a Request for Applications for Workforce Incentive Grants for care centers on the nursing facility provider portal.

Released last week, the nation’s largest nursing home salary report shows a continued upward trend for nursing home staff salaries.

The 2023 LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation Golf Tournament helped raise funds for the next round of caregiver scholarships. Thanks to golfers, sponsors, volunteers, and ticket sales, the event raised over $62,000 before expenses.

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.

Earlier this week, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published the annual final rule that updates the Prospective Payment System (PPS) rates for care centers. The rule calls for an update in the rates starting Oct. 1 that averages 4%.

Enhanced benchmarking reports have been added to the LeadingAge Minnesota Data Portal to help you track your data over time and benchmark your performance with other member organizations.

Temporary nurse aides hired or who worked under the 1135 waiver have until Sept. 11 to be added to the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry. LeadingAge Minnesota is here to help providers with this transition process.

Until July 31, eligible providers with nurse aide training programs can apply to become a test site for nurse aide candidates.

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has been receiving many questions about the Aug. 1 payments that will be sent to all care centers.

Requirements for residents with dementia residing in a facility licensed as Assisted Living with Dementia Care include that each person is to be evaluated for their particular interests and specialized needs. Based on the evaluation, service planning should include an individualized activity plan.