News
Category: State News
Welcome to the State News category. The following news items will keep you informed about state legislation, state-level advocacy and other information about aging services in Minnesota.
Health Care Engineers Association Cancels Fall Conference
On July 8, 2020 by Jonathan Lips
The Minnesota Health Care Engineers Association (MHCEA) annual Fall Conference is cancelled this year due to on-going COVID-19 considerations.
BENHA is now BELTSS
On July 8, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
The Board of Examiners for Nursing Home Administrators (BENHA) officially changed its name July. The statutory change in the board’s name to the Board of Executives for Long-Term Services and Supports (BELTSS) reflects the changing paradigm of long-term care services and the planned July 1, 2021 new licensure category for Licensed Assisted Living Directors.
Outdoor Visitation: Pet Visits
On June 30, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
In its outdoor visitation guidance, MDH states that “pets must be under the control of the visitor bringing them in.” We have received a few questions as to whether residents may pet and hold the animal. MDH said residents can do so, if desired.
Free OSHA Recordkeeping Training Available in September, October
On June 30, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
Maintaining an accurate OSHA log of recordable work-related injuries and illnesses is an important skill that benefits employers, workers, safety professionals and government agencies. The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry has announced free introductory-level training seminars about OSHA recordkeeping requirements, including recording COVID-19:
Waiver Reimagine: July 13 Webinar
On June 24, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Department of Human Services will host a July 13 webinar to Waiver Reimagine, a process designed to make system-level improvements to Minnesota’s disability waiver programs.
DHS Seeks Members to Serve on HCBS Disparities Advisory Group
On June 24, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
The University of Minnesota School of Public Health, in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Human Services, invites interested stakeholders to apply to join the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Disparities Advisory Group.
CMP Funding Still Available for COVID-19 Technology Grants
On June 23, 2020 by Julie Apold
Applications are still being accepted by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) from Medicaid-certified nursing facilities to receive up to $3,000 in Civil Monetary Penalty (CMP) funds to purchase communication technology.
DHS Expected to Introduce Housing Stabilization Services
On June 16, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
Minnesota will soon become the first state in the nation to including house stabilization as a new state Medicaid benefit for people with disabilities and seniors.
Work Underway to Modify Visitor Restrictions
On June 16, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
As Minnesota starts to see a downward trend in the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19, there is increased pressure from families and loved ones to re-open congregate care settings to visitors and restart communal dining, programming and other activities. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) advises that people should not let their guard down, and we know we must remain vigilant as elders in our settings continue to be at a greater risk than the rest of this population.
Apply for 5310 Vehicle Grants through MnDOT
On June 10, 2020 by Terri Foley
The 5310-program vehicle grant application process is open for fiscal year 2022 and 2023. Grant awards fund 80% of vehicle purchase cost with the 20% match required from non-Department of Transportation (MnDOT) sources. The program only includes lift-equipped buses.
Disability Services Providers: Can You Engage in Waiver Reimagine?
On June 10, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is considering how best to move forward with previously planned work, including Waiver Reimagine, during COVID-19. DHS is seeking input from disability services providers in their availability to participate in this project.
Salon and Outdoor Visit Update
On June 2, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
The pressure is building for nursing homes and assisted living to be able to provide salon services in thier settings and host outdoor visits with residents and families.
Care Centers: Time to Select New QIIP Goals
On June 2, 2020 by Jeff Bostic
The Minnesota Department of Human Services recently prepared the data needed for all nursing facilities 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.
DHS Posts Form to Request Waiver of SNSA Maximum Charges
On May 26, 2020 by Jeff Bostic
There is a new process for waiving maximum charge limits for Supplemental Nursing Service Agencies (SNSAs) when they are providing staff to work in Medicaid-certified nursing facilities that serve residents with COVID-19.
DHS Releases Bulletin on Add-On Payments for Customized Living
On May 19, 2020 by Jeff Bostic
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) this week released a bulletin that describes the process for providing add-on payments to customized living providers who have confirmed cases of COVID-19 involving residents or staff.
Housing Support Rate Increases July 1
On May 12, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
The annual re-calculation of the Housing Support, formerly Group Residential Housing (GRH), rate that covers rent and raw food for eligible participants has resulted in an increase of $12 per month. The new rate of $934 will be effective July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2021.
Nursing Homes: COVID-19 Communicative Technology Grants
On May 5, 2020 by Jonathan Lips
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced that, with State approval, Medicaid-certified nursing facilities are eligible to receive up to $3,000 to purchase communication technology that will enable residents to conduct virtual visits with family and friends and to participate in telehealth visits.
State Budget Update Shows Huge Deficit Due to COVID-19 Impact
On May 5, 2020 by Jeff Bostic
The State of Minnesota yesterday released an unusual budget update to measure the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the state budget. As anticipated, the economic slowdown tied to the COVID-19 response is projected to have an enormous impact with the state now anticipating a deficit of $2.4 billion for the biennium.
Senator Housley Calls for Universal Testing in Long-Term Care
On April 28, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
Senator Karin Housley, chair of the Minnesota Senate Family Care and Aging Committee, called on Governor Tim Walz’s administration to immediately implement guidelines for widespread testing at the state’s long-term care facilities.
MDH Conducting Focused Surveys in HWS/Comprehensive Home Care
On April 28, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is conducting focused infection control surveys in Housing with Services (HWS)/Comprehensive Home Care communities.
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