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.
2024 DHS PIPP Proposal Resources Available
On February 1, 2024 by Julie Apold
The 2024 Minnesota Department of Human Services Nursing Facility Performance-Based Incentive Payment Program (PIPP) Request for Proposals (RFP) information is now available.
Assisted Living Report Card Preview
On January 25, 2024 by Kari Everson
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) emailed the authorized assisted living agent with a link to the Minnesota Assisted Living Report Card to those communities with active report card ratings. Not all communities have active report card ratings right now.
Legislative Task Force on Aging Highlights Aging in Place Programs, Senior Housing Needs
On January 11, 2024 by Kayla Khang
The Legislative Task Force on Aging convened on Jan. 9, focusing on presentations from organizations that support seniors aging in place and addressing housing challenges for Minnesota’s rapidly aging population.
Legislative Task Force on Aging Meets to Discuss Minnesota’s Rural Seniors and Transportation Issues
On December 28, 2023 by Kayla Khang
The Legislative Task Force on Aging convened on Dec. 12 to hear presentations from critical entities to shed light on challenges faced by seniors in rural Minnesota.
Apply by Jan. 5 for the HCBS Employee Scholarship & Loan Forgiveness Program
On December 14, 2023 by Anna Mowry
The Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Employee Scholarship and Loan Forgiveness application is open until Jan. 5, 2024.
MDH Offers One-Time PPE Request Opportunity
On November 30, 2023 by Kari Everson
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is currently offering a one-time disbursement of personal protective equipment (PPE) to improve infection prevention capacity in assisted living organizations and nursing homes.
MDH Webinar on Conducting Internal Investigations for Assisted Living and Home Care
On November 16, 2023 by Bobbie Guidry
Join the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is hosting a webinar on how to conduct internal investigations for assisted living and home care providers. The webinar will be held on Nov. 17 from noon to 1 p.m.
Has Your Organization Signed Up to Become a NextGen Employer Partner?
On October 26, 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. Minnesota State campuses are hosting another round of training beginning this month, called Next Generation Nursing Assistant – Train. Test. Work.
High School Students Can Now Earn Credit for Working in Senior Care
On October 26, 2023 by Anna Mowry
With Minnesota high schoolers back in school this fall, they now have new incentives to work in caring careers. Minnesota students can gain valuable work experience, connect with older adults in their community, and explore healthcare careers – all while earning high school credit and a paycheck.
$2.4 Billion Surplus Expected in State Budget
On October 26, 2023 by Kayla Khang
Minnesota is predicted to enter the 2024 legislative session with a $2.4 billion surplus based on state officials' most recent revenue report.
New Provider Enrollment for Waiver Payment Reliant on Compliance with HCBS Settings Rule
On October 19, 2023 by Bobbie Guidry
This month, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) announced required heightened scrutiny assessments for new home and community-based services (HCBS) settings that are in or adjacent to an institution.
Workforce Incentive Grant Program for Care Centers- Formula Finalized
On October 12, 2023 by Jeff Bostic
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has determined a final formula for distributing Workforce Incentive Grant funds to nursing homes. DHS has recently sent out Alternative Payment System (APS) contract amendments.
DLI Posts Earned Sick and Safe Time Resources
On October 5, 2023 by Mark Schulz
The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) has new resources to assist workers and employers in understanding their workplace rights and protections regarding Minnesota’s earned sick and safe time (ESST) law.
Sign-Up Now to Become an Employer Partner of NextGen
On October 5, 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.
Legislative Task Force on Aging Convenes
On September 21, 2023 by Kayla Khang
During the 2023 legislative session, policymakers recognized a need to establish the Legislative Task Force on Aging to address Minnesota’s growing elderly population, elders with disabilities, and a rapidly declining workforce. This task force met for the second time on Sept. 12, 2023.
Workforce Incentive Grant Program for Care Centers- Deadline Extended
On September 7, 2023 by Jeff Bostic
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.
DEED Employer Resources and Webinar – Get Help Recruiting the Talent You Need
On August 31, 2023 by Anna Mowry
On Thursday, Sept. 14, employers are invited to learn more about “Follow Your Heart to a Caring Career” – a campaign launched by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) aimed at helping providers attract, hire, and retain the workforce needed to care for the older adults and people with disabilities in Minnesota.
DHS Receives Report Endorsing Continuing RUGs Case Mix
On August 10, 2023 by Jeff Bostic
A report commissioned by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) recommends the ongoing use of RUGs case mix, despite upcoming changes to the Minimum Data Set (MDS) from the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS).
Legislative Committee Holds Informational Hearing on Agency Progress for Assisted Living Providers
On August 3, 2023 by Erin Huppert
On Friday, Aug. 28, the House and Senate Human Services Committees held a joint informational hearing to receive progress updates from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) regarding several 2023 issues, including the development of recommendations for smaller providers of assisted living services.
New DHS FAQs for Aug. 1 Care Center Payments
On August 3, 2023 by Jeff Bostic
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) issued a second Frequently Asked Questions document to help address some of the questions regarding the Aug. 1 payments sent to all care centers.