News

LeadingAge Minnesota is excited to announce that we will be getting a brand-new website this Fall, and the redevelopment work is already underway.

As DHS works through appeals from more than 3,000 providers disenrolled through Minnesota Revalidation 2026, including some still waiting for billing to be restored, the department has canceled tomorrow’s provider roundtable and is directing providers to attend a daily technical assistance session instead.

LeadingAge Minnesota is pleased to present its 2026 Legislative Report. More than a summary, this report is designed to help you lead with insight and intention. It provides a clear-eyed look at the session’s outcomes and a summary of the decisions that will directly impact your organizations and the people you serve.

Minnesota senior services providers will soon have a more direct role in support plan compliance, and potentially a stronger voice in how services are understood, documented and delivered. Beginning Aug. 1, 2026, DHS will require the full support plan to be provided to and signed by all required parties within 60 calendar days of the person’s assessment or initial assessment review.

Effective July 1, 2026, entities and individuals submitting background study applications in NETStudy 2.0 will be responsible for paying service fees for credit and debit card payments. These fees will be collected by US Bank through the payment portal.

Earlier this year, the Minnesota Department of Human Services acknowledged delays in processing new provider enrollments while staff focused on completing the 5,583 provider revalidations due by May 31. DHS indicated it would begin addressing the backlog after that deadline.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on May 21, 2026 issued a new requirement for certain federally assisted housing providers to reverify the immigration status of certain tenants within 30 days.

CMS continues to test a risk-based survey process known as a “short survey” for select nursing homes that meet higher-quality indicators. The shorter survey approach is intended to focus survey resources while still protecting resident health and safety. The short survey still meets CMS requirements for the standard survey cycle.

As reported by LeadingAge National, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced policy changes that could significantly affect employment-based green card processing and create additional workforce uncertainty for aging services providers relying on international workers.

As we begin planning for 2027 membership renewals, we'll soon be reaching out to gather updated organizational revenue information from our provider members.

OnTrack helps providers stay ahead of changing healthcare standards by delivering CNA and TMA training that is current, relevant, and responsive to workforce needs.

The 13th Annual LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation Golf Tournament on August 4 is officially sold out! Thank you to everyone who registered to help support the Foundation's scholarship program, which empowers aging services professionals to pursue education, build new skills, and advance their careers.

A review of mechanical lift–related falls in Quarter 4 of 2025 reveals clear, recurring patterns. These events highlight system-level gaps that can be addressed with reliable processes and consistent practices.

The 2026 edition of the Older Adult Services Orientation Manual is now available. This updated resource is designed to help board members quickly understand the complex and evolving world of aging services. Written in clear, accessible language, it includes an overview of key areas across the field along with a helpful glossary of terms. 

Chris Knoll, a LeadingAge Minnesota member and CEO of Minnewaska Community Health Services, has secured the Republican endorsement for Minnesota Senate District 21. The endorsement was announced following the district convention, where party delegates selected Knoll as their preferred candidate to succeed retiring Senator Bill Weber.