News

The Addressing “Med Not Available” Medication Errors Resource was developed by a work group of the LeadingAge Minnesota Quality Committee to support members in building systematic, effective processes to both prevent and respond to medications not being available to administer to residents.

Yesterday, CMS at the White House announced that they would be withholding $259 million in federal funds for Minnesota due to “unsupported or potentially fraudulent Medicaid claims.” The amount was based on a review of claims from the fourth quarter of 2025.

As we previewed in last week’s Capitol Conversations newsletter, we can expect lawmakers this year to focus on messaging bills, sharper partisan contrasts, and a heavy emphasis on positioning rather than policymaking. In an election year, some bills are intended to send a message to potential voters and constituents, rather than become law.

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), Aging and Adult Services Division (AASD), and Disability Services Division (DSD) have announced a new Request for Proposal for the Customized Living Quality Improvement (CLQI) Grant Program.

Up to $150,000 available to help you train and retain nursing assistants, LPNs, RNs, and other key staff through structured dual-training programs.

To help more learners succeed in CNA training, OnTrack Nursing Assistant now offers translated learner materials in Spanish, Somali, and Hmong — designed to strengthen comprehension and confidence.

For years, skilled nursing facilities have told their quality story primarily through the MDS. If it wasn’t coded on the assessment, it often didn’t exist in the eyes of CMS quality measures. That framework is now changing—decisively.

As the January 30 funding deadline for Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations nears, we are monitoring federal agency activities and potential impact on providers to help members navigate a government shutdown, should one come to pass.

On January 23, 2026, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) posted a press release directing federally-assisted housing providers to immediately “audit” tenant eligibility based on immigration status.

The Duluth Tenants Union, an advocacy group representing renters in Duluth, have signaled their potential efforts to introduce a ballot initiative allowing for rent control caps in the city of Duluth. This same group successfully led a ballot initiative in 2025 for the Right to Repair ordinance, which is now in effect.  

LeadingAge Minnesota is now collecting artwork created by older adults at member communities for display during our third annual Day at the Capitol Art Exhibit, held the week of April 22.

The LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation has developed a new five-part video series designed to help member providers recruit and onboard talent from Minnesota’s immigrant and refugee communities.

Legislators need to hear directly from long-term care providers. Day at the Capitol is your opportunity to make that happen.

LeadingAge Minnesota will host a New Member Orientation on Monday, March 9, at 11 a.m. via Zoom. The session is designed for new provider and associate members, as well as any existing members who would like a refresher on how to maximize their membership benefits.

A longtime LeadingAge Minnesota member organization is celebrating a milestone year as its founder receives statewide recognition for leadership in aging services and health care. Dr. Mary Tjosvold, founder and CEO of The Mary T Family of Companies, is being honored by three Minnesota business publications as the organization marks its 50th anniversary in 2026. Congratulations, Mary T and companies!