MDH Seeks Qualified Candidates for Assisted Living Quality of Care Task Force

Posted on October 7, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry

In a Bulletin issued October 1^st, the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) invites qualified candidates to apply to serve on the newly formed Resident Quality of Care and Outcomes Task Force.

The task force was created as part of new legislation creating an assisted living licensure in Minnesota. The purpose of the task force is to support providers of long-term services by recommending safety and quality practices and infrastructures that drive improvements in assisted living settings. The task force, as defined in statute, will play a critical role in strengthening consumer protections that are already in place. 

Task force members will meet on an ongoing basis to bring forth and examine proven best practices and infrastructures that can be applied to assisted living services and supports. These may include safety and quality enhancements in resident care, facility design, protocols, staff training, regulatory processes, and/or any other factors that affect the quality of care and outcomes of residents. Members will serve two-year terms. 

The task force will meet no fewer than four times per year and will periodically provide to the commissioner and the Minnesota Legislature its recommendations on changes needed to promote safety and quality improvement practices in long-term care settings and with long-term care providers.

The task force will be comprised of at least one individual representing each of the following:

• Nonprofit Minnesota-based organizations dedicated to patient safety or innovation in health care safety and quality;
• Department of Health staff with expertise in issues related to safety and adverse health events;
• Consumer organizations;
• Direct care providers or their representatives;
• Organizations representing long-term care providers and home care providers in Minnesota;
• The ombudsman for long-term care or a designee;
• National patient safety experts;
• Other experts in the safety and quality improvement field;
• A member of the general public who either is or has been a resident in an assisted living setting; and
• A member of the general public who has or had a family member living in an assisted living.

Passionate individuals representing the above categories are encouraged to apply on the Secretary of State’s website. The first application review date is October 23^rd. LeadingAge Minnesota encourages members to consider applying for the task force to provide your expertise and experiences to the discussions and recommendations.