News

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) uses the MN–ITS PRVLTR Mailbox as a primary method for communicating important updates.

Recent survey trends have revealed a notable uptick in deficiencies tied to the identification of resident changes in condition and the timely completion of follow-up comprehensive assessments.

In a shorter-than-usual State of the State address, Gov. Tim Walz cast Minnesota as a national model of bipartisan cooperation and progressive achievement. He emphasized the state’s leadership in education, labor rights, health care access and economic growth.

Late on Wednesday afternoon the Department of Human Services (DHS) notified NETStudy 2.0 system users via a GovDelivery message that the NETStudy 2.0 system will be offline for a server upgrade starting on Friday, 4/25, at 7 p.m. and expected to return to normal operations on Monday, 4/28, at 8 a.m.  During this server upgrade, do not log into NETStudy 2.0 until you receive an all-clear message from DHS.

The slow developing HCBS workforce incentive grant program, which was created and funded by the 2023 Legislature, has still not reached the point of sending money to employers, despite a plan to have done so by the end of March.

Assisted living facilities that provide customized living (CL) services to people on the Brain Injury (BI) and Community Access for Disability Inclusion (CADI) waivers must follow specific limitations based on the setting’s CL enrollment date.

Staff from HUD have announced publicly - at both the LeadingAge Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C. and a recent NAHMA conference – that there will be a delay in requiring providers to comply with HOTMA (Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act).

Nursing homes must now submit off-cycle revalidations by August 1. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) enacted a final rule in November 2023 implementing portions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which added a section to the Social Security Act related to ownership, management, and related parties.

US Citizenship and Immigration Services has released changes to the Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification. Employers should review their current I-9 form’s expiration date and begin integrating the new I-9 form into their employee verification systems and processes.

With new changes in immigration enforcement policies, we have released a new free, member-only resource— Immigration Enforcement Guide: Preparing for ICE Activity — to help aging services organizations prepare to create safe, informed, and responsive environments in the event of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity.

Quality care starts with understanding. EduCare is excited to announce several courses are now available in Spanish.

There is a lot going on these days. A lot. Organizations serving the senior community are facing a growing number of complex challenges and the path forward is not always clear.

Thank you to everyone who attended the Independent Living Executives Networking Group on Wednesday, April 23. We are especially grateful to Rob Lahammer, vice president of engagement and advocacy at Presbyterian Homes & Services, for leading a thoughtful and engaging session on purposeful living in senior living communities.

Are you—or someone on your team—new to LeadingAge Minnesota? Join Barbara Landeen and Jessica Lacher on Thursday, May 1 at 1:30 PM for a New Member Orientation and learn how to make the most of your membership in 2025 and beyond.

Earlier this week, Vista Prairie Communities (VPC) is pleased announced the return of Kacey Kasel, RN, BSN, PHN, LALD as a Regional Director of Operations (RDO). In this expanded leadership role, Kacey will provide additional operational support to VPC’s communities, ensuring a continued focus on excellence in care, team development, and resident well-being.