News

Hero Pay Conversations Reach Impasse

On October 28, 2021 by Matt Steele

The Frontline Worker Pay Work Group met for the final time yesterday. Unfortunately, the legislators could not find a consensus on a proposal for Hero Pay bonus distribution. After meeting over a dozen times, lawmakers sent a DFL-supported report, known as the majority proposal, and a Republican report, known as the minority proposal, to be reviewed by the legislature if a special session were to be called by Gov. Walz, an increasingly unlikely scenario.

MDH and DHS Seek SNF Assistance with Hospital Decompression

On October 21, 2021 by Kari Thurlow

The Departments of Human Services (DHS) and Health (MDH) are working with hospitals and long-term care providers to quickly identify 4-5 skilled nursing facilities that can stand up "hospital decompression sites" that would allow for increased movement between acute and post-acute settings.

Workgroup at an Impasse on Frontline Worker Bonuses; Prospects for Special Session Grow Dim

On October 21, 2021 by Kari Thurlow

The Frontline Worker Pay Work Group met yesterday—more than a month past its designated deadline for reaching an agreement—and announced that there was still no agreement for distributing the $250 million designated by the legislature for frontline worker bonuses.

Press Release: Long-Term Care Imperative Applauds Health Care Decompression Strike Teams

On October 15, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran

SAINT PAUL, MN (Oct. 15, 2021) - Minnesota is experiencing a crisis in caregiving, and it is affecting the entire health care continuum. We applaud efforts to address health care backups through strike teams. Strike teams are very much needed to provide temporary relief and respite to exhausted caregivers. But it will not solve one of the root causes of the problem: staffing shortages in long-term care.

Workforce Solutions Can’t Wait! Contact State Lawmakers Today

On October 14, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran

Minnesota’s assisted living settings and nursing homes are facing an unprecedented workforce crisis, and LeadingAge Minnesota members across the state are contacting their lawmakers to ask for support now.

At the Capitol: Minnesota Lawmakers Reveal First Public Proposals on Hero Pay

On October 7, 2021 by Matt Steele

A select working group began hosting hearings about allocating the money set aside during the 2021 special session for Hero Pay bonuses for frontline workers in late July. Several different groups are vying for a piece of the $250 million fund, and this week, the working group released two separate proposals drawn upon party lines.

Workforce Data Illustrates Huge Challenges Faced by Members

On October 7, 2021 by Jeff Bostic

Due to the vast scale of workforce challenges faced by providers, the Long-Term Care Imperative recently conducted a workforce survey of care center and assisted living providers to measure the scope of the problems and to influence policymakers in support of a much-needed response.

At the Capitol: Senate Hearing on Elderly Waiver and Vaccine Requirements

On September 30, 2021 by Matt Steele

The Senate Human Services Reform and Finance Committee recently met to address a wide array of topics that included Elderly Waiver implementation and vaccine requirements in various long-term care settings.

At the Capitol: New Minnesota Senate Leadership and Special Session

On September 15, 2021 by Matt Steele

This week, lawmakers have yet to call a special session to allocate the $250 million set aside for Hero Pay bonuses, and new Senate majority and minority leaders have been elected. Here is what you need to know about what is happening at the Capitol this week:

At the Capitol: Minnesota Lawmakers Working Overtime on Hero Pay Bonus Package

On September 8, 2021 by Matt Steele

Thursday, Sept. 2 marked the final working group meeting for Hero Pay. Since July, lawmakers have been meeting to finalize how the $250 million allocated to reward frontline workers will be distributed. In their final meeting, co-chairs Senator Housley and Majority Leader Winkler indicated that progress is being made. However, they have yet to reach a consensus and will continue the conversation beyond their self-imposed deadline of Sept. 7.

Workforce Survey Results to Inform Key Advocacy to Address Staffing Challenges

On September 8, 2021 by Jeff Bostic

This week, the Long-Term Care Imperative is conducting a survey of workforce conditions faced by care center and assisted living members.

Contact Your Lawmakers in D.C. Today

On September 1, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran

Share your thoughts on vaccine mandates. Show your support for the Infrastructure Bill.

Join your peers from around the country in a national advocacy effort and contact your elected officials today. LeadingAge, our national affiliate, has launched two grassroots campaigns and now is the time to act. Send a message to your U.S. Representatives and Senators.

At the Capitol: Minnesota Lawmakers Enter the Final Stretch of Hearings on Hero Pay

On September 1, 2021 by Matt Steele

In late July, a select working group began hosting hearings on allocating the money set aside during the 2021 special session for Hero Pay bonuses for frontline workers. Several different groups are vying for a piece of the $250 million. This week, the working group hosted a hearing to discuss the criteria used to allocate the money.

MN Senators Urge Biden Administration to Release PRF Funds Immediately

On September 1, 2021 by Matt Steele

Minnesota Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith joined a group of 43 senators urging U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra to distribute the funds remaining in the Provider Relief Fund (PRF) and other health care relief programs.

Engage with Argentum’s “Release the PRF” Campaign

On August 25, 2021 by Matt Steele

Argentum, a national affiliate of LeadingAge Minnesota, has launched a 5-week campaign to encourage the federal government to release Provider Relief Funds promised to long-term care providers to assist in responding to COVID-19.

At the Capitol: Minnesota Lawmakers Continue Hearings on Hero Pay

On August 18, 2021 by Matt Steele

In late July, a select working group began hosting hearings on allocating the money set aside during the 2021 special session for bonuses for frontline workers. Several different groups are vying for the $250 million set aside for the bonuses and this week. The working group is hosting a hearing to discuss eligibility requirements and take more public testimony.

At the Capitol: Minnesota Lawmakers Host Hearings on Hero Pay

On August 4, 2021 by Matt Steele

On Tuesday, July 27, a select working group began hosting a series of hearings to determine how to allocate the money set aside during a special session for Hero Pay bonuses for frontline workers. Several different groups are vying for the $250 million set aside for the bonuses, and this week, the working group is hosting a hearing to discuss the effects of the pandemic on long-term care staff. Here is what you need to know about what is happening at the capitol this week:

MDH Clarifies Implementation of Assessment Changes from Special Session

On August 4, 2021 by Jeff Bostic

During the June special session, legislation changed resident assessment practices that care centers now need to follow: the requirement for a significant change assessment after therapy services end or after completing a period of required isolation for an infection.

Tell Congress: Include Investments for Older Adults and the Providers Who Serve Them

On July 28, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran

Congressional leaders are deep in negotiations on a $3.5 trillion infrastructure investment package—so NOW is the moment to make sure US Representatives and Senators hear our voices!

Tell Congress: Include Investments for Older Adults

On July 21, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran

Congress has begun developing a $3.5 trillion infrastructure investment package — so NOW is the moment to make sure U.S. Representatives and Senators hear our voices!