News

Elderly Waiver Rate Caps Increasing January 1

On November 17, 2022 by Jeff Bostic

The customized living, 24-hour customized living, and overall case mix caps in the Elderly Waiver (EW) program increase effective Jan. 1, 2023, because they are tied to the rise in care center rates. The 24-hour customized living caps will increase by 9.69%, which is the amount of the 2022 care center increase, and the overall EW caps are going up by 9.63% due to minor rate changes in a couple of EW services.

MDH Issues a Special Edition ALL Together Newsletter with Changes to Assisted Living Laws

On November 6, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry

In a special edition of the ALL Together Newsletter sent last week, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) reviewed the assisted living license renewal information and provided a list of changes affecting assisted living facilities included in the Health and Human Services Policy Bill passed in the final hours of the 2022 legislative session.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions on Recent COVID-19 Guidance Changes

On November 4, 2022 by Kari Everson

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released several changes to COVID-19 guidance over the past two weeks. Members have several questions about the nursing home vaccine mandate, source control and eye protection use, antigen testing of asymptomatic individuals, and resident screening.

Modifications to Emergency Relocation Notice Template

On November 3, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry

Thanks to feedback from several of you, a revised Emergency Relocation Notice template is now available. We have added new language required in all notices that go to residents that passed in the 2021-22 legislative session:

MDH Posts Updated PPE Grid

On November 3, 2022 by Kari Everson

On Nov. 2, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) updated the personal protective equipment (PPE) grid to reflect the guidance updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The Coaching Room - Nov. 1

On October 28, 2022 by Libbie Chapuran

Workforce Development Resource Round-up

On October 20, 2022 by Anna Mowry

September was National Workforce Development Month. To celebrate LeadingAge Minnesota and our national partners at LeadingAge released several resources for members to support and grow their workforce.

For Provider Members

On October 19, 2022 by Libbie Chapuran

Participate in LeadingAge Minnesota Committees in 2023

On October 13, 2022 by Lori Meyer

As the new year approaches, we invite you to participate in LeadingAge Minnesota committees in 2023. We are tackling your challenges on numerous fronts, and we need you to help shape the critical work ahead.

Supportive State Regulations Help Assisted Living Residents Die in Place

On October 13, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry

Researchers from Brown University School of Public Health found a positive correlation between states with supportive third-party service regulations and the likelihood of assisted living residents dying in place.

NLRB Issues Notice to Change the Joint Employer Standard

On October 13, 2022 by LeadingAge

On Sept. 6, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) issued a notice of proposed rulemaking. The rule will change the standard for when two employers who do business together are considered joint employers and are, thus, liable for one another's unfair labor practices under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA).

Temporary Nurse Aide Program Extension, Next Steps

On October 13, 2022 by Anna Mowry

Minnesota's nurse aides hired or who worked during the 1135 waiver now have until April 5, 2023, or the end of the public health emergency (PHE), whichever is sooner, to be placed on the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry.

Answers to FAQ on Recent COVID-19 Guidance Changes

On October 13, 2022 by Kari Everson

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released several changes to COVID-19 guidance over the past two weeks. Members have several questions about the nursing home vaccine mandate, source control and eye protection use, antigen testing of asymptomatic individuals, and resident screening.

FAQ on Assisted Living Contracts Added to MDH Website

On October 6, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry

A section on Assisted Living Contracts was recently added to the FAQ section of the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Assisted Living webpage. Included are responses to questions on liability waivers, renter's insurance, and arbitration provisions posed by providers.

Emergency Relocation for Assisted Living – Definition and Requirements

On October 6, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry

The assisted living statutes (144G.52) define an emergency relocation and state that an assisted living facility "may remove a resident from the facility in an emergency if necessary due to a resident's urgent medical needs or an imminent risk the resident poses to the health or safety of another facility resident or facility staff member."

Frontline Workers Receive State Bonus Checks

On October 6, 2022 by Erin Huppert

Pandemic frontline workers will begin to see $487.45 in one-time bonuses from the State of Minnesota this week. Applicants who chose direct deposit of their payment should see it in their accounts in seven to ten days. People who choose to be mailed a prepaid debit card should receive them in three to four weeks.

Resident, Staff, and Visitor COVID-19 Screening

On October 6, 2022 by Kari Everson

On Sept. 23, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released updates to multiple COVID-19 infection prevention and control practices. One of the areas that required further clarification was screening practices for residents, staff, and visitors. On yesterday's call, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) clarified these practices for providers.

New AL License Requirement Added for Renewals After August 1, 2022

On September 29, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry

An announcement from MDH of a new assisted living license requirement has caused some confusion among providers who have just completed their first AL license renewal. The new provision applies to AL licenses renewed beginning August 1, 2022 and requires evidence showing that at least one resident was served during the previous licensing period to the renewal process.

Resident and Family Satisfaction Surveys to Inform Assisted Living Report Card

On September 28, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry

In partnership with Vital Research, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Minnesota Board on Aging are preparing for data collection for the Assisted Living Report Card. Assisted living directors will be informed by letter of the plans for this year's statewide assisted living resident quality of life and family satisfaction surveys in early October.

Specialized Equipment and Assistance to Lower Communication Costs Available for Eligible Individuals

On September 15, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry

Lifeline and the Telephone Assistance Program are two programs that help make communication services more affordable.