News

Revised Assisted Living Survey Tool for Emergency Preparedness: Appendix Z Posted

On May 10, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry

Emergency preparedness plans continue to be an area of concern for providers and are a frequently cited item in assisted living surveys. To assist in developing thorough plans and content for Emergency Preparation by assisted living facilities and as a helpful self-audit tool, the MDH has updated its Emergency Preparedness survey tool and posted it to their Assisted Living webpage this week.

MDH Adds New Resources to Help Renew Assisted Living Licenses

On May 10, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry

The Minnesota Department of Health has new tools to assist providers in completing the license renewal process, which is underway this month. As you prepare for your assisted living license renewal, the Assisted Living License Renewal page has videos, checklists and other resources for providers preparing their license renewal application.

DHS Temporarily Waives Supervision Requirements for Background Study Subjects

On May 10, 2022 by LeadingAge

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is temporarily waiving mandatory direct contact supervision requirements for new hires while their fingerprint-based background studies are being processed. The waiver remains in effect until June 30.

CMS Plans Site Visits to Assess HCBS Settings Rule Compliance

On May 10, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has been notified by The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of their plans to conduct site visits of several provider settings this summer to review their compliance with the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Settings Rule. Site visits will occur the week of July 25.

MDH Releases New Side Rail FAQ for Assisted Living

On May 10, 2022 by Kari Everson

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has recently released new guidance on using side rails in assisted living communities.

Just Two Weeks Until Argentum Conference in Minneapolis

On May 5, 2022 by LeadingAge

There is still time to register for the Senior Living Executive Conference happening May 16-18.   

Thousands of senior living professionals, operators, owners, executives, and community leaders will gather in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for the next edition of the Senior Living Executive Conference & Expo, the official meeting of Argentum.

Celebrate How Seniors “Age My Way” During Older Americans Month

On May 5, 2022 by Libbie Chapuran

May is Older Americans Month (OAM), a national celebration established in 1963 to acknowledge the contributions of past and current older persons to our country, in particular those who defended the nation. We celebrate and honor older adults and all their contributions every day.

Safe Care Begins with You in 2022

On May 5, 2022 by Julie Apold

After over two years of COVID-19, we invite you to join us in the latest Safe Care Living the Pledge activity, called “Living the Pledge Every Day.” In a few weeks, we will share easy-to-use tools and resources to refocus on the key components of the Safe Care Pledge through monthly activities that you can bring to your community. They will help your organization celebrate and renew your commitment to respect, dignity, safety, and quality of life for those we serve.

Advance Care Planning For Gun Ownership

On May 5, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry

In Minnesota, landlords cannot prohibit a tenant from having a legal firearm. This is, at times, a safety concern within assisted living and housing communities. Several tools have recently been developed that may be helpful in related discussions with residents or potential residents.

Assisted Living License Renewals Now Open

On May 5, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry

License renewals for assisted living are now open. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) received 115 applications during this first week. If you have not received your renewal information, contact MDH at health.assistedliving@state.mn.us.

Long Overdue Frontline Worker Bonuses Signed into Law

On May 5, 2022 by Erin Huppert

On Friday, April 29, the legislature passed a bill to provide frontline workers a bonus check for their commitment to serving our community during the height of the pandemic. The measure will use $500 million of federal funds to provide "hero" payments to an estimated 667,000 frontline workers in specified sectors, including long-term care and home care settings like nursing homes and assisted living.

Argentum and LeadingAge Urge OSHA Not to Make COVID Standards Permanent

On April 28, 2022 by Jonathan Lips

In public comments filed last week, Argentum and LeadingAge urged the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) not to make the agency's Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) for COVID-19 a permanent part of the regulatory landscape.

LALD Legacy Candidates First License Renewal CE Requirements

On April 28, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry

Legacy Licensed Assisted Living Directors (LALD) are nearing their first license renewal. The Board of Executives for Long Term Services and Supports (BELTSS) will soon send information about the renewal process to those who must renew.

LALD Field Experience Sites Needed – Mentors Provided

On April 28, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry

As part of Leading Age Minnesota’s Assisted Living Director Licensing Course, we are seeking assisted living settings to serve as field experience sites for assisted living director (ALD) students.

Assisted Living License Renewals Open in One Week

On April 28, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) will be sending you renewal information on or before May 1 for your assisted living license renewal for conversion licenses. MDH developed materials to help you prepare your assisted living license renewal application on the MDH website.

Minnesota Senate Passes Funding for Long-Term Caregiver Wages Increases

On April 28, 2022 by Erin Huppert

On Tuesday, April 26, the Minnesota Senate passed SF 4410, its Health and Human Services (HHS) Omnibus Bill on a strong bipartisan vote (60-5). The measure includes $358 million in investments for nursing homes and improves Minnesota's Elderly Waiver rate phase-in (from 18.8% to 27.2%).

Side-Rail Assessments in Assisted Living

On April 7, 2022 by Kari Everson

During in-person assisted living surveys, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has increased its focus on side rails and other bed-attached assistive devices, often known as bedside rails, safety rails, grab bars, or assist bars.

Reviewing COVID-19 Testing Protocols in Assisted Living

On March 31, 2022 by Kari Everson

Testing continues to be an essential component of infection prevention and control in our settings. Questions about required testing continue because of the rapid guidance changes and the different required testing strategies between assisted living and nursing homes. New testing guidance for assisted living communities was updated on March 3.

Need to Know: I’m Okay Checks vs. Safety/Security Checks in Assisted Living Settings

On March 17, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry

In assisted living settings, there is a critical difference between “I’m Okay Checks” and “Security Checks” that every provider should understand.

MDH Offers Assisted Living Focused Lunch and Learn Series on Emergency Preparedness

On March 3, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry

Join the Minnesota Department of Health's Health Regulation Division starting March 8 to learn how your Assisted Living facility can prepare for emergencies. The first Lunch and Learn will provide an overview of emergency preparedness and why the requirements in the law are essential to protect Minnesotans residing in assisted living facilities.