News

2023 Institute & Expo – Education to Prepare for Your Next Survey

On January 26, 2023 by Sharon Hollister

Learn best practices for preparing for your next survey at the 2023 Institute & Expo. In addition to the survey-focused sessions below, many of the 21 state agency update sessions include survey findings, areas for improvement, and preparation resources. 

Long-Term Care Updated Surveyor Guidance Webinar Series Now Available On-Demand

On January 5, 2023 by Sharon Hollister

The 2022 Long-Term Care Updated Surveyor Guidance six-part webinar series is available on demand.

Initially recorded in the Fall of 2022, this series covers the guidance updates and what you need to do to be ready for a survey from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) guidance on minimum health and safety standards in Long-Term Care (LTC) Facilities that went into effect on Oct. 24, 2022.

Billing Trends, Strategies, and Updates for Care Centers Now Available On-Demand

On January 5, 2023 by Sharon Hollister

The 2022 Billing Trends, Strategies, and Updates for Care Centers six-part webinar series is available on demand.

Originally recorded Nov. 9-10, this series is designed to provide timely updates on critical issues that impact experienced care center billing office staff. It will cover the latest information on billing for care center services to private pay, Medicaid, Medicare, and managed care clients.

Six Care Centers Apply for Moratorium Exceptions Process Funding

On January 5, 2023 by Jeff Bostic

The current round of applications for nursing facility moratorium exceptions has closed. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recently informed LeadingAge Minnesota that six care centers submitted proposals for this round. A review committee will hear the proposals in February, and the MDH commissioner will announce the approved projects by April 6.

DHS to Offset Employee Retention Credits from Care Center Rates

On January 5, 2023 by Jeff Bostic

The Department of Human Services (DHS) recently informed us that they intend to offset the revenue from the federal Employee Retention Credit (ERC) from care center costs based on the wages and taxes used in the ERC application. That means that some care centers will see reductions in their rate for the rate year that started this Jan. 1. DHS auditors have begun requesting detailed information from care centers that have applied for the ERC to determine these offsets.

With Session Starting Jan. 3, LeadingAge Minnesota Finalizes 2023 Legislative Agenda

On December 22, 2022 by Erin Huppert

The Minnesota Legislature will convene on Jan. 3, 2023. LeadingAge Minnesota has finalized its member-developed, board-approved legislative priorities for the upcoming session. At the top of the list: ensuring providers across the continuum of care have the resources needed to ensure access to care for Minnesota's seniors and pay caregivers the wages they deserve.

Use Our Interactive Map to Get Connected with NextGen Students

On December 15, 2022 by Anna Mowry

Use our new interactive map to find a NextGeneration Nursing Assistant Training Program (NGNA) or the "NextGen" training program near you. The map includes the contact information for each training program to help you get connected with NextGen students.

Nursing Home Chow Documents and Process Now Available

On December 15, 2022 by Kari Everson

Whenever a nursing home changes ownership, the new owner must apply for an operating license before taking over the operations of an already licensed organization. Aug. 1 amendments to the change of ownership (CHOW) process took effect. The current licensee remains responsible until the new owner is properly licensed. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has the updated information and forms and process available.

Care Center Rate Notices Likely to Arrive after Jan. 1

On December 1, 2022 by Jeff Bostic

As Jan. 1 approaches, it appears likely that rate notices will not arrive for most care centers by the start of the new rate year. We expect that the rate increase for most care centers will be significant this year because the cost report being used (year-end Sept. 30, 2021) reflects a drop in occupancy and the considerable increase in costs that happened during the pandemic. Therefore, it is time for providers to consider giving notice to private pay residents about increases on Jan. 1.

DHS Releases RFP for Consultant to Advise on Case Mix Transition

On October 27, 2022 by Jeff Bostic

Earlier this week, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) released a Request for Proposal (RFP) hire a consultant who will review the RUGS-IV case mix system used in the state's Value-Based Reimbursement (VBR) care center payment system under Medicaid.

DHS Announces Plan for Care Center Rate Notices for 2023

On October 27, 2022 by Jeff Bostic

Most care centers will receive an official rate notice for 2023 in January, according to a Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) announcement.

SNF Cost of Care Increases by 28% from 2019 to 2021

On October 13, 2022 by Libbie Chapuran

According to a new report by Clifton Larson Allen (CLA), the total cost per patient day from 2019 to 2021 has increased by 28% or $73 per day. For comparison, the per-patient costs increased by just 3% between 2018 and 2019. Rising prices are significantly impacting margins, regardless of the operator's market.

CMS releases draft version of Nursing Home MDS

On September 15, 2022 by Erin Huppert

A draft version of the Minimum Data Set (MDS) Nursing Home Comprehensive Item has been released ahead of the October 2023 implementation date. The sheer volume of proposed updates means that operators and their software providers have their work cut out for them to be ready by Oct. 1, 2023.

Billing Basics for Care Centers Now Available On-Demand

On September 1, 2022 by Sharon Hollister

The 2022 Billing Basics for Care Centers five-part webinar series is available on demand.

DHS Provides Update on Delayed Care Center Rate Notices

On April 14, 2022 by Jeff Bostic

This week the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) provided LeadingAge Minnesota with an update on the status of care center rate notices for the rate year that began on Jan. 1. As expected, they will be releasing metro-area care center rate notices first and then sending out other rate notices as audits are finished.

DHS Issuing Temporary 2022 Care Center Rates and Providing Additional Emergency Aid Opportunity

On January 13, 2022 by Jeff Bostic

Critical Steps Support SNF Operations; Advocacy for Assisted Living Continues

Earlier this week, Gov. Tim Walz announced two new steps his administration will take to offer financial assistance for care centers as the battle against COVID-19 continues.

DHS Puts Out Guidance on Care Center Staff Bonuses

On December 16, 2021 by Jeff Bostic

$50 million in American Rescue Plan funding will be sent to care centers soon to provide retention and recruitment bonuses for employees. Although the initial announcement indicated the money would arrive in December, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) plans to send the funding out on the Jan. 4 remittance advice due to red tape within the agency. Each care center will receive $10.97 times their number of Medicaid resident days on the 2020 cost report.

Dec. 10 Webinar – Submitting a Moratorium Exceptions Application

On December 2, 2021 by Heidi Simpson

Care centers may apply for a moratorium exception project for approval by the Minnesota Department of Health. A webinar on Dec. 10 provides information and guidance to submit a successful application.

Occupancy Increasing Slightly but Held Back by Staffing Challenges

On December 2, 2021 by Jeff Bostic

The Long-Term Care Imperative recently completed an analysis of care center occupancy for the first three quarters of this year, and it shows some improvement in the third quarter. However, the modest uptick still puts occupancy far below pre-pandemic levels.

August 31 Webinar - Effective Strategies for SNF Survey Preparation

On August 18, 2021 by Heidi Simpson

With COVID-19 rates lower than the pandemic's peak, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is resuming usual survey activities. This Aug. 31 webinar is designed to provide skilled nursing communities with information and practices to prepare for licensing and certification surveys.