News

HUD Announces Fourth Round of COVID-19 Supplemental Payments

On September 23, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry

On Sept. 16, HUD announced the fourth round of COVID-19 Supplemental Payments (CSPs) for Multifamily housing providers. The funds are available to help Section 8, Section 202, and Section 811 properties prepare for and respond to COVID-19. Requests are due to the agency by Nov. 19 and can cover expenses incurred between April 1 and Oct. 31.

Respiratory Protection Program Requirements

On September 23, 2021 by Kari Everson

As COVID-19 crashed into our lives, so did the awareness of and need for respiratory protection programs in long-term care settings. Respiratory protection programs are designed to ensure all employees are protected from respiratory hazards, such as the SARS-CoV-2 pathogen.

Vaccination Rates Now Available on Care Compare

On September 23, 2021 by Jeff Bostic

Earlier this week, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that staff and resident vaccination rates for all care centers have been posted on the Care Compare website.

Resilience Tips: Being Confident Through Stress

On September 15, 2021 by LeadingAge

Featuring Dr. Alyson VanAhn from Associated Clinic of Psychology

Since the COVID era began, we've been witnessing and talking about the traumatic effects of the virus and how to cope as best we can. These things are real and can range from mental distress to physical exhaustion— and can include significant grief and worry.

CMS Updates Nursing Home Testing Guidance

On September 15, 2021 by Jonathan Lips

On Sept. 10, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) updated QSO-20-38-NH concerning nursing home testing to align with recently updated recommendations from the CDC.

Federal Government Releases Additional Provider Relief Funds (PRF)

On September 15, 2021 by Jeff Bostic

Last week the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announced that it is making $25.5 billion in new funding available for health care providers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many Questions Remain about CMS and OSHA Vaccine Mandates

On September 15, 2021 by Jonathan Lips

As part of a broad COVID-19 Action Plan released late last week, President Biden announced new vaccine mandates for workers across the country. The plan addresses several topics relevant to aging services, including preparation for the delivery of booster shots if approved and recommended by the FDA and CDC, and efforts to build the supply of rapid COVID tests, but the most prominent aspects of the White House plan relate to mandates.

COVID-19 Screening in Assisted Living

On September 8, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry

Last week, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) clarified their interpretation of COVID-19 prevention and infection control in assisted living licensed facilities. Screening of residents by staff is required for each resident who is receiving assisted living services. Residents who are only receiving housing and supportive services may screen themselves and report results to staff.

Aug. 30 Marks Expiration of Many MDH COVID Waivers

On September 1, 2021 by Jonathan Lips

When Minnesota's Peacetime Emergency ended on July 1, it started a sixty-day countdown to the expiration of most Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) COVID-19 waivers or modifications of state laws or regulations. 

MDH Seeks Feedback to Inform Booster Planning

On September 1, 2021 by Jonathan Lips

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is actively developing a plan for booster vaccinations in long-term care settings.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) aims to launch boosters the week of Sept. 20, and MDH wants to be sure this next phase in the vaccination process rolls out as quickly and smoothly as possible.

LeadingAge and Argentum Urge OSHA Not to Make COVID Standards Permanent

On August 25, 2021 by Jonathan Lips

In public comments filed this week, both LeadingAge and Argentum 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. The ETS is only effective for six months from its publication date of June 21 unless OSHA acts to make it permanent.

DHS Planning to Conduct Quality of Life Surveys this Fall

On August 25, 2021 by Jeff Bostic

After canceling them in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Minnesota Department of Health (DHS) intends to conduct in-person resident quality of life surveys this fall in addition to mailed surveys to family members. For the first time, these surveys will include both care centers and licensed assisted living settings. As in past years, DHS has contracted with Vital Research to conduct these surveys, and they will contact administrators early this fall to set up the survey process. DHS is planning to send an informational letter to assisted living facilities about the new survey in advance of contact from Vital Research.

What to Do When You Have a COVID-19 Outbreak

On August 25, 2021 by Kari Everson

In the last several weeks, the number of COVID-19 outbreaks in nursing homes and assisted living settings have increased. Because there was an extended time when outbreaks were low, we have received many questions about handling them, specifically visitation and testing.

Staff Vaccination Rates Reach 66% in AL and SNF Settings Across the State

On August 25, 2021 by Jeff Bostic

The most recent Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) update on long-term care vaccination shows slow progress continuing for staff rates, while resident rates remain outstanding.

CMS Vaccine Mandate: Knowns, Unknowns and Next Steps

On August 25, 2021 by Jonathan Lips

Since President Biden announced last week that CMS will develop regulations requiring all nursing homes to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for their staff, LeadingAge Minnesota has been working closely with our national affiliate LeadingAge to seek additional information, better understand the directive, and advocate on behalf of our members.

HHS Announces Plan to Begin Offering COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters in September

On August 18, 2021 by Kari Everson

In a Joint Statement issued today, Health and Human Services (HHS) officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), and other agencies announced plans to begin offering COVID-19 vaccine booster shots to all Americans beginning the week of Sept. 20 and starting eight months after an individual’s second dose. 

Argentum Announces Support for Employer Mandates of COVID-19 Vaccination

On August 11, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran

Argentum has joined the ranks of national organizations supporting employer mandates of COVID-19 vaccinations for the senior living workforce. The Argentum Board of Directors voted unanimously to support this action, and the organization has publicly issued a statement.

MDH Issues New Recommendations on Protective Actions for Adult Day Services

On August 11, 2021 by Roni Falck

On Aug. 4, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) posted a document communicating recommended protective actions in residential and non-residential settings licensed by DHS in light of the Delta variant. The new guidance provides recommendations on testing, masking, and other protective actions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Resilience Tips: Be What You Want to See

On August 4, 2021 by LeadingAge

Featuring Dr. Alyson VanAhn from Associated Clinic of Psychology

We live in a culture that rewards many things, some positive and some that tax our resilience. As health care workers during an ongoing pandemic, we might be especially prone to burning the candle at both ends to hold it all together at work and home.

MDH Updates COVID-19 Testing Recommendations

On August 4, 2021 by Kari Everson

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) release new testing recommendations for long-term care providers on Monday, Aug. 3.

The Delta variant is more easily transmissible and spreads faster than the original COVID-19 virus or other variants, primarily among unvaccinated and vulnerable individuals. Data shows most COVID-19 cases in long-term care organizations are brought in by staff members. With the Delta variant, the dominant strain in Minnesota, there is risk for increased infection in our settings.