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News related to "covid-19"
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Staff Morale in a Time of Crisis
On April 8, 2020 by Jenna Kellerman
The COVID-19 pandemic doesn’t have an end in sight. Although we have heard from some members that staff are coping well, we need to consider the long-term effect of working in a crisis mentality. Now, more than ever, our ability to keep staff morale high is of utmost importance.
HUD Clarifies Options for Income Certifications, Electronic Submissions
On April 8, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
HUD-assisted housing communities across the country continue to navigate the impacts of COVID-19, including by helping residents lower their rent contributions if they have lost income due to the crisis. In an updated guidance document from April 2, HUD clarified options that housing property staff have for completing income recertifications as residents face economic challenges during COVID-19.
MN Senate COVID-19 Response Working Group Focuses on Long-Term Care
On April 8, 2020 by Libbie Chapuran
The Minnesota Senate COVID-19 Response Working Group met yesterday, focusing their work on the impact on the long-term care community. LeadingAge Minnesota member Deb Barnes, Executive Director at Lakeview Methodist Health Care, began the hearing with testimony about the impact of COVID-19 in long-term care settings.
MDH Publishes Names of Congregate Settings with Positive COVID-19
On April 8, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
As we shared with you last week, the Minnesota Department of Health began publishing the names of congregate care settings that have at least one resident, staff or contractor who is positive COVID-19. MDH will continue to update this list on an ongoing basis. Here are a few important items to know:
MDH Releases New Guidance on Electronic Monitoring
On April 8, 2020 by Jonathan Lips
The Minnesota Department of Health has released new guidance to help congregate settings accommodate requests to install a camera during visitor restrictions due to COVID-19 and the Stay at Home Executive Order.
New Workforce Recruitment Tool: Senior Living FastMatch
On April 8, 2020 by Jenna Kellerman
Argentum and the American Seniors Housing Association have announced a new resource to help workers who have been displaced due to the fallout from COVID-19 find new employment opportunities in senior living: Senior Living FastMatch. As our field expects to fill several hundred thousand positions in the next few months, you are invited to post your available opportunities through FastMatch at no cost through Sept. 30, 2020.
Department of Labor Defines “Health Care Provider” Exempted Under Families First Act
On April 1, 2020 by Kari Thurlow
While the Families First Corona Response Act (FFCRA) requires private employers with fewer than 500 employees to provide paid leave and paid expanded FMLA leave to employees unable to work or telework for several specific COVID-19 reasons, it allows employers to exclude “health care providers” from receiving the paid leave and paid expanded FMLA leave.
MN COVIDSitters Resource
On April 1, 2020 by Jenna Kellerman
Students from the University of Minnesota have banned together to offer support to healthcare workers during COVID-19. They are serving both the metro area and central Minnesota, with a toolkit provided to teach students in other areas of the state to start a similar program. Support can be accessed via their website: www.mncovidsitters.org.
CARES Act Expands Federal Small Business Loans, Can Support Aging Services
On April 1, 2020 by Roni Falck
About $350 billion of the $2 trillion economic stimulus package signed into law last week are directed to provide loans to small businesses, with the opportunity for loan recipients to receive forgiveness and not have to repay the amount borrowed. On April 3, smaller 501c(3) organizations will be able to access these funds. This article provides a summary of the provisions and guidance for borrowers and lenders.
BENHA Provides Guidance on Continuing Education During COVID-19
On March 25, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
While the license renewal cycle for nursing home administrators historically activates in May, the Minnesota Board of Examiners for Nursing Home Administrators (BENHA) recognizes that these are unprecedented times. In a news release distributed this week, BENHA provided the following counsel regarding continuing education or clock hours to renew your license:
Links to Governor’s Executive Orders
On March 25, 2020 by Kari Thurlow
In response to COVID-19, Governor Tim Walz has released a series of Executive Orders. We have provided summaries of these via our daily update emails. Below you will find links to the Executive Orders that affect you and your staff:
CMS Will Limit and Prioritize Survey Activity for Next Three Weeks
On March 25, 2020 by Jonathan Lips
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has directed state agencies to suspend standard surveys for long term care facilities (nursing homes), hospitals, home health agencies, ICFs, and hospices during a 3-week prioritization period from March 20–April 10.
National Health Plan Association Indicates Plans Will Follow CMS SNF Policies During Emergency
On March 25, 2020 by Jeff Bostic
The American Association of Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), which include many plans that offer Medicare Advantage plans to Minnesota consumers, recently announced that they are going to be matching the recent “blanket” CMS waivers on the three day stay and benefit period requirements.
Emergency Funding: MDH Grant Deadline is Today; New Details for Nursing Homes
On March 25, 2020 by Jeff Bostic
The deadline to apply for the first round of emergency assistance funding from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), a total of $50 million for health care provider, is midnight TODAY.
CMS Waives Three Day Stay Requirement during National Emergency
On March 18, 2020 by Jeff Bostic
As part of the national emergency declaration in response to COVID-19, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced that they are waiving the three-day hospital stay requirement before a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Medicare A stay.