News

MDH to Implement Optional State Assessment Starting October 1

On July 27, 2023 by Jeff Bostic

This morning, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) announced that as of Oct. 1, it will be implementing an Optional State Assessment (OSA) as part of the Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment done by all care centers.

DHS Develops FAQ for Aug. 1 Care Center Payments

On July 20, 2023 by Jeff Bostic

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has been receiving many questions about the Aug. 1 payments that will be sent to all care centers.

News from LeadingAge: House Subcommittee Advances “Unthinkable” HUD Funding Bill

On July 13, 2023 by LeadingAge

During a markup help by the House Subcommittee on Transportation and Housing and Urban Development (THUD) on July 12, lawmakers advanced a Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funding proposal for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) that would enact serious cuts to affordable housing programs.

DHS Starts Process for Distributing Lump Sum Payments to Care Centers

On July 6, 2023 by Jeff Bostic

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has developed plans to distribute lump sum payments for care centers approved in the recently completed legislative session.

Higher Education Bonding Bill Invests in Minnesota’s Future Workforce

On May 18, 2023 by Kayla Khang

The Higher Education Omnibus bill (HF 2073) has now passed both the House and Senate and is awaiting a signature from the Governor. The measure will include a one-time investment of $3 Million for the Next Generation Nursing Assistant (NextGen) training program over the 2024-2025 biennium.

Human Services Conference Committee Completes Its Work with Mixed Outcomes for Aging Services Providers

On May 18, 2023 by Erin Huppert

The Human Services Conference Committee closed the conference report on Wednesday with far-reaching implications for senior care. The report, which will proceed to each legislative chamber for final passage, includes mixed outcomes for aging services providers.

Stark Differences in Human Services Omnibus Bills as Minnesota Legislators Begin Week-Long Break

On April 6, 2023 by LeadingAge

On Monday, the Senate Human Services Committee passed its omnibus finance bill with key differences from the House’s version.

Walz’s Revised Budget Addresses Hospital Back-Ups, Not LTC Funding

On March 23, 2023 by Jeff Bostic

Governor Tim Walz recently updated his budget proposal and introduced some new spending initiatives after the most recent budget forecast was released. Unfortunately, those initiatives do not include a rate increase for care centers despite the ongoing staffing and financial challenges. Despite the lack of support from the Governor, the Long-Term Care Imperative continues to work with legislators to advocate for this vitally needed funding.

February Budget Forecast Shows Unprecedented Opportunity to Address Senior Care Funding Needs

On March 2, 2023 by Jeff Bostic

Minnesota’s updated state economic forecast was released Monday, and Minnesota’s budget and economic outlook remain historically strong, with a $17.5 billion balance projected for the next biennium. The Minnesota Legislature will use this forecast to determine how much money each budget area, including health and human services, will be allowed to spend.

Early Attention Paid to Long-Term Care Funding in Minnesota Senate

On January 12, 2023 by Kayla Khang

The Caregiver Stabilization Act (SF 7) was heard in the Senate Human Services Committee on Monday afternoon.

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.

Employee Retention Credit Potential Funding Option for Providers

On October 27, 2022 by Jeff Bostic

LeadingAge, our national partner, recently released a Frequently Asked Questions document that covers issues around applying for the Employee Retention Credit (ERC).

HUD Makes $174.6 Million in Grant Funding Available for Construction

On September 28, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced $174.6 million in grant funds through a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to support the development of new affordable multifamily rental homes for low-income seniors and ongoing project rental assistance and supportive services. The grants are offered under HUD's Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly program and will be awarded to nonprofit organizations across the country.

Free Webinar on Provider Relief Fund Audit Issues

On March 3, 2022 by Jeff Bostic

Next Wednesday, March 9, at 11 a.m, CliftonLarsonAllen is offering a free webinar on Provider Relief Fund (PRF) reporting. The webinar will address the complexity associated with compliance audits of the use of PRF funds and general reporting issues, including allowable uses of the Nursing Home Infection Control Payments.

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.

American Rescue Plan Funds to be Sent to Care Centers to Fund Bonuses

On December 2, 2021 by Jeff Bostic

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is developing plans to distribute the $50 million in American Rescue Plan funds to care centers after an announcement from Gov. Walz last week. This funding is to provide recruitment and retention bonuses to staff when staffing shortages are having a significant impact on care centers statewide. The Long-Term Care Imperative is pleased that the Administration has heard our workforce concerns and is taking steps to address that problem.

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.

New CMP Grant Window: Employee Engagement with Align

On September 8, 2021 by Jenna Kellerman

Care centers have access to an engagement, retention, and leadership building platform for FREE through a grant for Align’s Employee Engagement Solution. A new grant window is opening soon, just as the previous cycle is wrapping up.

Two Weeks Left! Apply for Employee Engagement Grant

On August 18, 2021 by Jenna Kellerman

Care centers have only two weeks left to apply for grant funding to implement an employee engagement strategy and improvement program through Align’s Employee Engagement Solution.

CMS approves civil money penalty (CMP) grant dollars to address employee turnover and its impact on the resident experience and quality of life in Minnesota skilled nursing facilities.

No-Cost Employee Engagement Survey and Training Grant Funding Available

On August 11, 2021 by Jenna Kellerman

Grant funding is available for skilled nursing facilities to implement an employee engagement strategy and improvement program through Align’s Employee Engagement Solution.

CMS approves civil money penalty (CMP) grant dollars to address employee turnover and its impact on the resident experience and quality of life in Minnesota skilled nursing facilities.