News

Self-Neglect Growing Area of Common Adult Maltreatment

On December 12, 2018 by Jodi Boyne

Nearly 40 percent of reports of maltreatment of older adults and people with disabilities nationwide are for self-neglect, according to a new report from the Administration for Community Living (ACL). 

MDH Convenes Stakeholders to Discuss Next Steps in Addressing Elder Abuse

On August 29, 2018 by Kari Thurlow

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) last week convened approximately 40 stakeholders including providers, consumers, regulators, payors and other interested persons to discuss how to move forward in reaching consensus with respect to policy reforms to address abuse and neglect of vulnerable adults.  

OHFC Clears Backlog of Elder and Vulnerable Adult Maltreatment Complaints

On August 14, 2018 by Jodi Boyne

The Office of Health Facility Complaints (OHFC) has cleared the backlog of maltreatment cases for elders, vulnerable adults and their families from 2017 and continues to successfully complete initial reviews for all reports within two days. 

Significant Progress Made in Investigating Elder Abuse Complaints

On May 29, 2018 by Jodi Boyne

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has reported significant progress and improvement in the investigation of reports of elder abuse and maltreatment. 

Governor Vetoes Eldercare Protection, DWRS Funding

On May 23, 2018 by Kari Thurlow

UPDATE: 11:45 am - GOVERNOR DAYTON VETOES ELDERCARE PROTECTION

Governor Dayton vetoed the omnibus supplemental budget bill, which included significant policy reforms on eldercare protection, revisions to the home care law and funding to prevent a cut in DWRS rates. 

In Final Days of Session, Providers Still Seek to Prevent Maltreatment, Protect Seniors

On May 16, 2018 by Libbie Chapuran

The 2018 Legislative Session is coming to an end, and legislation to protect vulnerable adults from maltreatment is still on the table. 

Senior Care Providers Take Maltreatment Reports Seriously

On May 9, 2018 by Jodi Boyne

A commentary by the Long-Term Care Imperative supporting important work being advanced in the final weeks of session on preventing maltreatment was published in the Duluth News Tribune on Monday. 

DWRS, Vulnerable Adults Legislation Advance in House Omnibus HHS/Transportation Bill

On May 2, 2018 by Libbie Chapuran

The Minnesota House of Representatives on Tuesday passed the House Omnibus Health, Human Services, and Transportation Budget bill (HF 3138 – Dean). The bill, which passed on a 82 to 43 vote, contains a number of provisions important to senior service providers including the Vulnerable Adults Maltreatment Prevention and Protection Act (HF 3308 – Kiel, as amended in HHS) and funding for DWRS (HF 3191 – Schomacker). 

Problematic Provisions Remain as Senate Vulnerable Adults Legislation Progresses

On May 2, 2018 by Libbie Chapuran

The Minnesota Senate has advanced a bill that would significantly alter many provisions that impact the way aging services providers serve older adults in long-term care settings.

OHFC Seeks Input on Case Management System

On April 4, 2018 by Jonathan Lips

The Minnesota Department of Health Office of Health Facility Complaints (OHFC) intends to replace its existing case management system and wants input from the public – including private sector technology vendors – about its decision. 

Mid-Session Legislative Update

On April 4, 2018 by Kari Thurlow

The Minnesota Capitol is quiet this week as lawmakers are in the middle of a 10-day spring break recess. The following is a mid-session legislative update and a summary of the some of the key issues we are tracking: 

Governor Dayton Announces Proposal to Address Elder Abuse

On March 14, 2018 by Kari Thurlow

Governor Mark Dayton yesterday announced a broad set of reforms and investments that strengthen the regulation of senior care providers and enhance penalties for perpetrators of elder abuse. The proposal reflects the recommendations of the Governor’s Consumer Task Force on Elder Abuse convened by AARP late last year and a recent program evaluation of Office of Health Facility Complaints (OHFC) from Office of Legislative Auditor. 

OLA Recommendations Could Define Session Outcomes for Vulnerable Adult Protection

On March 6, 2018 by Jodi Boyne

The Office of Legislative Auditor (OLA) yesterday released its 2018 Evaluation Report of the Office of Health Facility Complaints (OHFC). The report recommends several actions the Minnesota Department of Health and Minnesota Legislature could take to better protect vulnerable adults, several of which align with the Long-Term Care Imperative policy priorities.   

LeadingAge Minnesota Members Testify at Senate Aging Committee

On February 28, 2018 by Jodi Boyne

Members of the Minnesota Senate Aging and Long-Term Care Policy Committee listened to impassioned testimony today from eight providers of long-term services and support who each showcased the work they do to ensure a high quality of life for older adults. 

2018 Legislative Session Kicks Off

On February 21, 2018 by Kari Thurlow

The 2018 Minnesota legislative session has begun. It's a short legislative session, with just three months to conduct business. Here’s a rundown on some of the key factors and issues that will define the coming weeks, including our proactive proposal to prevent and deter maltreatment of vulnerable older adults. 

Update: Statewide Listening Sessions on Maltreatment Postponed Until Summer

On February 21, 2018 by Libbie Chapuran

The statewide listening sessions hosted by state senators referenced in last week’s edition of Advantage have been postponed. They plan to instead convene throughout the summer and include updates about progress that was made during the legislative session. 

OHFC Reduces Backlog in Maltreatment Complaints

On February 20, 2018 by Jodi Boyne

The Office of Health Facility Complaints (OHFC) has made great strides in reducing the backlog of maltreatment complaints from seniors and vulnerable adults in care centers and senior living settings. 

Senator Housley Hosts Listening Sessions Throughout the State

On February 14, 2018 by Libbie Chapuran

State Senators are holding a series of listening sessions focused on aging and long-term care issues across Minnesota throughout February and April. The listening sessions, hosted by Senator Karin Housley (R-St. Mary’s Point), chair of the Senate Aging and Long-Term Care Policy Committee, are designed to be a venue for vulnerable Minnesotans and their families to share their stories. 

Long-Term Care Imperative Shares Reform Recommendations to Address Maltreatment

On January 31, 2018 by Kari Thurlow

Two Minnesota Senate committees held a joint hearing last week regarding the state’s handling of vulnerable adult maltreatment complaints. LeadingAge Minnesota and its partner in the Long-Term Care Imperative (LTCI) testified at the hearing, and shared several recommendations for policy reforms that could be passed in the next legislative session to address ongoing concerns. 

Governor’s Consumer Task Force Releases Policy Recommendations for Senior Care Regulation

On January 31, 2018 by Kari Thurlow

In the wake of last fall’s dramatic and disturbing Star Tribune series on the rising number of abuse and maltreatment reports in Minnesota, Governor Mark Dayton created a special work group charged with developing recommendations to improve the care and safety of older and vulnerable adults in nursing homes and assisted living and “strengthen the rights of residents and their families.” The workgroup,  delivered their report to the Governor on Monday, simultaneously releasing it to state legislators and the public.