News

MDH Bulletin Provides Updates on Facility Maltreatment Reporting

On April 30, 2019 by Jonathan Lips

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has posted to its website Information Bulletin 19-02: Update: MDH Nursing Home Facility Reporting Related to Federal Abuse, Neglect, Exploitation, or Mistreatment; and Minnesota Vulnerable Adults Act.  

Legislature Returns: House Votes on HHS Bill, AARP Holds Telephone Town Hall with Gov. Walz

On April 24, 2019 by Jodi Boyne

The Minnesota Legislature returned from its spring recess this week and wasted no time in getting down to business. Today in the Minnesota House, lawmakers will be voting on the House HHS Finance omnibus bill (HF2414). Tomorrow AARP will host a Telephone Town Hall with Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan on their key priorities for the remainder of the legislative session, which will include discussion on the protection of older adults in assisted living settings.  

Senior Care Budget and Policy Proposals Slated for Hearings This Week

On March 20, 2019 by Kari Thurlow

A busy week at the State Capitol is unfolding, with two hearings scheduled this week that are expected to advance major bills related to senior care budget and policy issues. Our Day at the Capitol was a success in setting the stage for solutions that will best meet the needs of the older adults we serve, but your advocacy will be needed in the days and weeks ahead as the Legislature gets down to business in advancing budget proposals and potential historic changes to senior living. 

MDH Commissioner Malcolm Shares Progress Report on OHFC, Abuse Working Groups

On January 29, 2019 by Libbie Chapuran

Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Commissioner Jan Malcolm shared updates regarding improvements at the Office of Health Facility Complaints (OHFC) and overviews of the work done on the Elder and Vulnerable Adult Abuse Working Groups in front of the Senate Family Care and Aging Committee and the House Long-term Care Subcommittee.   

Focus on Safety: Reducing Harm in Aging Services

On January 8, 2019 by Jodi Boyne

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released a new report that provides six key steps nursing homes can take to avoid preventable harm. The report comes out just as LeadingAge Minnesota is preparing the final details of its Safe Care for Seniors Programs that is set to launch in just a few short weeks. 

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.