News

DHS Implementing New Surcharge Billing Process for Bed Changes

On November 4, 2021 by Jeff Bostic

For the next six months, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is trying a new process when care centers change their number of beds.

Focus Areas in Early AL Surveys: Postings, Plans, Procedures, Training, and Infection Control

On October 28, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry

Findings during initial surveys of assisted living settings show a range of compliance with most providers well underway with incorporating new requirements. Several themes are evident in these initial findings. Learning more about these themes can assist providers in auditing their facilities for compliance. 

ALL Together: New Assisted Living Newsletter Available from MDH

On October 21, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry

The Minnesota Department of Health's Health Regulation Division (HRD) will provide information, news, updates and links to assisted living providers, residents, resident families, and the public through a new weekly newsletter, ALL Together. To subscribe, enter your email address and click submit. 

MDH Seeking Information about Out of State Health Providers

On October 21, 2021 by Jonathan Lips

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is seeking information about out-of-state health professionals who provided services under a State executive order earlier in the pandemic.

MDH and DHS Seek SNF Assistance with Hospital Decompression

On October 21, 2021 by Kari Thurlow

The Departments of Human Services (DHS) and Health (MDH) are working with hospitals and long-term care providers to quickly identify 4-5 skilled nursing facilities that can stand up "hospital decompression sites" that would allow for increased movement between acute and post-acute settings.

Assisted Living Licensure Closure Form Now Available

On October 14, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry

The Minnesota Department of Health has added an Assisted Living Licensure Closure Form to their Forms and Self-Audit Tools page under the “notifications” heading. The form provides guidance for the closure process.

Top Cited Deficiencies from Nursing Home Recertification Surveys

On October 14, 2021 by Jonathan Lips

The information available from the CMS Quality, Certification and Oversight Reports (QCOR) database shows that the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) completed 100 nursing facility recertification surveys during the federal fiscal year ending Sept. 30. There is some lag time in survey data entry, so the year-end total is likely slightly higher. Here's a sampling of the data:

Assisted Living Licensees come in all Sizes and Locations

On September 30, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry

This week’s report from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) on the status of current assisted living licensees provides a glimpse at the composition of assisted living around the state. Of the currently licensed 1973 assisted living facilities, 1337 of those are in the seven-county metro area, leaving 636 throughout the rest of the state.

Statewide Survey on Staffing Crisis Will Inform Solutions

On September 30, 2021 by Jonathan Lips

LeadingAge Minnesota has been working intensively with state agency leaders to illustrate the seriousness and urgency of the workforce crisis facing providers and collaborate on identifying solutions and support to respond.

Do You Have Assisted Living Required Postings?

On September 23, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry

As we settle into the new assisted living requirements, it is a good time for self-auditing. According to the new law, an assisted living must post the following:

Assisted Living Survey Observations Offer Helpful Reminders

On September 15, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry

At a meeting last week, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) shared initial findings from assisted living surveys that have been conducted.

August 31 Webinar - Effective Strategies for SNF Survey Preparation

On August 18, 2021 by Heidi Simpson

With COVID-19 rates lower than the pandemic's peak, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is resuming usual survey activities. This Aug. 31 webinar is designed to provide skilled nursing communities with information and practices to prepare for licensing and certification surveys.

Aug. 31 Webinar - Effective Strategies for SNF Survey Preparation

On August 11, 2021 by Heidi Simpson

With COVID-19 rates lower than the pandemic's peak, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is resuming usual survey activities. This webinar is designed to provide skilled nursing communities with information and practices to prepare for licensing and certification surveys.

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.

Effective Strategies for SNF Survey Preparation – Aug. 31 Webinar

On August 4, 2021 by Heidi Simpson

With COVID-19 rates lower than at the pandemic's peak, the Minnesota Department of Health is resuming usual survey activities. This webinar provides skilled nursing communities with information and practices to prepare for licensing and certification surveys.

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.

Webinar Effective Strategies for SNF Survey Preparation Scheduled for Aug. 31

On July 28, 2021 by Heidi Simpson

With COVID-19 rates lower than the peak of the pandemic, the Minnesota Department of Health is starting to resume usual survey activities. This webinar is designed to provide skilled nursing communities with information and practices to prepare for licensing and certification surveys.

Review Recently Published Assisted Living Licensure Rules

On July 21, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry

The Minnesota Department of Health has announced the Notice of Adoption for the Rules Governing Assisted Living Facilities was published in the State Register on July 19. You may review the Notice of Adoption on the Minnesota State Register website, State Register Volume 46, Number 3 (Page 33).

Moratorium Exceptions Process Application Posted

On July 18, 2021 by Jeff Bostic

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recently posted the application materials for a new round of the nursing facility moratorium exceptions process on the MDH website. Care centers interested in applying for approval to fund a construction project will need to complete all of the required application materials and return them to MDH by March 17, 2022.

MDH Implementing Assessment Changes from Special Session

On July 7, 2021 by Jeff Bostic

Legislation approved during the special session that wrapped up last week made a couple of changes to resident assessment practices that care center members know. The first is the implementation of the requirement for a significant change assessment after therapy services end or after the completion of a period of required isolation for an infection. Those changes are effective Aug. 1.