News

COVID-19 Reporting Changes in Effect

On July 14, 2022 by Kari Everson

Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) requires nursing homes to report facility resident and staff COVID-19 case numbers to the Center for Disease Prevention and Control’s (CDC) National Health Safety Network (NHSN) weekly.

COVID-19 Testing: Resource Roundup and MDH Upcoming Changes

On June 30, 2022 by Kari Everson

Testing residents and staff for COVID-19 became a standard throughout the pandemic, and guidance frequently changed, which gives way to uncertainty on current guidance and recommendations for testing requirements, test interpretation, and test procurement.

Sample Side Rail Tools Now Available

On June 30, 2022 by Kari Everson

LeadingAge Minnesota has worked with nurse partners to develop tools to assist members with side rail assessments in assisted living settings.

​​​​​​​Continuing Education Requirements for Directors of Assisted Living with Dementia Care

On June 9, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry

The requirements for assisted living directors of settings licensed as assisted living with dementia care (ALDC) have raised several questions for those seeking to keep their credentials up to date.

With New Booster Guidance, What Does “Up-to-Date” Mean for LTC

On June 9, 2022 by Kari Everson

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released updated recommendations for an additional COVID-19 vaccination booster (fourth shot) on May 24. The updates provide a recommendation for a second booster for those people 12 and older if they are moderately to severely immunocompromised and individuals 50 years of age and older.

MDH Adds New Resources to Help Renew Assisted Living Licenses

On May 10, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry

The Minnesota Department of Health has new tools to assist providers in completing the license renewal process, which is underway this month. As you prepare for your assisted living license renewal, the Assisted Living License Renewal page has videos, checklists and other resources for providers preparing their license renewal application.

MDH Releases New Side Rail FAQ for Assisted Living

On May 10, 2022 by Kari Everson

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has recently released new guidance on using side rails in assisted living communities.

Assisted Living License Renewals Now Open

On May 5, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry

License renewals for assisted living are now open. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) received 115 applications during this first week. If you have not received your renewal information, contact MDH at health.assistedliving@state.mn.us.

Nursing Assistant Test Sites Weekly Update

On May 5, 2022 by Anna Mowry

With the 1135 waiver ending on June 6, members will have until Oct. 6 to place Nursing Assistants on the state registry. Minnesota State and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) communicate weekly updates to LeadingAge Minnesota regarding nursing assistant test sites as they open and increase their capacity.

Expedited Paid Feeding Assistant Curriculum is Available for Free until June 6!

On April 28, 2022 by Anna Mowry

The expedited Paid Feeding Assistant training allowed by CMS throughout the pandemic will end in June.

Last year, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) modified the minimum training requirement for Paid Feeding Assistants from eight hours to one hour under a waiver from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). In an April 7 Memorandum, CMS announced it will terminate the waiver on June 6.

Stay Up to Date: Sign Up for Notifications for Nurse Aid Candidate Handbook

On April 21, 2022 by Anna Mowry

Periodically, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) may update the Nurse Aide Candidate Handbooks and Mock Skills to reflect the most current guidance.

FAQ: Background Studies Resubmission Process

On April 21, 2022 by Jonathan Lips

Recently members have raised questions relating to resubmitting background studies for individuals hired during the COVID-19 waiver period, and this article addresses some of the common issues we are seeing.

State has Funding to Cover all Current Moratorium Exceptions Proposals

On April 21, 2022 by Jeff Bostic

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has more than enough funding to cover all currently moratorium exceptions projects proposed by nursing homes across the state.

CMS Announces End Dates for Various COVID Waivers, Including Nurse Aide Certification

On April 7, 2022 by Jonathan Lips

In a Memorandum released on April 7, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that it will terminate several temporary emergency declaration blanket waivers that have provided nursing facilities and other provider types with flexibilities designed to support the COVID response.

Norovirus Infections on the Rise

On March 31, 2022 by Kari Everson

Infection prevention and control is a significant focus in our settings, particularly because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In Minnesota, we are starting to see an increase in another common illness: the Norovirus.

MDH Offers Assisted Living Focused Lunch and Learn Series on Emergency Preparedness

On March 3, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry

Join the Minnesota Department of Health's Health Regulation Division starting March 8 to learn how your Assisted Living facility can prepare for emergencies. The first Lunch and Learn will provide an overview of emergency preparedness and why the requirements in the law are essential to protect Minnesotans residing in assisted living facilities.

MDH ALL Together Newsletter Conveys Top Ten Survey Citations

On February 3, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry

In their second ALL Together newsletter, the Health Regulation Division of MDH shared the top ten tags in assisted living and assisted living with dementia care licensed settings.

Change of Information Form available on MDH website for Assisted Living Providers

On January 20, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has made the Change of Information Form available on the Assisted Living web page.

Nurse Loan Forgiveness Program – Last Chance to Apply!

On January 13, 2022 by Jenna Kellerman

The Minnesota Health Care Loan Forgiveness program cycle is accepting applications through Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. The Loan Forgiveness program is available for various health care professionals serving in high-need areas, including nurses in nursing homes, assisted living, and home care settings. You can find general program information for long-term care on the MDH website.

Recent CED Guidance on Exposed Healthcare Workers And Return To Work

On January 13, 2022 by Kari Everson

The CDC released revisions to their Interim Guidance for Managing Healthcare Personnel with SARS-CoV-2 Infection or Exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and Strategies to Mitigate Healthcare Personnel (HCW) Staffing Shortages on Dec. 23, 2021. There are significant changes to return to work for staff who experience high-risk exposures in the recent update.