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News related to "nursing home"
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Public Health Emergency Extended
On January 12, 2023 by Mark Schulz
The Public Health Emergency (PHE), first declared in Jan. 2020 and extended continually for 90-day periods since then, has been extended for another 90 days until April 11.
OnTrack Hits Milestone – 5,000 Nursing Assistants
On January 5, 2023 by Anna Mowry
As OnTrack ended its most successful year, it reached a new milestone. Over 5,000 students have been registered with OnTrack since its launch in 2018.
DHS to Offset Employee Retention Credits from Care Center Rates
On January 5, 2023 by Jeff Bostic
The Department of Human Services (DHS) recently informed us that they intend to offset the revenue from the federal Employee Retention Credit (ERC) from care center costs based on the wages and taxes used in the ERC application. That means that some care centers will see reductions in their rate for the rate year that started this Jan. 1. DHS auditors have begun requesting detailed information from care centers that have applied for the ERC to determine these offsets.
OnTrack Nursing Assistant Training: A Year in Review
On December 22, 2022 by Anna Mowry
This year, OnTrack had its best year yet, training over 1,800 nursing assistants in member settings around the state.
CMS’ Nursing Home Stakeholder Call, Jan. 5
On December 22, 2022 by Mark Schulz
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will host the first Nursing Home Stakeholder Call of the new year on Thursday, Jan. 5 at 2 p.m. CST. The discussion will focus on post-acute care quality reporting programs. The event is open to the public; registration is required. After you register, you will receive zoom information.
NLRB Decisions Update
On December 22, 2022 by Mark Schulz
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB or Board) was very busy last week. The Board issued four new rulings that significantly impact labor relations between employers and employees.
CMS to Increase Scrutiny of Psychotropic Drug Use
On December 22, 2022 by LeadingAge
The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) released a report outlining the potentially inappropriate use of several psychotropic medications, including antipsychotics, anxiolytics, sedative-hypnotics, and anticonvulsants. As a result, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) plans to increase its oversight of psychotropic drugs and focus more closely on certain drug classes.
COVID-19/Flu Tests Coming Soon to SNFs Throughout the State
On December 22, 2022 by Kari Everson
The Minnesota Department of Health is mailing a combination of COVID-19/Flu A&B rapid test kits to all skilled nursing facilities in the state. Kits should be arriving in the next 2-3 weeks.
Initial Recommendations Released from National Nursing Home Quality Coalition
On December 8, 2022 by Julie Apold
The Moving Forward Nursing Home Quality Coalition has issued its first recommendations to address the key recommendations outlined in the April 2022 National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) report – The National Imperative to Improve Nursing Home Quality: Honoring Our Commitment to Residents, Families, and Staff.
LeadingAge Responds to USAToday Nursing Home Staffing Story
On December 8, 2022 by Libbie Chapuran
In response to a USAToday investigative report published on Dec. 1, 2022, examining staffing levels in nursing homes ("Many nursing homes are poorly staffed. How do they get away with it?"), LeadingAge CEO and President Katie Smith Sloan passionately defended the nation's long-term care and skilled nursing operators. She reiterated, "[f]inger pointing and blame helps no one. It's time for a clear-eyed, fact-based approach to ensure older Americans and families can access the quality nursing home care they deserve."
The Deaf and Hearing Services Division of MDH Offers New Resources
On December 8, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry
The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Division (DHHSD) at the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has created a series of guides to help service providers understand types of hearing loss and possible accommodations:
Updated Nurse Aide Knowledge Test Begins Jan. 2, 2023
On December 8, 2022 by Anna Mowry
Beginning Jan. 2, 2023, there will be an updated Minnesota Nurse Aide Knowledge Test with improved test questions.
LeadingAge Minnesota Workforce Data Portal Provides Valuable Benchmarking Information
On December 8, 2022 by Jeff Bostic
LeadingAge Minnesota's exciting new resource, The Workforce Data Portal, gives members a great way to see how they compare to other providers on crucial workforce metrics. Members who have submitted data for the third quarter (July through September) can view reports that provide custom comparisons.
Largest Surplus in Minnesota’s History: What it means for long term care providers
On December 8, 2022 by Kayla Khang
This week, Minnesota's budget forecast for the 2024-2025 biennium showed a $17.6 billion surplus, the largest in Minnesota's history. Most of the forecasted budget is "carryforward," meaning that about $12 billion of the surplus money will only be able to be spent on one-time investments.
Care Center Rate Notices Likely to Arrive after Jan. 1
On December 1, 2022 by Jeff Bostic
As Jan. 1 approaches, it appears likely that rate notices will not arrive for most care centers by the start of the new rate year. We expect that the rate increase for most care centers will be significant this year because the cost report being used (year-end Sept. 30, 2021) reflects a drop in occupancy and the considerable increase in costs that happened during the pandemic. Therefore, it is time for providers to consider giving notice to private pay residents about increases on Jan. 1.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions on Recent COVID-19 Guidance Changes
On November 4, 2022 by Kari Everson
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released several changes to COVID-19 guidance over the past two weeks. Members have several questions about the nursing home vaccine mandate, source control and eye protection use, antigen testing of asymptomatic individuals, and resident screening.
MDH Posts Updated PPE Grid
On November 3, 2022 by Kari Everson
On Nov. 2, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) updated the personal protective equipment (PPE) grid to reflect the guidance updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Workforce Development Resource Round-up
On October 20, 2022 by Anna Mowry
September was National Workforce Development Month. To celebrate LeadingAge Minnesota and our national partners at LeadingAge released several resources for members to support and grow their workforce.
Participate in LeadingAge Minnesota Committees in 2023
On October 13, 2022 by Lori Meyer
As the new year approaches, we invite you to participate in LeadingAge Minnesota committees in 2023. We are tackling your challenges on numerous fronts, and we need you to help shape the critical work ahead.
Answers to FAQ on Recent COVID-19 Guidance Changes
On October 13, 2022 by Kari Everson
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released several changes to COVID-19 guidance over the past two weeks. Members have several questions about the nursing home vaccine mandate, source control and eye protection use, antigen testing of asymptomatic individuals, and resident screening.