News

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.

Frontline Workers Receive State Bonus Checks

On October 6, 2022 by Erin Huppert

Pandemic frontline workers will begin to see $487.45 in one-time bonuses from the State of Minnesota this week. Applicants who chose direct deposit of their payment should see it in their accounts in seven to ten days. People who choose to be mailed a prepaid debit card should receive them in three to four weeks.

Grow Your Workforce with OnTrack

On September 28, 2022 by Anna Mowry

September is National Workforce Development Month, and one of the most proven member resources to grow your workforce is OnTrack Nursing Assistant Training.

Nursing Home Citations for Past Noncompliance

On September 28, 2022 by Kari Everson

Recently, LeadingAge Minnesota received more questions about citations for past noncompliance actions and how those citations impact the five-star rating, calculating fines, and appeals.

Specialized Equipment and Assistance to Lower Communication Costs Available for Eligible Individuals

On September 15, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry

Lifeline and the Telephone Assistance Program are two programs that help make communication services more affordable.

New Five-Star Reports Available with Staffing Domain Changes

On September 15, 2022 by Julie Apold

New Five-Star Reports that reflect recent changes to the Five-Star Staffing Domain are ready to view in the LeadingAge Minnesota Data Portal. Primary contacts have access to the portal to view these reports. 

PHI Releases a New Report on the Direct Care Workforce in the U.S.

On September 15, 2022 by Anna Mowry

A new report providing insights and data on the nation's direct care workforce was recently released.

The report, Direct Care Workers in the United States: Key Facts, is released annually by PHI, which researches, supports, and promotes the nation's direct care workforce. The report includes workforce projections and demographic overviews of home care workers, residential care aides, and nursing assistants in nursing homes.

Reminder: Keep Transitioning Temporary Nurse Aides Working Under the 1135 Waiver

On September 15, 2022 by Anna Mowry

Nurse aides hired or who worked during the 1135 waiver have until Oct. 6 to be placed on the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry.

CMS releases draft version of Nursing Home MDS

On September 15, 2022 by Erin Huppert

A draft version of the Minimum Data Set (MDS) Nursing Home Comprehensive Item has been released ahead of the October 2023 implementation date. The sheer volume of proposed updates means that operators and their software providers have their work cut out for them to be ready by Oct. 1, 2023.

Funding Available for Dementia Care Training By Lori Meyer on Sept. 1, 2022

On September 1, 2022 by Lori Meyer

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has several openings for Minnesota Medicaid-Certified Nursing Facilities interested in participating in an online Dementia Care staff training program.

MDH Requests a Statewide Waiver to Extend the Temporary Nurse Aide Program

On September 1, 2022 by Anna Mowry

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has requested a statewide waiver to extend the temporary nurse aide training program that is currently set to expire on Oct. 6.

CMS Researchers Enter Nursing Homes to Establish a Federal Staffing Standard

On August 25, 2022 by Anna Mowry

This week, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced plans to conduct a four-part analysis in pursuit of establishing a federal minimum staffing standard in nursing homes. As part of their study, researchers will visit 75 nursing homes across the country over the next three months though none are planned for Minnesota sites. A national staffing plan would be incorporated into skilled nursing proposed rules published next spring.