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Federal Shutdown: Heating Assistance & Early Childhood Programs – What Members Should Know
On November 3, 2025 by Mark Schulz
The ongoing federal government shutdown is now threatening key programs that help Minnesotans stay warm and support early childhood development. Funding delays for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) could leave up to 125,000 Minnesota households struggling to afford heating costs as winter approaches, while the Cold Weather Rule offers only partial protection—excluding many rural residents who rely on propane or fuel oil. At the same time, several Head Start programs across the state face the loss of federal funding, putting services for preschool children at risk.
CLA Releases Annual Industry Trends Report
On October 30, 2025 by Jeff Bostic
LeadingAge Minnesota business partner CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) recently released their 40th Annual SNF Cost Comparison and Industry Trends Report. This year's report is centered on the importance of understanding the reimbursement landscape, how quality drives performance, and enhancing business operations and acumen.
Election Day is November 4th
On October 23, 2025 by Shelli Bakken
Election day – Nov. 4 – is just around the corner. There are no statewide or federal elections happening this year, but throughout the state there are elections for crucial positions such as mayor, city council, school board, and various local ballot questions.
Fire Safety and Emergency Preparedness: Strengthening Healthcare Facility Readiness
On October 23, 2025 by Mark Schulz
Maintaining a safe environment is fundamental in every healthcare facility, especially where staff care for residents who may not be able to respond quickly in an emergency. During October’s District Swing events, members received valuable guidance from the Minnesota State Fire Marshal (SFM) Healthcare Team on how to strengthen fire safety and emergency preparedness programs. The session emphasized best practices for conducting effective drills, maintaining critical equipment, and ensuring compliance with Life Safety Code documentation requirements.
CMS Clarifies Limited Survey Functions During Federal Shutdown
On October 23, 2025 by Mark Schulz
As the federal government shutdown stretches beyond three weeks, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has clarified which survey and certification activities may continue — and which must halt — during the funding lapse. The updated guidance from CMS’s Quality, Safety & Oversight Group (QSOG) underscores the limited scope of oversight allowed, raising concern among nursing home providers about enforcement delays and regulatory uncertainty.
Helping You Make Sense of Minnesota’s New Leave Laws: Free Webinars for Providers
On October 9, 2025 by Mark Schulz
LeadingAge Minnesota is hosting two consecutive webinars on Tuesday, Oct. 14, from 1–3 p.m. to help providers prepare for the Jan. 1, 2026 implementation of Minnesota’s new Paid Leave laws. Sessions will provide practical details and strategic guidance on navigating the state’s complex web of leave requirements.
Federal Government Shutdown: What Aging Services Providers Need to Know
On October 2, 2025 by Mark Schulz
Congress did not reach agreement on appropriations for federal fiscal year 2026, and the federal government shutdown began on Oct. 1. HHS, CMS, and CDC have issued contingency and lapse plans outlining which activities will continue and which will pause. HUD has notified LeadingAge that they will be updating their contingency plan, leaning heavily on plans written in 2023.
Transition to PDPM Happening on 10/1, MDH Advises on Related Assessment Issue
On September 25, 2025 by Jeff Bostic
A few weeks ago, DHS posted new rates for nursing homes on the nursing facility portal. The rate notices are incorrectly labeled as Jan. 1 rates, but they are effective Oct. 1.
Case Closed: Court Dismisses CMS Staffing Rule Appeal
On September 25, 2025 by Mark Schulz
On September 18, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) filed its motion to dismiss their appeal for our lawsuit challenging the CMS Minimum Staffing Rule.
New Law Allows MHEFA to Provide Financing Assistance to Non-Profit Providers
On September 11, 2025 by Jeff Bostic
The Minnesota Health and Education Facilities Authority recently announced an expansion of its services, as the state agency is now able to assist nonprofit healthcare organizations across the state. This enhancement is a direct result of legislation approved in 2025.
DHS Posts 10/1 Rate Notices for Transition to PDPM
On September 4, 2025 by Jeff Bostic
The 2025 Legislature approved a transition of the nursing home case mix system from RUGs to PDPM. DHS has now produced new rates for nursing homes and posted them on the nursing facility portal.
Occupancy Rates Continue to Improve for Nursing Homes
On August 14, 2025 by Jeff Bostic
Occupancy rates for nursing homes continue to show improvement, coming in at 84.8% statewide in the first quarter of this year and 84.2% in the second, both higher than any quarter since the first quarter of 2020, just before the pandemic hit.
Patient Driven Payment Model (PDPM) Case Mix Transition Moving Forward
On July 24, 2025 by Jeff Bostic
One of the changes approved by the Legislature this year is a transition of the nursing home case mix system to using the PDPM nursing weights to adjust rates instead of RUGs-IV weights. This change will be effective Oct. 1, 2025.
MDH Posts Moratorium Exceptions Process Application
On July 24, 2025 by Jeff Bostic
The application materials for another round of the nursing facility moratorium exceptions process were recently posted on the MDH website. Nursing homes interested in applying for approval to fund a construction project will need to complete all the required application materials and return them to MDH by December 18, 2025.
LeadingAge Minnesota Certified Worker Organization Training Compliance Webinar and Materials Now Available
On July 24, 2025 by Mark Schulz
The Minnesota Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board (NHWSB) has established training requirements for nursing home employers under the Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board Act. All nursing home workers must complete at least one hour of training every two years on their workplace rights, provided by a Certified Worker Organization (CWO). This requirement takes effect January 1, 2025, with full compliance required by December 31, 2026.
LeadingAge Minnesota Certified Worker Organization Training Compliance Webinar
On July 10, 2025 by Mark Schulz
Join LeadingAge Minnesota staff for an important webinar on the new Certified Worker Organization (CWO) training requirements for nursing facilities. We'll review the key employer responsibilities under the Minnesota Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board Act, including timelines, compliance documentation, and employee training logistics.
CMS Announces Changes to Nursing Home Care Compare
On June 26, 2025 by Mark Schulz
On June 18, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released memo QSO-25-20-NH, announcing several impactful changes to the Nursing Home Care Compare website, set to take effect with the July and October 2025 quarterly data refreshes. These updates are part of CMS’s continuing efforts to enhance transparency and improve the accuracy and utility of performance data for nursing home providers, residents, and families.
Annual QIIP Choices Open for Nursing Homes
On June 18, 2025 by Jeff Bostic
The annual selection for the Quality Improvement Incentive Payment Program (QIIP) for nursing homes is due by July 18th. The selection for this year has been delayed by technical issues at DHS, but they are now ready to accept QIIP selections through a new process.
OLA Accompanying MDH Surveyors on Licensing Surveys
On June 5, 2025 by Kari Everson
The State of Minnesota recently announced that staff from the Minnesota Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA) will be accompanying Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) surveyors during certain licensing surveys.
Nursing Homes Must Now Submit Off-cycle Revalidations by Aug. 1
On April 17, 2025 by Mark Schulz
Nursing homes must now submit off-cycle revalidations by August 1. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) enacted a final rule in November 2023 implementing portions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which added a section to the Social Security Act related to ownership, management, and related parties.