News

MDH Offers One-Time PPE Request Opportunity

On November 30, 2023 by Kari Everson

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is currently offering a one-time disbursement of personal protective equipment (PPE) to improve infection prevention capacity in assisted living organizations and nursing homes.

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).

CDC Releases Guidance on Enhanced Barrier Precautions

On July 21, 2022 by Kari Everson

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released updated guidance on enhanced barrier precautions designed to reduce the transmission of multi-drug resistant organisms (MDRO). MDRO are pathogens that cause infections and are resistant to antibiotics commonly used to treat infections.

As Transmission Rates Fall, Use of Eye Protection May Change

On March 3, 2022 by Kari Everson

As case counts are starting to decrease in Minnesota, questions about eye protection arise. The level of community transmission guides the use of universal eye protection. Those individuals in counties with high to substantial transmission rates are more likely to have contact with someone who is asymptomatic and positive for COVID-19.

Respiratory Protection Program Requirements

On September 23, 2021 by Kari Everson

As COVID-19 crashed into our lives, so did the awareness of and need for respiratory protection programs in long-term care settings. Respiratory protection programs are designed to ensure all employees are protected from respiratory hazards, such as the SARS-CoV-2 pathogen.

Identifiers Indicating Vaccination Status

On May 12, 2021 by Kari Everson

The change in guidance allowing for increased flexibility with PPE, visitation, and testing based upon vaccination status prompted questions regarding how to quickly identify the vaccination status of residents, staff, and visitors. Many long-term care organizations discussed using bracelets, different name tags, stickers or other means of readily identifying an individual’s vaccination status.

CDC Updates Guidance on Well-Fitting Masks In Q&A Document

On March 3, 2021 by Kari Everson

On February 10^th, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a MMWR article discussing well-fitting masks. The study shows the better a mask fits around the user’s face, the better the protection against contracting COVID-19. Methods to increase mask fitting include a mask fitter, tucking and looping a surgical or procedural mask, or wearing a cloth mask over the surgical or procedure mask.

State Support Still Available for PPE, Testing, Staffing

On February 17, 2021 by Jonathan Lips

While COVID-19 cases in aging services settings have fallen sharply in recent months, we know the virus is still having a serious impact on many providers.

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) wishes to remind providers that it continues to have resources available for nursing homes and assisted living providers that need support:

Metro Health & Medical Preparedness Coalition Hosts PPEManagement Webinar

On December 23, 2020 by Libbie Chapuran

The Metro Healthcare Coalition is offering a mini-webinar on management and tracking of PPE on Monday, December 28, at 1:00pm. Mary Ryan and Aaron Aslakson from Walker Methodist will share tools created and used at their organization to track and manage PPE supplies. The webinar will be approximately 30 minutes and will include time for Q&A. If you’d like to attend this webinar, register HERE.

State PPE Support Remains Available for Providers in Need

On November 11, 2020 by Jonathan Lips

As COVID-19 cases continue to surge throughout the state, many providers are again experiencing PPE shortages – especially with gloves – and we thought it would be helpful to remind members of the process for requesting supplies from the State.

LeadingAge Continues Federal Advocacy on PPE

On June 16, 2020 by Jonathan Lips

Six weeks after the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that it would coordinate a shipment of personal protective equipment (PPE), totaling a 14-day supply, to Medicare- and Medicaid-certified nursing homes across the United States, significant numbers of facilities across the country still have not received a shipment. Some that have received supplies have found them to be low quality, even expired in some cases, or delivered in quantities smaller than expected. 

Tell Lawmakers to Prioritize Seniors in the COVID-19 Response

On June 2, 2020 by Libbie Chapuran

Senior services providers are called to join in advocacy for priority personal protective equipment and testing, and the financial support to continue caring for our nation’s seniors now and after the pandemic recedes.  

Opportunities for Prevention and Detection of COVID-19

On May 26, 2020 by Jodi Boyne

You have PPE needs. Value First has solutions that will help you prevent and detect COVID-19 in your setting. From reusable gowns and face masks to test kits and alarm systems that prevent anyone with a temperature from entering your building, check out these solutions:

Inspections, Testing Top Long-Term Care Priorities of House Task Force

On May 5, 2020 by Jodi Boyne

A new blueprint introduced by the U.S> House Democratic Caucus Task Force on Aging and Families on will make long-term care and affordable seniors housing a priority for future pandemic relief. The blueprint includes:  

Push for Transparency in Assisted Living is Met with Request to Prioritize PPE & Testing

On May 5, 2020 by Jodi Boyne

Three members of Congress recently asked 11 assisted living companies to detail their case counts and strategies related to COVID-19, including their use of personal protective equipment, testing, visitation polices, and sick leave, family leave, medical leave and hazard pay offered to employees. LeadingAge and Argentum used this call for information as an opportunity to push the federal government to prioritize assisted living operators for PPE and other resources to combat COVID-19. 

House Task Force Presses for $100 Million in Long Term Care Funding

On April 28, 2020 by Jodi Boyne

A newly-formed Democratic task force in the U.S. House is pushing Congress to immediately distribute $100 million in funding to aid infection control efforts in senior care settings. Among the priorities:  

PPE: Possibly Headed to Nursing Homes, But We Demand More for All Senior Care Providers

On April 28, 2020 by Jodi Boyne

According to a news report, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will be direct shipping PPE – masks, gowns, gloves, eye protection – to every one of the 15,400 nursing homes in the nation.  While this forthcoming action is welcome, it is not nearly enough. It is unacceptable to not provide PPE to ALL senior care and living providers.   

PPE: What PPE to Use When – New MDH Chart

On April 28, 2020 by Jodi Boyne

Knowing what PPE to use continues to be one of the most frequently asked questions we hear from members. A new chart from MDH brings clarity to this hot topic. 

MN Senate COVID-19 Response Working Group Focuses on Long-Term Care

On April 8, 2020 by Libbie Chapuran

The Minnesota Senate COVID-19 Response Working Group met yesterday, focusing their work on the impact on the long-term care community. LeadingAge Minnesota member Deb Barnes, Executive Director at Lakeview Methodist Health Care, began the hearing with testimony about the impact of COVID-19 in long-term care settings.