Feb. 20, 2019
Featured News
Governor’s Budget Cuts Care Center Funding, Assumes Fee-Drive Approach to Assisted Living Oversight
On February 20, 2019 by Jeff Bostic
Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan yesterday released the One Minnesota budget that proposes to spend $49 billion in the next two years on a wide range of priorities. The budget contained mixed news for older adult services. While it supports the interim work on older adult protection, the budget does not include increased Elderly Waiver funding, only partially funds the DWRS increase for adult day providers, assumes a fee-driven approach for assisted living providers and reduces Value-Based Reimbursement for care centers.
Safe Care for Seniors: Pledge and Action Plan Timeline
On February 19, 2019 by Jodi Boyne
The momentum for Safe Care for Seniors continues to build – from the 700 people who took the Safe Care for Seniors pledge at Institute & Expo earlier this month to the members who have since made their public commitment to respect, safety and dignity via the Make the Pledge link on our web site. This week, we provide a more detailed review of Safe Care for Seniors and what members can anticipate receiving from LeadingAge Minnesota to effectively implement the program in their organization or setting.
Now Available: LeadingAge MN Foundation Scholarships
On February 19, 2019 by Lori Meyer
The LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation is excited to offer more than $33,000 in educational scholarships to eligible caregivers and other employees of LeadingAge Minnesota member organizations for 2019.
State News
Bill Would Expand Critical Access Hospital Swing Bed Use
On February 19, 2019 by Jeff Bostic
A bill to dramatically expand authorized critical access swing bed admissions has been introduced in the Minnesota House. The bill, introduced by Rep. Tina Liebling (DFL-Rochester), would modify the authorized swing bed admissions from 2,000 bed days per year to 9,125 per year. We understand that a companion to this bill will be introduced in the Minnesota Senate in the coming days. LeadingAge Minnesota and the Long-Term Care Imperative oppose this legislation.
Adult Day: DWRS Bill Puts Access to Services At Risk; Take Action Today
On February 19, 2019 by Jeff Bostic
The Minnesota House Health and Human Services Policy Committee last week heard bills to address issues around the Disability Waiver Rate System (DWRS). The action taken by the committee is not in keeping with the goals of DWRS providers and creates a clear need for advocacy by impacted providers, including our Adult Day Services members.
Home Care and Assisted Living Provider Change of Information Reporting Required
On February 19, 2019 by Bobbie Guidry
Licensed home care providers and registered home management providers are required to notify the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) within 10 days when there is a change on the license or registration. A Change of Information Form is available on the MDH website.
Federal News
Now Available: SNF Provider Preview Reports for Publicly Reported Measures
On February 19, 2019 by Julie Apold
Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Provider Preview Reports are now available for review prior to the April 2019 Nursing Home Compare site refresh. Corrections to the underlying data are not permitted but providers can request a CMS review by March 4 if they believe their quality measure scores are being displayed inaccurately.
U.S. Representative Collin Peterson Introduces Bipartisan Workforce Quality Act
On February 19, 2019 by Jodi Boyne
A bipartisan bill to modify the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training lock-out that is currently mandated in law was introduced this week by U.S. Representative Collin Peterson (D-MN) and U.S. Representative Sean Duffy (R-WI). The bill eliminates the statute’s rigid provisions and grants CMS greater flexibility in reinstating providers’ valuable CNA training programs.
CMS Updates PDPM Website, Announces Early Delivery for New RAI Manual
On February 19, 2019 by Jonathan Lips
Responding to provider concerns, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is updating its new website for the Patient-Driven Payment Model and planning an earlier release of the RAI manual.
Notable News
Free Resources: Careers in Aging Week
On February 19, 2019 by Jenna Kellerman
Careers in Aging Week is March 3 -7. This is a great time to make people aware of the wide variety and rewarding careers in aging services. LeadingAge national has provided FREE resources our members can use to take advantage of this great opportunity. We also encourage members to visit our Workforce Center for ideas that support recruitment activities all year long!
Intergenerational Activities – Grow Your Future Workforce!
On February 19, 2019 by Jenna Kellerman
Hosting intergenerational events are a fun way to get young people engaged with the aging services field. Invite young people (all ages! Small children to young adults) to spend time with the people you serve. Consider activities such as:
Member News
Faye Baylor Recognized for Volunteer Service with Minnesota Veteran’s Home in Fergus Falls
On February 19, 2019 by Jodi Boyne
Faye Baylor, a volunteer with the Minnesota Veterans Home in Fergus Falls, was honored by LeadingAge Minnesota with the Volunteer of the Year Award at this month’s Institute & Expo.
Bill Foussard Named Board Trustee of the Year
On February 19, 2019 by Jodi Boyne
Bill Foussard, a member of the Board of Directors for Cerenity Senior Care in Saint Paul, was recently named Board Trustee of the Year by LeadingAge Minnesota.
Education Solutions
Register Today: Webinar on New Manager Training and Customer Experience Tool
On February 19, 2019 by Jenna Kellerman
Are you looking for Manger/Supervisor Training? Does your organization need tools to promote a culture of engagement, service excellence, and continuous improvement? We are thrilled to announce a new partnership with Align, bringing you access to an Employee Engagement Solution (manager/supervisor evaluation and training!), and two Customer Experience Solutions.
Register for Safe Care for Seniors Webinar – Feb. 27
On February 19, 2019 by Julie Apold
Just one week until the Safe Care for Seniors Informational Webinar! Register today for this high-level overview of some of the most important work we will undertake – preventing harm in the course of caregiving.