June 10, 2020
Featured News
Facts Not Fear: COVID Data Demands Vigilance
On June 10, 2020 by Jonathan Lips
Events of the past week illustrate the power of data to shape the public’s understanding of COVID-19 and how the virus impacts aging services providers and the people you serve. Unfortunately, these examples are a powerful reminder that inaccurate data or inaccurate reporting can distort that understanding.
Nursing Home Survey Results: What You Need to Know and Do
On June 10, 2020 by Jonathan Lips
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is spotlighting COVID-19 survey results on the Nursing Home Compare home page. The results of surveys conducted since March 4 (complaints and infection control focused surveys) will be listed and available for the public to download, including a spreadsheet summarizing the findings from each inspection.
Expedited Feeding Assistant Curriculum is Available!
On June 10, 2020 by Jenna Kellerman
The Minnesota Department of Health recently agreed to waive the 8-hour training requirement for Paid Feeding Assistants, in accordance with a waiver from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Our partners at EduCare have released the only MDH approved expedited curriculum in Minnesota, which is a 2.5 hour course with competencies. There is no cost to this program.
State News
Disability Services Providers: Can You Engage in Waiver Reimagine?
On June 10, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is considering how best to move forward with previously planned work, including Waiver Reimagine, during COVID-19. DHS is seeking input from disability services providers in their availability to participate in this project.
Apply for 5310 Vehicle Grants through MnDOT
On June 10, 2020 by Terri Foley
The 5310-program vehicle grant application process is open for fiscal year 2022 and 2023. Grant awards fund 80% of vehicle purchase cost with the 20% match required from non-Department of Transportation (MnDOT) sources. The program only includes lift-equipped buses.
Federal News
Medicaid Providers: Apply for Provider Relief Funds, Application Portal Opens Today
On June 10, 2020 by Jeff Bostic
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced it will distribute funds to Medicaid providers who do not participate in Medicare, including Assisted Living and Adult Day, through the Provider Relief Fund through a time-limited application process vs. automatic payment. The application portal opens June 10 (today). Here’s what we know so far:
Notable News
New Basic Care Aide Registration Website
On June 10, 2020 by Jenna Kellerman
LeadingAge National is hosting the Basic Care Aide through its Learning. All non-EduCare users should have new students login through this portal beginning June 15. EduCare users should continue to access the training through their own EduCare library.
Member News
COVID-19 Resource Round-Up: Transparency Builds and Cooperation
On June 10, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
If we know one thing to be true during this global pandemic, the media and public will continue to focus on the number of positive COVID-19 cases and deaths related to the virus in long-term care settings. The best way to counter inaccurate media stories and public perception is with consistent transparency of your COVID-19 responsem, including the number of people who have been afflicted by the virus or died from it in your setting.