March 24, 2021
Featured News
Assisted Living Licensure Rules Report Deadline Extended
On March 24, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
The Department of Health’s proposed rules governing assisted living facilities are pending before Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Ann O’Reilly. We anticipated that ALJ O’Reilly would issue her Rule Report last week. Instead, Chief Administrative Law Judge Jenny Starr issued an order extending the deadline allowing until Monday, March 29, to complete the Rule Report.
Missed Week at the Capitol? It’s Not Too Late to Become an Advocate
On March 24, 2021 by Matt Steele
As we approach the midway point of the legislative session, LeadingAge Minnesota members virtually gathered for our largest advocacy event of the year, the Week at the Capitol. LeadingAge Minnesota members met with over 40 lawmakers from around the state, including Senate and House legislative leaders, to make their voices heard and advance important policy initiatives for seniors and their caregivers.
COVID-19
MDH Continues Work to Support LTC Vaccination
On March 24, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is continuing its efforts to support COVID-19 vaccination efforts in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and other congregate living facilities.
Knowing our settings will be completing third clinics over the next couple of weeks, MDH, in consultation with LeadingAge MN and other provider associations and existing long-term care (LTC) vaccine providers, has launched an interim process for staff and residents to access vaccine administration until more vaccine is made more widely available.
Mass COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics Almost Complete
On March 24, 2021 by Jeff Bostic
According to Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) data collected through March 17, 97% of care centers and 50% of assisted living have completed a third clinic. By the next weekly update, the mass vaccination clinic program will likely be completed.
First dose staff vaccination rates were 57% in all reporting care centers and 51% in all reporting assisted living settings. Some of the difference is due to care centers being ahead of the curve on the number of clinics held; the staff vaccination rate in assisted living has room to rise with the completion of third clinics.
CMS and CDC to Answer Visitation Questions on Thursday Webinar
On March 24, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
As providers across the country work to absorb and implement updated visitation guidance, many questions are rising to the surface. To address these trending questions, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will hold a National Nursing Home Stakeholder Call this Thursday, March 25, from 3 – 4 p.m. CT.
State News
LALD Training Covered by HCBS Scholarship
On March 24, 2021 by Jenna Kellerman
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Office of Rural Health and Primary Care has confirmed that the Licensed Assisted Living Director (LALD) training program is eligible for funding through the Home and Community Based Scholarship Grant Program. Apply today!
The application deadline has been extended to April 6 at 11:59 p.m. Find the HCBS Scholarship Program details, application, and forms on the MDH website. Grants will run for 24 months, starting on July 1, 2021 and ending June 30, 2023.
MDH Schedules Next Two Assisted Living Licensure Webinars
On March 24, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Department of Health has scheduled two calls regarding assisted living licensure for providers on April 8 and April 29 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Federal News
LeadingAge Conducting Survey on Provider Relief Fund
On March 24, 2021 by Jeff Bostic
LeadingAge has launched a member survey to gauge how much Provider Relief Fund (PRF) funding members have received to date, how much unmet need remains, and the reasons for the continued need for more funding. This information will help them advocate to Congress for additional PRF appropriations and articulate why providers still need this help.
Emergency Broadband Benefit Program for eligible residents of Senior Housing Coming Soon
On March 24, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
This week, staff from the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) new Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program joined LeadingAge’s Housing Advisory Group call to discuss how the new program could help affordable senior housing residents as well as housing providers.
Notable News
Save the Date: MHCEA Virtual Spring Conference Set for May 6-7
On March 24, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
The Minnesota Healthcare Engineers Association (MHCEA) has confirmed May 6-7 as the dates for its 2021 Spring Conference. This year’s event will be in virtual format due to the on-going impact of COVID-19, with programming from 8 – 11:30 a.m. each day.
Seeking LGBTQ Needs Assessment Survey Participants
On March 24, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran
Since 2002, there has been a Needs Assessment Survey every ten years to better understand social determinants of health and individual health outcomes for aging LGBTQ Minnesotans. The 2022 Survey is getting underway, and JustUs Health and the University of Minnesota are joining together in a community-wide effort to provide actionable insight into the health needs of aging LGBTQ Minnesotans. They seek survey participation from LGBTQA Minnesotans 50 years and older to help inform policy and funding decisions at a state level for the estimated 48,000+ LGBTQ seniors living in our state.
April 19th Virtual Event: Human, Economic & Disproportionate Impact of Alzheimer’s & other Dementia
On March 24, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran
The Alzheimer's Association Minnesota-North Dakota invites you to a complimentary virtual event entitled "Human, Economic & Disproportionate Impact of Alzheimer’s & other Dementia" on April 19 at 1 p.m.
This webinar will discuss the human impact, the economic impact, and the disproportionate impact of this brain disease and bring to life the recently released facts and figures report and accompanying special report on Race, Ethnicity and Alzheimer's in America.
SNF Quality Reporting Program Webinar: Achieving a Full Annual Payment Update
On March 24, 2021 by Julie Apold
Listen in to CMS’ March 30 webinar to learn how you can receive the full SNF Quality Reporting (SNF QRP) Annual Payment Update. The webinar covers updates to elements of the MDS used to calculate measures for the SNF QRP program, data submission requirements, and the reconsideration process for providers identified as being noncompliant with the requirements.
Register to attend the March 30 webinar, or sign up to be notified when the recording of the session becomes available.
Member News
Veterans Homes receive Pinnacle Awards
On March 24, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran
The Minnesota Veterans Homes’ four skilled nursing facilities in Fergus Falls, Luverne, Minneapolis and Silver Bay have all been recognized with the Pinnacle Customer Experience Award. The Homes’ “customer experience” is measured through Pinnacle monthly telephone interviews with residents and/or their families. Throughout the year, the survey results are reviewed to better understand residents’ needs and make improvements when necessary.
Education Solutions
April 7 Webinar Helps Prepare for Completing Assisted Living Licensure Application Form
On March 24, 2021 by Heidi Simpson
While Minnesota’s Assisted Living Licensure application form is not yet final and published, we expect it will be public on or about May 1. That leaves just a few short weeks for providers wanting to become licensed assisted living settings to complete their application in time to meet the June 1 deadline already in statute. MN Statute 144G.12 outlines several requirements that we expect to be on the application form, and you can start preparing now.
Governance Workshop is April 7 and 14 – Registration Still Available
On March 24, 2021 by Barbara Landeen
More than 30 organizations have already registered for the two-part virtual Governance Workshop, Next Gen Governance for a Next Gen World, on April 7 and 14. In the wake of the pandemic, it is important to shift focus from response to strategic recovery and resilience. The workshop is designed for executives and board members to identify risk areas and opportunities for strong operations in the short and long term. Participation includes a set of diagnostic assessments that will be used to create a roadmap for navigating disruption, change, strategy, opportunity and risk.
Leadership Academy Begins June, Applications Being Accepted
On March 24, 2021 by Barbara Landeen
LeadingAge Minnesota’s acclaimed Leadership Academy is entering its twelfth year this June, and we are accepting applications through April 26. This 8-month program develops leadership capacity and core competencies of aging services professionals by tapping their natural talents and authentic leadership style. It blends leadership theory, applied learning, and personalized coaching to mentor current and emerging leaders in our field.