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.
An extension for review is not a surprise based on the volume of comments and filings, which, according to Chief Judge Starr’s Order, is why the extension was granted. The delay in the rules report leaves some questions unresolved that may be addressed through the rule but does not change any of the statutory deadlines, including the deadline for assisted living applications of June 1 and of implementation of licensure on Aug. 1.
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.
If you missed the Week at the Capitol, it’s not too late to become an advocate. You can review the materials covered and TAKE ACTION to make sure your voice is heard!
Advocacy Education Day
On Monday, LeadingAge Minnesota held three advocacy training sessions that offered an update on the legislative session, insight into the long-term care policy proposals, tips on how to advocate with lawmakers, and communication strategies to help amplify member voices. Following the sessions, we had short discussions on the broader political context at the Capitol and further details surrounding provisions in our bills.
Virtual Rally and Leaders Panel
On Tuesday morning, LeadingAge members gathered again to listen to a panel discussion between Senator Karin Housley, Chair of the Senate Aging and Long-Term Care Policy Committee and Senator Kent Eken. LeadingAge Minnesota Board Chair Erin Hilligan asked several questions from the Senators around what to expect this legislative session when it comes to member policy priorities. It became clear by the end of the conversation that each Senator will be a strong voice for long-term care issues and will remain focused on working in a bipartisan manner to see legislation around aging become law.
Meetings with Lawmakers
Following the virtual rally, members began meeting with dozens of lawmakers to discuss their long-term care policy priorities and share their stories of being on the frontline throughout the pandemic. During the next three days, members met with over 40 elected officials like Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka, House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler, and Senate Minority Leader Susan Kent. In general, lawmakers were very receptive to our legislative initiatives. In one meeting, a member shared with a Representative how beneficial LeadingAge Minnesota’s “Hero Pay” legislation would be to their providers. By the end of the conversation, the legislator asked to be a co-author on the proposal.
Reflection and Next Steps
After several days of meeting with lawmakers, LeadingAge Minnesota members and staff gathered on Friday morning to reflect and share about the Week at the Capitol experience.
Couldn't attend LeadingAge Minnesota’s Week at the Capitol? No problem! You can make a difference by contacting your legislators by email. To TAKE ACTION, enter your address, either for your home or for your setting, to contact the legislators that represent you and personalize the pre-written letter to share your story. You can also share the action alert with your coworkers. Use this link to share: https://p2a.co/e5dQHwJ.
If you would like to meet with your lawmaker at any time, contact us! We can help with any and all aspects of your advocacy. Each week during the legislative session, follow Advantage for regular updates about what’s happening at the Capitol.
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.
Earlier this week, MDH distributed a description of Vaccine Provider Models for Continuing COVID-19 Vaccination Efforts in Minnesota Long-Term Care Facilities to a variety of LTC COVID-19 vaccinators and asked them to reply by Wednesday, March 24, to indicate interest and plans for vaccination programming in LTC settings.
This document outlines five models aimed to deliver vaccines to LTC residents and staff. Each model has a set of core programming functions outlining roles and responsibilities for the primary vaccine provider (e.g., pharmacies, health system affiliated hospitals/clinics, or LTC settings) and the supporting partner (e.g., LTC setting). A LTC setting may be a primary or supporting partner, depending on the model. As the work progresses, we expect MDH to publish a list of organizations partnering as a LTC COVID-19 vaccinator through this initiative.
Notably, one of the available models would allow a long-term care organization to become a primary vaccine provider, but there are several conditions and requirements:
- As a primary vaccine provider, the LTC organization would have to formally enroll as a vaccinator with the State and would be responsible for all core functions – inventory management, logistics planning, vaccine storage and transport, vaccine administration and vaccine reporting to the Minnesota Immunization Information Connection.
- Organizations wishing to explore this option should have a minimum of 75 new resident admits annually across primary and affiliate sites, have access to affiliated sites and be prepared to serve as a vaccine provider for other LTC residents/staff in their communities.
- To ensure that vaccine doses are fully utilized, MDH will also consider the total number of doses a participating organization could administer in a given month.
We expect that MDH will only enroll a limited number of long-term care provider organizations in this model. If your organization is interested in more information about becoming a COVID-19 vaccine provider, MDH asks that you complete this pre-registration form through REDCap. MDH will review these inquiries to determine possible participation.
These five models are not meant to be the only or exclusive sources of vaccines for our settings. Rather, the models are part of a larger initiative in accessing vaccinations for LTC staff and residents. It is important to leverage all available resources, including but not limited to the Minnesota Vaccine Connector, primary care providers, health systems, community mass vaccination events, and so on. Also, as MDH launches these models and allocates doses from the State’s supply of vaccine, the CDC is preparing to send additional doses from the federal supply to participants in the federal Retail Pharmacy Program. Visit the CDC's website to see which Minnesota organizations are participating in the federal program.
We will continue to follow the State’s work to support COVID-19 vaccinations and will provide more information to members as we receive it.
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.
The change in the data over time indicates that some staff who did not participate in the first round of vaccination clinics are deciding to be vaccinated in the second or third clinics. MDH has set a goal of 70% staff vaccination rates, which will require additional effort now that the mass clinics have wrapped up. Resident vaccination rates have been high in both settings, with more than 87% of care center residents and 89% of assisted living residents having received a first dose.
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) continues sharing with LeadingAge Minnesota weekly updates of the results of their Covid-19 vaccination survey, as well as the subset of results specific to LeadingAge Minnesota members. As of last week, MDH had responses from 95% of care centers and 62% of assisted living providers.
The LeadingAge Minnesota staff and resident vaccination rates match very closely the statewide rates in the MDH report on all providers. Our members have 58% care center staff and 51% assisted living staff first dose rates, and our resident first dose rates are 88% in care centers and 90% in assisted living.
The MDH report also looks at regional differences in vaccination rates. The Twin Cities Metro area has the highest staff vaccination rates of any region, at 59% in care centers and 42% in assisted living. Meanwhile, the MDH central region, which includes St. Cloud and the Brainerd area, has the lowest rates at 40% in care centers and 31% in assisted living.
MDH is implementing some changes to the vaccination survey, including putting those providers with staff and residents above 70% into “maintenance mode” where they will only have to report monthly. They intend to track other providers weekly to see if their vaccination rates reach the 70% goal.
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.
Participants on the call will hear from a Nursing Home Administrator currently implementing the new guidance.
While this event is targeted to nursing homes, assisted living providers may find it useful as well, since the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has adopted the CMS guidance for application in assisted living.
Providers wishing to attend should register in advance for this Zoom call. Conference lines are limited, so CMS highly encourages you to join via audio webcast, either on your computer or smartphone web browser.
LeadingAge Minnesota will incorporate learnings from this call, as well as from MDH’s Wednesday COVID-19 call for long-term care, into a Frequently Asked Questions resource for our members.
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.
Due in part to our advocacy during the 2017 legislative session for additional funding for this program, there is approximately $1,450,000 available to distribute. The estimated award range is $15,000 - $100,000.
You can view a webinar from MDH, covering the application process and a detailed Q&A. Additionally, find educational resources that qualify for these funds in the suggested resource list. Please know that this list is not exhaustive, and other programs, including LALD, may be eligible. Annual, required, or continuing education trainings are not eligible.
Education examples include:
- Licensed Assisted Living Director (NEW!)
- Nursing school
- Nursing assistant training
- Trained medication aide training
- Dementia care training (beyond requirements)
- Dietary management
- Activity professional certification
- Social work degree
- Conference and professional development opportunities
- Therapy staff specialty certifications
- ServSafe training (to advance a person’s career, not as a requirement)
- Antibiotic stewardship training
- Wound care certification
Direct your questions to Carol Gronfor at health.hcbsgrant@state.mn.us or 651-201-3842. Members can also contact Jenna Kellerman at jkellerman@leadingagemn.org.
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.
On April 8, the call will focus on the application process and the Uniform Checklist Disclosure Form. The second call on April 29 will cover licensing of Assisted Living Directors and feature a question and answer period. Call information, including the call links, notes, presentations and handouts, are available on the MDH website.
To receive information on upcoming Home Care and Assisted Living calls, sign up with MDH.
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.
HHS has confirmed that roughly $24B remains in the PRF after all prior appropriations. For perspective, this is roughly how much HHS sent out in Phase 3 payments to cover expenses and losses for the first half of 2020. Congress did instruct HHS to use 85% of the remaining funds to cover lost revenues and expenses related to coronavirus incurred during the last half of 2020 and the first quarter of 2021. The survey will help determine whether that $24 billion will be enough to address those needs or if Congress should add more funding.
Congress did add $8.5 billion to PRF for rural providers in the recently enacted American Rescue Plan. HHS has not yet determined how those funds or the remaining PRF balance will be distributed. After both pots of funds are distributed, the PRF will end without additional appropriations.
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.
The EBB will provide support to eligible households with discounts for internet service for $50 per month, per household and a one-time up-to-$100 subsidy for a device such as a phone, tablet, router, computer, etc., for as long as the $3.2 billion provided via the December 2020 COVID-19 relief bill for the program lasts. After the EBB program ends, according to FCC staff, the internet service provider must allow EBB participants to remain on the program at the pre-discounted rate.
For housing providers with bulk internet contracts FCC’s guidelines for the EBB program, adopted on February 25, responded to LeadingAge comments seeking use of the EBB program by housing providers to support broadband provided to multiple dwelling units at a single address, such as senior living, apartment buildings, and federal housing units, that receive service as part of a bulk billing arrangement where the households are not directly billed for services by their internet service provider, but instead pay a monthly fee for broadband services to their landlord. In the EBB program guidelines, the FCC agreed and said the program will “make available the Emergency Broadband Benefit available in these arrangements as long as the [internet service] provider is approved in the Program and the household is eligible under the statute.”
The EBB program is not enrolling subscribers just yet. The FCC is putting finishing touches on the program and anticipates having public enrollment in weeks, not months, FCC staff said.
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.
This is an educational event for professionals who design, build, maintain, and operate hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities in the state of Minnesota. Among other content, this year’s agenda will feature an MDH Engineering Update from Bob Dehler on Physical Environment Requirements for Assisted Living Facilities.
Registration is not yet open, but we encourage your engineering, maintenance and environmental services teams to save the dates, if this event would be of value.
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.
Over the past 20 years, there has been tremendous change both nationally and regionally in the visibility and social acceptance of LGBTQ people. However, 80% of LGBTQ elders are still concerned their care providers will discriminate against them if they are out. With an estimated 48,000+ LGBTQ seniors living in Minnesota, researchers desire to scale the needs assessment statewide to better understand and impact this community's health equity.
JustUs Health and the University of Minnesota are looking for LGBTQ Minnesotans 50 years and older to complete the online survey to advance their research. The survey should take 30-45 minutes to complete and includes questions about family, friends, caregiving and services that older adults may use. It is open to everyone 50 years and older, and all responses will be anonymous. Their goal is to receive approximately 600 responses.
Please consider sharing the survey with the older adults you serve: bit.ly/MNAgingSurvey
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.
The burden of dementia on individuals, families and communities continues to grow, and the disease is a key driver of high healthcare utilization and total cost of care (TCOC). In the U.S., every 62 seconds, someone is diagnosed with dementia, and Alzheimer’s is the 6th leading cause of death. Deaths have increased 145% in the past 20 years, killing more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. In 2021, dementia will cost the nation $355 billion, and by 2050 these costs could rise to more than $1.1 trillion.
Speakers will include Dr. Carl V. Hill, Ph.D., Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer, Alzheimer’s Association and Matthew Baumgart, Vice President of Health Policy, Alzheimer’s Association. Register today!
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.
By qualifying for the Pinnacle Customer Experience Award, the Minnesota Veterans Homes have satisfied the rigorous demand of scoring in the top 15% of the nation across a 12-month average. The Minnesota Veterans Homes have received this recognition for the past four years, starting in 2018.
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.
A webinar on April 7 is designed to help you kick start that process into high gear so you can submit your application complete and on time. It will be led by Sarah Duniway, Attorney and Partner, Greg Larson, Attorney and Partner, and Wade Hauser, Attorney and Associate, Lathrop GPM LLP, Minneapolis, a LeadingAge Minnesota Business Partner firm. Click here to register.
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.
This continuing education program is approved by the Minnesota Board of Executives for Long Term Services and Supports for 4.0 clock hours.
Find complete details and register here.
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.
This year, the formal review and selection process has been waived. Completed applications that included a commitment form signed by organizational leadership will be accepted into the program.
Financial assistance is available for organizations experiencing hardship through generous scholarship funds from the LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation.
Find complete details and application here.