Featured News
Your One Week Legislative Warning
On May 15, 2013 by Christian Knights
Hurry Up and Wait
Wondered why it seemed to go quiet for the last week or so at the Capitol in terms of budgets, taxes, spending and health and human services? Well wonder no more. Last week saw us face the hurry up and wait game as the health and human services conference committee was able to agree on very little due to the lack of a final budget target. Without firm budget numbers, the conferees adopted just two articles from a total of 16 in the 600 page HHS omnibus bill so far.
Home Care Regulation Reforms Approach Completion
On May 15, 2013 by Christian Knights
A major point of focus entering the 2013 legislative session was the issue of homecare and the way it is regulated. This reform has seen five years of input and development as the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) pondered how they can redesign the regulations to increase greater consumer protections and remain robust for providers.
The Final Countdown!
On May 15, 2013 by Danielle Hochhalter
This legislative session our members at Aging Services have done a remarkable job at advocacy on behalf of seniors and their caregivers. A recap on the legislative actions that our members have taken:
State News
CMS Gives “Conceptual Agreement” on Federal Match for Alternative Care
On May 15, 2013 by Mary Youle
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced "conceptual agreement" to a Reform 2020 proposal to provide federal matching funds for Minnesota's Alternative Care (AC) program. Loren Colman, Assistant Commissioner for the Minnesota Department of Human Services Continuing Care Administration, said DHS received a CMS letter on May 9 with this news and shared it with participants at the Partners Panel meeting on May 10.
MDH Posts Updated Documents for TB Risk Assessment
On May 15, 2013 by Mary Youle
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has updated two worksheets on its Facility TB Risk Assessment page.
DHS Announces Details of HCBS Payment Delay for June
On May 8, 2013 by Jeff Bostic
The Department of Human Services (DHS) recently released a provider alert about payment delays that will impact a variety of services in June 2013, including fee-for-service EW and other waiver services. Claims paid on June 4 and June 18 will be reduced by 20 percent, with the reduced amount repaid on the first July payment.
Federal News
OSCAR Data: Top 10 Citations for Nation, Minnesota
On May 15, 2013 by Darrell Shreve
LeadingAge has provided Aging Services of Minnesota with survey data from the federal OSCAR data system. The data include the most recent survey data entered into the system for each facility in the 12 months ending with March 2013. The national average during this period of time was 5.8 deficiencies per survey. Minnesota’s average was 6.3.
OIG: Updated Special Advisory Bulletin on Federal Exclusions
On May 15, 2013 by Darrell Shreve
The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) released an updated special advisory bulletin on May 2 regarding the List of Excluded Individuals and Entities (LEIE) and their consequences. There are serious penalties for employing an individual who is on the exclusion list -- up to $10,000 for each service or item provided by the excluded individual or entity.
CMS: ICD-10 Resources
On May 15, 2013 by Darrell Shreve
The deadline for ICD-10 transition is Oct. 1, 2014. The CMS website offers advice and resources for providers and vendors on how to plan and execute their transition to ICD-10, including timelines, checklists and fact sheets.
Notable News
Six Weeks to Senior Living NOW June 25-26
On May 15, 2013 by Heidi Simpson
It’s just six weeks until the new Senior Living NOW Conference June 25-26 in Brooklyn Center. It’s two days, two conferences in one event – the Assisted Living Conference and the Senior Housing Conference. Choose either conference, or mix and match to customize your experience.
Roberts Receives 2013 Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award
On May 8, 2013 by Jodi Boyne
Kathryn Roberts, Ecumen President and CEO, was recently honored by Minnesota State University Mankato with its 2013 Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award. The award is presented to graduates who have achieved high rank or honor in their professions, have a widespread effect on their communities, and are recognized for their achievements over the course of their careers.
Unleash Age: May is Older Americans Month
On May 8, 2013 by Jodi Boyne
May is the 50th Anniversary of Older Americans Month, and older Americans are being challenged to “Unleash the Power of Age.”
Member News
Johnson, Neff and Lundblad Appointed to Aging Services Board
On May 15, 2013 by Jodi Boyne
During its May 3 meeting, the Aging Services of Minnesota Board of Directors appointed Dan Johnson and Kris Neff to fill two vacant board positions. In addition, Jennifer Lundblad accepted a board position as a nonvoting member appointed by the board chair.
Registration Open for New Senior Living NOW!
On May 8, 2013 by Heidi Simpson
June 25-26 Event is Two Conferences in One
Registration is open for the 2013 Senior Living NOW – a brand new two day senior housing event featuring two conferences in one – the Assisted Living Conference for senior housing-with-services and assisted living and the Senior Housing Conference for independent residential senior living.
Lower the Cost of Nutritional Supplements? Yes, please.
On May 8, 2013 by Ed Smelser
Nutritional Supplements – the Hard Truth.
Nutritional supplements, such as Nestlé’s Boost or Abbot’s Ensure, are a necessary commodity in the long-term care community. These products are designed to make sure our residents are receiving proper nutrition on a daily basis. In a retail environment, Boost and Ensure typically sell for over $40 per case.
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