October 22, 2026 ACTION Newsletter

October 22, 2026 | Volume 41, Edition 41

TOP STORIES THIS WEEK

Minnesota knew how to innovate in care—It’s time to lead again

Audience: All members

Minnesota built its reputation for healthcare leadership by asking a simple question: Could we do this better? read more

URGENT—Medline recalls all brand beds

Audience: All members

Medline has recalled all brand beds, including homecare, and bariatric models, plus their hand controls, motors, accessories, and parts. read more

Safety alert—Xalirium Adult Portable Bed Rails recalled due to serious safety hazards

Audience: All providers

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced a recall of Xalirium adult portable bed rails due to serious safety hazards, including entrapment and risk of death by asphyxiation. read more

Become an Examiner

Audience: All members

Applications must be submitted through the Quality Award Portal by 5:00 PM ET on November 5, 2026. read more

Social Security announces 3.6% increase in 2027

Audience: All members

Nearly 72 million Social Security beneficiaries will see a 3.6 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) beginning in January 2027. read more

QUALITY

SNF Provider Preview Reports—Now available

Audience: SNF providers

The SNF Provider Preview Reports have been updated and are now available. read more

LEGISLATIVE/ADVOCACY

Laws that passed in 2026— Emergency response, disclosure, and staff training requirements

Audience: Assisted living providers

The law establishes new requirements related to resident emergency response, post fall response, lift assistance, and staff training. read more

EDUCATION

MDH to host Functional Abilities GG0130 and GG0170 training webinar

Audience: NF providers

On November 5, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Case Mix Review Program will host a webinar on MDS items GG0130 and GG170. read more

PAYMENT

SNF Medicare Advantage claims cancelled erroneously

Audience: SNF providers

Wellpoint Federal, the Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) for Minnesota, notified skilled nursing facilities (SNF) of an issue with Common Working file (CWF) MAO/HMO plan processing logic that caused certain SNF claims to be cancelled in error. read more

ASSOCIATION

Business partner highlight—HPSI Purchasing Services

Audience: All members

Since 1964, HPSI has been a trusted procurement and supply chain partner dedicated exclusively to serving the senior living industry. read more

NATIONAL

CMS releases guidance on HCBS Payment Adequacy Reporting Requirements

Audience: Housing & homecare providers

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released guidance on the HCBS Payment Adequacy Reporting Requirements, which was finalized in 2024 Access Rule. read more

CMS proposes MA, Part D rulemaking

Audience: All members

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a Medicare Advantage (MA) and Part D proposed rule implementing three specific Medicare program provisions required as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA). read more

STATE

Provider feedback on MDH surveys and investigations—September 2026 results

Audience: All providers

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) invites providers to share their experiences with surveys and investigations through its voluntary feedback questionnaire. read more

REGULATORY

CDC vaccine recommendations—What Minnesota providers need to know

Audience: All members

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has posted interim clinical considerations for the 2026–2027 COVID-19 vaccines. read more

Reminder—MDH Quarterly Skilled Nursing Regulatory Call

Audience: SNF/ NF providers

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is sponsoring a statewide Nursing Home Regulatory webinar on October 27, 2026, 10:00–11:30 AM. read more

Assisted living survey tip—Did the plan of correction stick?

Audience: Assisted living providers

When preparing for a survey, it is easy to focus on what is happening today. But there is another resource that can provide valuable insight. The facility's previous survey results and plan of correction. read more

The role of the infection preventionist in long-term care

Audience: SNF/ NF providers

If you hold that role, you are in it because you love the world of pathogens, or you were in a role within the facility that they thought would pair well with the role of IP. read more

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