I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Operational

The Policy Conference received excellent reviews. The highest rating was for the closing session, which was unfortunately attended by very few people. If you have suggestions on what will encourage people to stay through conferences, I'd welcome your thoughts!! We wrapped up before 4 pm, which seems reasonable.

I am finalizing three nurse consultant contracts for 2018. Connie will continue on for PCA questions only (we receive very few but this is a good transition and provides us with another benefit for PCA agencies. Vickie Brand be the Medicare Consultant, leading/staffing the team and creating member resources. Lores will continue on in her role. We are thrilled to have Vickie joining us!

As discussed at the board meeting, I am continuing the search for an Education Manager. Becky has agreed to continue her temp role which has been such a big help!

Thank you for the additional registrations for "Medicare Reimbursement at its Finest!" We had a significant increase in registrations and I anticipate being able to break even!

Affiliation Update

The Board Chairs, Execs and Olivia had a phone conversation last week and developed next steps for the anticipated affiliation (see below). We also learned that ALL non-profit members of LeadingAge must join the national affiliate. I believe we need to take this into consideration as we consider the membership/dues structure - particularly because NAHC and ElevatingHOME represent home care on the federal level.

  *   Jay and Mark will kick-off the governance development
  *   Gayle and I will work on the programming and staffing concepts
  *   The Treasurers, Olivia and appropriate staff will work on the viability model

I have shared with staff that LeadingAge MN and MHCA are looking at a strategic affiliation for post-acute providers, that it is anticipated staff will be integrated and that we do not have plans to decrease or increase staff. As we will look for efficiencies, their job responsibilities will likely change. I believe Gayle will share with her senior staff soon.

Advocacy
I received word that Nancy Omondi, Director of MDH's Health Regulation Division is no longer with MDH. I personally am disheartened by this as she worked hard to be more collaborative and enhance the communication with stakeholders. The Assistant Commissioner's email stated that "MDH is looking to go in a different direction with HRD." I will be in touch with the Asst Commissioner who is a former provider himself.

Please let me know if you have any questions!

Kathy Messerli
Executive Director | Minnesota HomeCare Association

2550 University Ave. W.,  Ste. 350 S | St. Paul, MN 55114-1900
Direct: 651.635.0038 | Main: 651.635.0607
Toll-free: 866.607.0607 | Fax: 651.635.0043
www.mnhomecare.org<http://www.mnhomecare.org/> | kmesserli@mnhomecare.org<mailto:kmesserli@mnhomecare.org>

Mission: MHCA represents and supports Minnesota home care providers committed to high quality home care services.

Vision: MHCA will shape the home care landscape to improve and sustain quality home care services.