Elder Abuse Report
As expected the Governor's Consumer Workgroup has published its report and calls for significant changes in HWS/AL, with implications for home care. The true impact for home care will depend on what recommendations are acted on. Attached is the report with some of the specific home care references highlighted. We will need to be prepared to respond to recommended changes this upcoming session so I ask that you review this report and consider how we might respond to the recommendations. If we want the Legislative Team to recommend a position, we may need to be prepared to act quickly via a conference call. I do  not know how this will all play out.

Advocacy
We are making progress with the licensure language and hope to have a final meeting with MDH to review the latest draft. Kevin is also working with DHS on the Start of Care rate (we'll be seeking more specific rate input from the Leg Team this upcoming week).

PAC
The PAC met yesterday and voted David Hancox, Accra, in as Chair. Greg Von Arx was not present and agreed to join as a member but have David take the lead. I believe David will be excellent in this role and look forward to working with him!

Commissioner of Health
The Governor has appointed Jan Malcom as the new Commissioner of Health, replacing Dr. Ehlinger. Jan serves as Secretary at BCBSM, Inc. and previously served as the CEO of Courage Center. She was health commissioner under Gov. Jesse Ventura. Kevin was the HHS Committee Chair at that time and worked closely with her. I've heard many positive accolades about Jan and Kevin assures me she works in a  collaborative fashion.

Operational
Becky Tschida has wrapped up her temporary work with us and Melissa is ramping up for the Annual Meeting.

Membership
We have made good progress with membership! We are now ahead of where we were last year at this time. Although there is a loss of $1,300 due to the agencies rolling up into one organization (we appear to have lost 7 agencies due to this change), the overall gain with our new dues structure is $17,600. to-date. Annie has created a wonderful analysis which I will share at the March meeting.

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.

[2018 AM]