Bill > HF1419

This bill modifies several aspects of nursing facility and elderly waiver reimbursement rates in Minnesota, with a primary focus on establishing new wage standards for nursing home workers. The bill introduces a "known cost change factor" that will allow nursing facilities to adjust their rates based on minimum wage increases for employees, and creates a new rate adjustment mechanism to support wage improvements for nursing home workers. Starting in January 2026 and 2027, nursing facilities will be able to receive rate adjustments to help them meet new minimum wage standards for different categories of workers, including general nursing home workers ($19.00 in 2026, rising to $20.50 in 2027), certified nursing assistants ($22.50 in 2026, rising to $24.00 in 2027), trained medication aides ($23.50 in 2026, rising to $25.00 in 2027), and licensed practical nurses ($27.00 in 2026, rising to $28.50 in 2027). To receive these rate adjustments, nursing facilities must submit detailed applications showing their current wage rates and a spending plan for implementing the new wage standards. The bill also updates how base wages are established, using the most recent Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and requires the commissioner of human services to update component rates annually. These provisions are designed to improve compensation for nursing home workers and provide financial support to facilities implementing higher wage standards, with most changes set to take effect in January 2026 or 2027, pending federal approval.

Labor and Employment

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF1419&ssn=0&y=2025