The Aging and Adult Services Division (AASD) and Disability Services Division (DSD) have released their latest batch of weekly updates, a communication staple for those involved with the welfare of our aging population and individuals with disabilities. Tuesday's announcement sheds light on key policy adjustments and new training opportunities for care providers, assessors, and case managers, according to the Minnesota Department of Human Services.
For teams working with AASD, critical changes to the Alternative Care (AC) and Essential Community Supports (ECS) eligibility worksheets were outlined. In a move meant to stay current with shifting federal standards, the DHS has revised these resources to mirror the annual updates to income and eligibility criteria, effective as of January 1, as per the Minnesota Department of Human Services. This ensures that aid reaches those in true need, based on the most current federal guidelines. Over in the DSD department, we see the Rates Management System (RMS) Worksheet – specifically for Day and Employment Services, DHS-6790M – now features additional input fields to gather more comprehensive data from service providers.
Additionally, the first phase of the interagency employment supports alignment study, a collaborative effort between the DHS and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), vocational rehabilitation services (VRS), has been completed. This report will, presumably, offer insights into how employment supports can be more effectively synchronized to the benefit of those they serve.
In terms of professional development, the DHS has announced a series of training sessions titled "2026 Culture of Safety Three-Day Advanced Practical Trainings." These events are geared towards those with a stake in safety and compliance, such as 245D-licensed providers and agency leaders. With sessions planned for March, July, and October, the trainings promise in-depth explorations of safety culture in care settings. Interested parties can find more details and registration information on the DHS bulletin page.
