Walz Proposes Steps to Address Staffing Shortages in Nursing Homes

 Governor Tim Walz says he’s taking steps to address severe staffing shortages in Minnesota’s nursing homes and other facilities.

The governor says the state will expedite Medicaid funding to nursing homes and to direct support services for people with disabilities.

It requires federal approval and Walz says will make up to 83 million dollars available in state and federal funds.

he governor says nursing homes will receive a temporary five-percent average increase in state payment rates.

And if Minnesota’s action gets federal approval, impacted direct support services for people with disabilities will receive a five-percent rate increase from March through May.