Minnesota is implementing a new minimum wage for nursing home workers which will take effect Sept. 10, the SC Times reported Aug. 19.
Here is what to know.
1. The minimum wage is increasing to $22.50 for certified nursing assistants, $23.50 for trained medication aides, $27 for licensed practical nurses, and $19 for all other nursing home workers. A separate rule, in effect since Jan. 1, 2025, also mandates time-and-a-half pay for 11 holidays.
2. The change comes after yearslong advocacy from Service Employees International Union. The minimum wage change was approved by the state’s Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board in April 2024 and received federal approval from CMS on Aug. 11, 2026.
3. Nursing home industry associations such as LeadingAge Minnesota and Care Providers of Minnesota filed a lawsuit in federal court to block the holiday pay rules, and now have filed a suit to dissolve the labor standards board. They argue the unelected board has too much authority over labor standards and that nursing homes could be forced to close due to the changes.
4. The Minnesota Legislature appropriated an additional $37 million in funding, and the federal government will contribute a comparable amount to help cover the pay raises.
5. The Department of Human Services also plans to pay nursing homes a higher reimbursement rate retroactive to Jan. 1, when the pay increase was originally supposed to take effect.
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