St. Mark’s Lutheran Home is among nine Ecumen Collaborative facilities that will receive a combined total of $1.7 million to partner with local pharmacies on new medication management systems.

The projects are part of a $17 million effort over the next one to three years over a Minnesota Department of Human Services program to reward improvement efforts.

Under the Performance-based Incentive Payment Program (PIPP), nursing homes sign contracts with DHS to earn higher payments for implementing projects designed to make improvements in key areas.

“Minnesota’s nursing homes provide essential care for our parents, grandparents, and loved ones,” said Gov. Mark Dayton in a press release. “I thank these providers for the efforts they are undertaking to ensure all their residents receive the best possible care.”

PIPP is among several Dayton Administration programs that leverage the state’s purchasing role to promote quality in health care and long-term services and supports.

Projects approved at 95 nursing homes for funding from Oct. 1, 2014, through Sept. 30, 2017, include the following. Dollar amounts include a total of state funds, federal matching funds and private payments.