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CMS Reports on PennsylvaniaODP Consolidated and PFDS Waiver Services Available

 
On August 30 the PA Department of Public Welfare (DPW) Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) released ODP Announcement Number 113-11 on  Quality Strategy and the ODP Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waivers. The purpose of ODP Announcement 113-11is to provide an update on Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Reports and the Quality Strategy for ODP Home and Community Based (HCBS) Waivers. ODP says that on June 30, 2011, DPW received final reports from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on the CMS review of the Consolidated and Person/Family Directed Support (P/FDS) Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waivers. The reports are in accord with the CMS protocol to conduct a review and issue a report to the state prior to the expiration of each HCBS Waiver. ODP says that CMS continues to strengthen oversight of the waivers and has recently clarified and emphasized some important expectations for states. ODP encourages
stakeholders to read the reports in their entirety.
The report on the ODP Consolidated Waiver is at: http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/ucmprd/groups/webcontent/documents/report/p_011594.pdf
 
The report on the Person and Family Directed Services Waiver is available at
 http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/ucmprd/groups/webcontent/documents/report/p_011593.pdf

Home and Community Habilitation Proposed new Regulations

April 2011                          URGENT:  CMS Publishes Proposed Regulations on Community Based Services and asks for Comments by June 14   The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on April 15 regarding several key aspects of the home and community-based services (HCBS) waiver program. Public comments on the proposed rules must be received by 5:00 pm on June 14, 2011. According to CMS:    - The regulations CMS is proposing would, for the first time, allow states to target multiple groups in a single home and-community based (HCBS) waiver demonstration.Under current rules, states must serve one target group per waiver.　 The three target groups whose services could be combined into one demonstration are "aged or disabled", persons with developmental disabilities, and those with mental illness.   　　　　　　　　 - The proposed rule also clarifies what constitutes a true HCBS setting and sets out new requirements for "person-centered" care plans.   - Home and community based settings under the proposal cannot be located on the campus of a facility that provides institutional treatment or custodial care.The proposal also would prohibit housing complexes designed expressly for persons with disabilities to qualify as "home and community based settings."The goal of such waivers is to integrate people into the social mainstream with equal opportunities and the chance to make choices.       The NPRM can be found at:   http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2011-04-15/pdf/2011-9116.pdf

 

 

College options for individuals with intellectual disabilities

 

A national database called Think College is helping students with intellectual and developmental disabilities connect with appropriate post-secondary educational opportunities in the U.S. The information contained in the searchable database is meant to assist students, families and professionals in understanding the range of post-secondary education services available for people with I/DD and identifying new programs and initiatives. Check out the database http://www.thinkcollege.net/databases/programs-database?view=programsdatabase

 

Office of Developmental Program Service Definitions Proposed Changes

Below are proposed changes to the service definitions issued by the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP).  The public comment period for this draft ends on December 1, 2010.  Comments can be sent to:
 
ra-ODPComment@state.pa.us.
 
Some of these changes are significant.  The first document, which includes a summary of what ODP considers the most important changes, is set forth below.  Once finalized, ODP will be amending the waivers to incorporate these changes.
 
Feel free to contact me with any questions.
 
Ilene Shane
Disability Rights Networkof Pa
800-692-7443, x 302
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Dear Colleague:
 
Please find below the draft bulletin entitled “Service Definitions for FY 11/12 for the Pennsylvania Mental Retardation Program” (Word; pdf; cover page – Word; pdf) and related documents.The related documents were contained in the FY 10/11 service definitions.  Due to comments from the field regarding the length and redundancy of the service definitions document, the draft FY 11/12 service definition packet reflects changes to attempt to address those concerns.  These changes resulted in the following four documents.  #1:  Draft Definitions for Services (Word; pdf); #2:  Management Information System Requirements (Word; pdf); #3:  Relative Policy (Word; pdf); and #4:  Travel Policy (Word; pdf).
 
The following list is being provided to highlight what ODP considers to be the most notable proposed changes reflected in this draft.  It is important to note that there are a number of items included in the list below that are actually policy clarifications to the existing fiscal year 10/11 service definitions.  These items are included in the fiscal year 11/12 service definitions and will also be clarified in either a re-issuance of the 10/11 service definitions or in separate policy clarifications.  The items are asterisked below:
 
Supports Coordination:
·         Added TSM – Supports Coordination and Base-Funded Supports Coordination.
 
Home and Community Habilitation Unlicensed:
·         *Added language that everyone receiving and providing this service must be awake.
·         Reduced the number of hours an individual can receive the service to a maximum of 10 hours per day.
·         *Alternative therapies, sessions and lessons (i.e.; massage, horseback, aqua, art, music, dance, karate, etc.) are not permitted to be provided under this service definition.  
 
Unlicensed Residential Habilitation Services:
·         Removed this as an eligible service under the Person/Family Directed Supports Waiver.
 
Licensed Residential Habilitation Services:
·         *Added language that relatives and family members, legal guardians and legally responsible individuals, spouses, (including spouses of the individual, relatives, legal guardian or legally responsible individuals) may not be the host family.
·         Removed bed reservation and permanent and temporary vacancy information due to proposed changes within residential rate setting (Occupancy Factor).
·         Removed respite procedure codes related to residential respite (W9591, W9592, W9593 and W9594).
 
Companion Services:
Removed the word minimal from the definition.  (Possibly add a second level of companion service).

Prevocational Services:
·         *Added language that individuals receiving this service must have an employment outcome.
 
Supports Broker Services:
·         Revisions made to clarify the role of the supports broker and expand the availability of providers.  (Includes recommendations that were made by the Stakeholder Planning Team, Power to the People Workgroup)
 
Nursing Services:
·         Added language to clarify that Individuals can only receive waiver funded nursing services if they are age 21 or older.
·         *Added language that an SC must obtain a written denialto verify that the State Plan and/or private insurance limitations have been exhausted prior to funding through the Consolidated or P/FDS Waiver.
 
Therapy Services:
·         Removed Behavior Therapy as a service covered under the waivers.
·         *Added language that an SC must obtain a written denialto verify that the State Plan and/or private insurance limitations have been exhausted prior to funding through the Consolidated or P/FDS Waiver.
 
Respite Services:
·         *Added language that the regular care giver can be present in the setting in which the respite is provided.
·         Added language related to respite in a residential vacant bed.
·         Deleted respite ineligible procedure codes.
 
Assistive Technology Services:
·         Added a discreet list of eligible items.
·         *Added language that an SC must obtain a written denialto verify that the State Plan and/or private insurance limitations have been exhausted prior to funding through the Consolidated or P/FDS Waiver.
 
Specialized Supplies:
·         *Added language that an SC must obtain a written denialto verify that the State Plan and/or private insurance limitations have been exhausted prior to funding through the Consolidated or P/FDS Waiver.
 
Administrative Services:
·         Revised W0026; deleted W0027.
 
Family living:
·         *Clarified that a spouse may not be the host family.
 
Other Policy changes:
·         *Relative policy:  Added language that relatives/legally responsible individuals, who function as the employer or managing employer through an FMS, may not provide supports broker services to the individual who they are employer or managing employer for.  In addition, relatives, legal guardians and legally responsible individuals may only provide the services listed in this policy regardless of the capacity they provide the service (agency employee, provider agency, support service worker (SSW), individual/practitioner, volunteers, etc.).
·         Travel policy:  Added language that the provision of home and community-based services during travel is limited to no more than 30 calendar days per fiscal year.
 
This document is being forwarded to you for review and comment.  Your input will assist ODP in the completion of a final bulletin.  In order to assure timely review and revision of the draft bulletin and attachments, please provide comments via email to:
 
ra-odpcomment@state.pa.us with a subject line of “FY 11/12 Service Definitions”.
 
You can also provide written comments to:
 
Office of Developmental Programs
Attn:  Policy:  Service Definition Comments
Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare
Room 502 Health and Welfare Building
P.O. Box2675
Harrisburg, Pa 17120
 
Comments will be accepted no later than close of business, December 1, 2010.  All comments received by that date will be considered in preparation of the final bulletin.
 
Thank you in advance for your input.
 
Kevin T. Casey

CCIU is holding a Training on the Waivers

Saturday April 24th 10 to noon at Chester County Intermediate Unit on Boot Road, Temple's training partnership is holding "What is a mental Retardation Waiver"

see link for flyer

http://www.temple.edu/thetrainingpartnership/resources/flyers/waiverpt120100424_1.pdf

Grant money available for intellectual disabilities in Building Employer Relationships

 

Employment Mini-Grants FY 2010

 

“Moving Employment Forward: 

Building Employer Relationships”

 

Purpose

 

The purpose of this Mini-Grant competition is to encourage practices that promote employment outcomes. A total of five (5) projects will be awarded. Total grant awards will not exceed $5,000. These small projects are being supported by Philadelphia Vision for Employment 2010 as a way to enhance and improve successful employment practices through encouraging local innovation that positively effect the employment of Philadelphians with intellectual disabilities.   

 

Last year, the theme of the Mini-Grant competition was “Improving Provider Practices” and Six (6) $5,000 grants were awarded to five (5) Community Integrated Employment providers in Philadelphia.  Project outcomes included:

 

·         A New Marketing Brochure was created by one agency

·         Eight (8) financial incentives were given to staff for finding eight (8) job leads that resulted in paid employment

·         Internal procedures developed and utilized in becoming an Employment Network for Social Security

·         One agency generated an additional $4000.00 to support/supplement program operations.

·         Six (6) jobs were created through providing incentives to ‘decision makers’ at both small and large companies

·         A team based approach was implemented by one agency to support individuals in the employment process.

 

This year, the focus of the Mini-Grant competition is on “Building Employer Relationships”.  The intent of all proposed projects must have an immediate impact beyond one individual. We are looking to fund proposals that reflect an organization’s willingness to examine their current processes and to try new approaches to finding jobs and supporting people in jobs.  Projects can include, but are not limited to the following ideas and concepts:

 

• Collaborate with a business community such as Chambers of Commerce, Rotaries or other local business associations to promote employment of individuals with developmental disabilities
• Develop and follow through with a marketing plan utilizing “One City, One Vision” to increase employment opportunities
• Develop and demonstrate creative customized employment strategies
• Develop or enhance the individual assessment/discovery process through the creative use of situational assessments
• Collaborate with local community businesses that are vested in employing individuals with intellectual disabilities
• Develop customized entrepreneurial ventures (self-employment)
• Increase the awareness and use of Assistive Technology that will increase employment outcomes as well as independence on the job
• Develop a replicable system for gathering and organizing job development information
• Utilize strategies discussed by Denise Bissonnette in her book, Beyond Traditional Job Development and in her workshops to develop new business partnerships and create innovative job opportunities (e.g. employment proposals, entrepreneurial job development).
• Develop and implement a plan for coordination of services during non work hours in partnership with any or all of the following: individuals, families, businesses, supports coordination organizations, and community organizations.

 

 

Eligibility

 

All individuals and community organizations interested in the employment of people with mental retardation are eligible to apply. This may include, but is not limited to, providers of community integrated employment services and other organizations that work with Philadelphia residents with mental retardation (e.g. Supports Coordination Organizations, organizations providing residential support, as well as other types of community support services).

 

Support Available

 

Technical assistance will be provided on an as needed basis by staff from Philadelphia Mental Retardation Services and Networks for Training and Development, Inc., as  needed to assist in the development and implementation of your Mini-Grant Project. A maximum of $5,000 is available to support your endeavor. For additional information, questions, or assistance prior to submission, contact Julia Barol at 215-546-4307.

 

General Information

 

Proposals are to be submitted no later than November 6, 2009. 

 

Announcement of winning proposals by November 20, 2009.

 

Projects are expected to begin on December 1, 2009 and be completed by

April 30, 2010.  

 

Final Project Reports due by May 14, 2010

 

Projects to be presented at the Pennsylvania Employment Conference for People with Disabilities, June 2, 3,& 4, 2009, Hyatt Regency, Penn’s Landing.

 

Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

 

Proposal narratives should be no longer than three (3) pages, single-sided and double spaced. Budget information should be submitted on a separate page.

 

Organizational applicants must be 501 C3 organizations.

 

Proposals may be mailed, faxed, or e-mailed to:  

 

Julia Barol

Networks for Training and Development, Inc.

123 S. Broad St.

23^rd Floor

Philadelphia, PA 19109

                                                Fax # 215-731-0965

                                                Phone # 215-546-4307

      Email:  juliab@networksfortraining.org

 

Proposal Review Process

 

Proposals will be reviewed by a panel of individuals working in the Philadelphia mental retardation system. Panelists will review proposals without knowing the identity of the applicant. The panel may request further clarification, ask specific questions about your proposal, or request changes to proposals prior to making final Mini-Grant funding determinations.

 

Applicants will be contacted by telephone concerning the status of their application within a week after the submission deadline. Approved applicants will receive details concerning technical assistance available, specific documentation requirements, and the contact person assigned to your project.

 

Funding and Final Report

 

Approved projects will receive 50% of the project budget upon approval. The balance of the eligible expenditures, up to the $5,000 maximum, will be disbursed upon receipt of an acceptable Final Report. An acceptable Final Report will include a narrative describing the activities conducted, project outcomes, challenges encountered, and future opportunities. The product developed as a result of the project’s activities (e.g., tools, programs, promotional materials, etc.) should be appended to the Final Report. Also to be included in the Final Report is a financial summary that compares the actual expenditures to the budget that was submitted with the approved project proposal. Receipts for all expenditures are required in order for final payment to be made. All Final Reports must be received by May 14, 2010.

 

 

 

 

Request for Proposal Description

 

Project submissions should be organized in the three sections identified below: Applicant Information, Project Narrative, and Budget.

 

I. Applicant Information

 

• Applicant:
• Mailing Address:
• Contact Person:
• Telephone Number:
• Fax #:
• E-mail address:

 

II. Project Narrative

 

The Project Narrative should be no longer than three pages in length, single-sided, double spaced. Each of the bulleted areas must be identified in your proposal submission. Statements within each bulleted area must be specifically and clearly addressed in your proposal to be considered for funding.

 

• Primary Focus

 

A clear statement of the purpose and intent of your project

 

 

• Detailed Description of Proposed Project

 

Provide specific information about what you propose to do and how you will do it. Include specific activities and proposed time frame(s)

 

Identify a lead contact person for the project

 

Describe clearly and specifically how the project is related to the employment of people with mental retardation

 

Illustrate how the project will further the goals of Philadelphia Vision for Employment 2010

 

Describe the extent to which your project demonstrates improvement of provider practices

 

 

 

 

• Expected Outcomes:

 

Identify the overall goal and the tangible products, materials, events, and outcomes as a result of your proposed project

 

• Methods, materials, process to be used

 

Identify the resources you will use or need to achieve your project’s proposed outcome(s)

 

III. Budget

 

Submit Budget on a separate page

 

Provide a budget that justifies the expenditures needed to accomplish your proposed project. Match it to the description, outcomes, and materials described in your Project Narrative. Provide as much detail as necessary to justify your funding request.

 

Project funds cannot be utilized for administrative costs

 

Each of the following bulleted areas must be identified in your budget submission

 

·      Personnel Expenses (Staff and subcontractors)

 

Identify who will work on your project, how often, how much it will cost

 

Identify who will be responsible for the implementation of your project

 

Identify whether it will be existing staff time, new staff, part-time staff, or  

sub-contractors / consultants, volunteers, etc.

 

Identify the number of projected hours to be devoted to the project and the projected personnel costs

 

• Operating Expenses

 

Operating expenses must be related to the production of a tangible product

 

Eligible expenses can include, but are not limited to, materials, transportation, advertising, copying, facility rental, travel, purchase of equipment, etc