Good Morning,
As a reminder, I'll be hosting a Community Day Services webinar this Friday, August 21 to discuss CDS and reopening efforts. We already close to our capacity limit of 1000. Do not delay in registering if you haven't done so. Also, questions are due in advance. Please submit at the email address below by close of business today.
The Webinar will be presented: Friday, August 21, 2020 from 1 pm to 2 pm
To register and receive a link to the live webinar, please contact DHS.DDDComments@illinois.gov with the names and email addresses of desired attendees.
CMS APPROVES WAIVER AMENDMENT
I'm happy to announce that IDHS-DDD received Federal CMS approval of our waiver amendment to adjust wages in the rate methodology by $1.00 per hour effective July 1, 2020 and $.50 per hour effective January 1, 2021. An Information Bulletin is forthcoming. There is no further information to date from CMS on the ICF/DD State Plan Amendment.
REGION 4 MITIGATION GUIDANCE
Region 4 Mitigation Guidance can be found online. As a reminder, if a Region enters into a tier where mitigations are necessary IDPH will release specific mitigations for the area. We have received clarification from IDPH that CDS providers in Region 4 are not required to make changes to their operations in response to the mitigations announced. ICF/DD residents, however, will not be allowed to attend CDS programs. We are currently reviewing options available to support providers.
CDS REPOPENING PLANS
Thanks to all who have submitted their CDS reopening plans. We've received approximately 1/3 of the total CDS sites to date. As a reminder, providers must submit their completed self-assessment tool after all sections have been marked complete to DHS.BQM@illinois.gov.
We are receiving some plans with little or no supporting comments or documentation. The self-assessment submitted should contain enough information to support an understanding of the actions taken by the provider to prepare for the opening. If the assessment refers to a facility Preparedness Plan, or other policies, please submit that as well.
While the Division is not approving the self-assessment the Bureau of Quality Management may be requesting additional documentation if a self-assessment has been submitted and there is a need for clarification.
Any provider that is currently open should have provided an operational plan for meeting soft opening guidelines. Please forward this plan to DHS.BQM@illinois.gov.
Finally, all individuals must have the Individual Benefit/Risk assessment (or similar) completed prior to return to determine appropriateness for return to CDS and this assessment should be on file for review.
ICDD LISTENING SESSIONS
The Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities (ICDD) is looking closely at Illinois and the needs of every person with a developmental disability to be able to live a healthy and happy life in their community. ICDD is looking ahead to what should be in their next 5-YSP which begins in the fall of 2021. In addition to an online public survey, ICDD is hosting a series of input sessions with various stakeholder groups. IL Provider agencies are invited to register to join ICDD for an input session specifically for providers! You can register here.
Date & Time: October 15, 2020, 10am
Duration: 1hr 15 mins
Facilitators:
- ICDD Lead: Mariel Hamer, Associate Director of Program & Policy, Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities
- UIC Lead: Caitlin Crabb, Research Specialist, Institute on Disability and Human Development at the University of Illinois at Chicago
Please Note:
- There is no cost
- CEUs are not offered
- The input session will be recorded For disability accommodations, e-mail Mariel R. Hamer at Mariel.Hamer@illinois.gov at least four days before the input session
Thank you for all you do!
Warmly,
Allison
