April 27, 2021 DDD Communication

Good Morning,

QUICK NOTES

  • The preliminary seven-day statewide COVID-19 positivity for cases as a percent of total test from April 19-25, 2021 is 3.5%. The preliminary seven-day statewide test positivity from April 19-25, 2021 is 4.1%.
  • Register for the Developmental Disabilities Waiver Revision Feedback Sessions.
  • If you missed the Assistive Technology & the Waiver: An Overview, Plus Remote Supports! Webinar and the Q & A.

SETTINGS RULE UPDATE

In February, IDHS issued a communication to providers of residential and non-residential waiver services regarding compliance requirements for the federal Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Settings Rule. That communication required the submission of an online provider self-assessment survey for each applicable site a provider operates (where HCBS waiver-funded services are being provided). In the case of agency-controlled sites, providers were required to submit additional documentation to demonstrate the physical location of the site and whether it is integrated into the community.

The survey process was one of a number of additional, interim steps states are required to complete to come into compliance with the Settings Rule, per the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Specifically, for this step, by March 31, 2021, states were to submit sites

  1. located in the same building as a public or private institution; or
  2. on the grounds of or adjacent to a public institution.

The underlined sections are to emphasize that this review did not include settings that were on the grounds of, or adjacent to, a private institution.

In the coming days, each provider's Executive Director or CEO and the staff that submitted the surveys, will receive a listing of all reviewed sites. DDD is doing this to notify providers of the current status of each of the sites submitted as well as to seek confirmation that IDHS has a comprehensive list of all applicable waiver settings. Providers should:

  • Carefully review the list
  • Make needed corrections to addresses, program types, and ownership, as needed
  • Submit additional documentation to demonstrate the site's proximity to public or private institutional settings, as needed

A response is needed within 3 business days of the date the list is sent by DDD. Because of the quick turnaround, it is imperative that providers have a process in place to monitor emails to ensure receipt and a prompt response. Following review, providers are asked to submit confirmation of the review and any corrections to DHS.HCBS@illinois.gov.  If there are questions concerning this process, please direct them to DHS.HCBS@illinois.gov.

Additional information regarding Settings Rule compliance is forthcoming. Please be on the lookout in future DDD Communications.

UPDATED CDS GUIDANCE

Over the past several weeks the division has been working with IDPH to update our CDS guidance which we plan to release this week. The guidance will lift capacity restrictions, provide new guidance on masking in line with IDHR guidelines and provide more flexibility to support individual's return to CDS.

APPENDIX K CHANGES

The Division is in the process of reviewing the flexibilities we have provided to our waiver(s) through Appendix K. Of the flexibilities currently in place, we are highlighting the two below as providers requested at least 60 days' notice for major changes. We wanted to provide notification prior to the guidance coming out in Information Bulletins this week.

  • ISC Visits: The DDD will be asking our ISCs to begin conducting face to face visits again. If an individual, or their family, has concerns with someone coming into their home, we will still allow ISC services to be conducted remotely. This will be documented by the ISC.
  • AT-Home Day (37U): The DDD will no longer be automatically approving 37U for everyone in an adult residential habilitation (CILA or CLF) setting effective July 1, 2021. If an individual wants to continue to receive 37U services, they will be allowed to request 37U through the prior approval process. The decision to continue 37U must be specific to the individual and must meet their wants and desires. The individual, provider and ISC will work together to request 37U through the prior approval process. For individuals who were authorized 37U prior to the COVID pandemic, they will continue to be authorized 37U without having to request it.

We understand individuals and providers may have feedback on this change and/or timeline. Please reach out directly to Derek Hedges at Derek.Hedges@Illinois.gov with feedback. If there is interest, we can also host a call to discuss.

Thank you for all you do!

Warmly,

  • Allison V. Stark
  • Director, Division of Developmental Disabilities
  • Illinois Department of Human Services
  • 600 East Ash-Building 400, Springfield, IL 62703
  • Tel: (217) 782 -6803

The information contained herein should not be considered a substitute for the appropriate official statutes, rules, regulations, or the advice of legal counsel.

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