Illinois Department of Human Services
Division of Developmental Disabilities
Information Bulletin
DD.22.008
Purpose:
This Information Bulletin replaces policy/guidance previously given in DD.20.024, DD.20.020, DD.20.009, and DD.21.008.
The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) is committed to protecting individuals with developmental disabilities in Illinois during the COVID-19 pandemic. This communication is intended to provide updated guidance for the Home Based Support program, as well as guidance for providers who are authorized to provide Behavior Intervention, Individual/Group Counseling, Individual/Group Therapy as well as to providers of Physical, Occupational and Speech therapy, Self-Directed Assistance, Temporary Assistance/53C and Bogard Specialized Services.
Overarching:
The Division is clarifying and adjusting temporary changes previously allowed to assist agencies to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic. The changes are allowed only during effective dates as defined by the Division.
Documentation and Signatures:
- If an individual or guardian, if applicable, refuses to meet in person in accordance with guidance below, a verbal or email approval will be acceptable for a period of 90 days.
- The verbal or e-mail signature must be documented in the signature are of the document by including a date, time, how the signature was received ("verbal" or "e-mail"), reason for a non-original signature, name and signature of the person who is documenting the verbal or e-mail signature.
- Original signatures must be received within 90 days of the date the verbal or e-mail signature was received and accepted.
- Many form providers such as Adobe have the ability to insert a digital or electronic signature. A digital signature is authorized to be used when the signer uses a digital certificate issued by a certificate authority with the appropriate public key infrastructure (PKI). There are online sources for obtaining a digital certificate. As a reminder, a document can't be changed once the original signer uses their digital signature to sign the document.
Remote Activities/Services:
- It is expected all waiver services are to be provided in person since 7/1/21. However, there are some services where it is acceptable for them to be conducted remotely via electronic, by phone, and/or video communication in accordance with the guidance below.
- These services include Behavior Intervention and Treatment (56U), Occupational Therapy (52O), Speech Therapy (52S), Counseling - Individual (57U), Counseling - Group (57G), Therapy - Individual (58U), and Therapy - Group (58G).
- Individual/Family/Guardian/Provider Choice:
- Individual, guardian (if applicable), and family choices should be respected. Some individuals may choose not to meet in person. This may be due to the presence of household members with at-risk health conditions or for other reasons. The option of virtual services should continue to be available to families throughout all phases of the pandemic based on the choice and safety of the individual. This should be documented in the provider's notes.
- In the event an individual, family/guardian, or provider staff does not feel comfortable with a visit due to the conditions in a home or in the community, the individual, family/guardian should discuss any issues/concerns with the provider to determine if a remote visit is warranted. If all agree a remote visit is warranted, then this should be documented in the provider's notes.
- If a situation in the individual's home indicates a face-to-face visit cannot be safely accommodated at a specific point in time, the provider agency will work with the individual to find an alternate location, date/time, or method to conduct the visit.
- The ISC should be notified when remote visits are being conducted so they can monitor to ensure the individual doesn't become isolated.
Any time remote activities/services are provided instead of in person, proper documentation must be kept. Documentation must include date of service, start time, end time, individual(s) participating in the service, method for providing service, and reason service wasn't provided in person.
Individual Controlled Personal Support Worker Guidance:
- We suggest families continue to implement a health screening protocol prior to their PSW coming to their home. Refer to Illinois Department of Public Health Guidelines for more information.
Agency Based Personal Support Worker Guidance:
- We suggest families continue to implement a health screening protocol prior to their PSW coming to their home. Refer to Illinois Department of Public Health Guidelines for more information.
Bogard Specialized Services:
- If this service cannot be provided safely in person or if COVID mitigation level prohibits in person visits at nursing homes, the DDD expects that Bogard service providers will continue to provide remote support electronically, by phone, and/or video communications to nursing home residents. This exception remains in effect.
Resources:
Illinois Department of Public Health
Centers for Disease Control
Administration for Community Living
Self-Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center The information contained herein should not be considered a substitute for the appropriate official statutes, rules, regulations, or the advice of legal counsel.
Effective Date:
03/31/22
