Illinois Department of Human Services
Division of Developmental Disabilities
Information Bulletin
DD.23.X009
Purpose:
This Information Bulletin replaces policy/guidance previously given in DD.20.024, DD.20.020, DD.20.009, DD.21.008 and DDD.22.008.
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 Services program, for providers who are authorized to provide Behavior Intervention, Individual/Group Counseling, Individual/Group Therapy and for providers of Physical, Occupational and Speech therapy, Self-Directed Assistance, Temporary Assistance/53C and Bogard Specialized Services.
Overarching:
DDD is terminating temporary changes previously allowed to assist providers to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic. The changes were only allowed during effective dates as defined by DDD.
Documentation and Signatures:
- Effective October 1, 2023, verbal and e-mail signatures will no longer be accepted. If an original signature is unable to be obtained because an individual or guardian (if applicable) refuses to meet in person, the Independent Service Coordination (ISC) agency or provider agency will be required to continue attempts to get an original signature through other means.
- ISC and provider agencies are able to use software, such as Adobe, to insert a digital or electronic signature on forms required by DDD. 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 have been provided in person effective July 1, 2021. Effective October 1, 2023, all waiver services will be required to be provided in person. No services will be allowed to be provided remotely except for Virtual Day Services as outlined in the Waiver Manual.
- Individual/Family/Guardian/Provider Choice:
- Individual, guardian (if applicable), and family choices should be respected. In the event an individual, family/guardian (if applicable), or provider staff indicates a face-to-face visit cannot be safely accommodated at a specific point in time, the provider will work with the individual to find an alternate location, date/time, or method to conduct the visit.
Individual Controlled Personal Support Worker Guidance:
- We suggest families continue to implement a health screening protocol prior to their Personal Support Worker (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:
- Effective October 1, 2023, all Bogard Specialized Services will be required to be provided in person. Remote or virtual monitoring visits are allowed when a restriction is in place which doesn't allow for in person services. Remote/virtual visits are only authorized when the Nursing Facility is following safety protocols required by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).
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:
10/10/23
