September 10, 2024 IICEI Workforce Workgroup - Agenda and Meeting Reports

IICEI Workforce Workgroup

• September 10, 2024
• 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
• Join Via Zoom
• Meeting ID: 836 1690 5785
• One Tap Mobile: +13126266799,83616905785# US (Chicago)

Agenda

1. Welcome
2. Ground Rules and Expectations
   1. Review of norms
   2. Approval of minutes
   3. Introduction of new advocacy representative
3. Cross State Research
   1. Review of survey data
   2. Discussion
4. Future Planning
   1. Review of workgroup charge
   2. Determination of next focus area
   3. Additional concerns
   4. Information needs
5. Public Comment

Attendees

Minutes

I. Welcome

II. Ground Rules and Expectations

• Review of norms
• Approval of August minutes: Change needed on August minutes to reflect Ellen Shwatal's attendance. Motion to approve Susan Connor, second Tracy Cooper. None opposed.

III. Cross State Research

• Review of survey data: The workgroup reviewed the results of the statewide survey on the Cross State Research. There were 150 respondents from multiple disciplines and all regions of the state. Information was shared about respondents' views on the items' impact on recruitment and retention as well as quality of services. The items rated highest were also discussed.
• Discussion Topics:
  • Within the survey discussion, a number of other items surfaced:
  • Questions around the status of the new data management system
  • Questions around CBO handling insurance claims for entire state and what would be needed for this type of expansion
  • Questions about the capacity to implement current recommendations
  • The need for better understanding around everything that must be accounted for within the current reimbursement rate, e.g. missed appointments, travel time, non-billable work, etc.
  • The need for more education and information around the Explanation of Benefits (EOB) that families receive.

IV. Future Planning

• Review of Workgroup Charge
  • The workgroup reviewed their charge and discussed what takes after the workforce provides their recommendations.
  • Some changes to the program need approval by the legislature and the Governor.
  • Members were reminded that the workgroup's role is to suggest strategies for the Bureau to explore.
  • The final recommendations from the workgroup will be reviewed by the Bureau to see how they could move forward.
  • Discussion then took place around advocacy efforts from the Workgroup as a way to support the larger ideas they may recommend.
  • Zareen shared information about an advocacy campaign launching this October.
  • The workgroup would like to explore ways to recruit a diverse workforce and taking a look at other systems that are working and model after those systems.
  • Would also like to know what can be done to meet the needs of the families seeking in person visits.
  • How can the recommendations connect to equity work?
  • There was discussion around crisis funds and how those are being used. Would there be a possibility that crisis funds could be used to enhance services like EI that are already in place. Are there other resources out there that can supplement Early Intervention?
  • Discussion around a primary service provider model and what the impacts may be also occurred.
• Determination of next focus area
  • If recommendations include increased compensation, how can we ensure it's structured and consistent over multiple years?
  • May need to separate the recommendations into short term and long term items.
  • We want to keep in mind that there may be time sensitivity to items since budget planning starts prior to the new fiscal year.
• Additional Concerns
  • Live video visit issues/concerns.
  • Mentoring and how this might help with retention of new providers
  • Greater support for moving through the credentialing process
  • Data on Early Intervention providers leaving EI. Is there a trend on the numbers or is it a slow decrease? EITP is considering reaching out to those providers who completed their systems training requirements and find out what happened - what have been the successes, barriers and challenges, what could our system done differently to support them? If folks have input on the types of questions we ask those folks - please share your ideas.

V. Public Comment - none