The Division of Developmental Disabilities conducts a quality review of all new providers during the agency's first year of providing direct services. These quality reviews suggest a potential benefit for additional supports for providers early in their operations so that policies, procedures, and practices are in place to better ensure that quality services meet contractual obligations and waiver expectations. This information bulletin outlines the role of the Division of Developmental Disabilities' Bureau of Quality Management in these efforts.
Upon receipt of notice that a new provider has been issued a license, certified as a provider, intiated new provider enrollment forms, or issued a DHS contract to provide direct services, a representative of the Bureau of Quality Management Quality Review Section will make phone contact with the Executive Director or designee. The purpose of this initial contact will be to:
Following the initial phone consultation, a separate contact will be made by a Bureau of Quality Management, Quality Enhancement Section (QES) representative to review:
As award letters are issued to providers, a letter will be sent to the new provider agency's Executive Director requesting a copy of the implementation strategy and supporting documents for each person receiving services. Representatives from the Bureau of Quality Management will review the implementation strategy and provide assistance, as needed, to the provider's representatives to facilitate revision of the strategy to ensure it meets all requirements.
Approximately three to four months following enrollment of the first consumer, the Bureau of Quality Management will make contact with the new provider to offer an optional "mock" review. The mock review will be conducted on dates scheduled in advance with the provider, usually 6-8 months following enrollment of the first consumer. Upon completion of the review, Bureau representatives will assist the provider to identify and develop actions needed to address areas not in full compliance with contractual and waiver expectations. QES will provide additional follow-up in areas of training requirements, staff qualifications, or issues related to the Health Care Worker Registry, DPH Health Alert Network, DSP training registry or any at hire or annually required registry clearances as needed based on the Mock Review outcome. Scores from mock reviews will not be posted on the DHS website.
As needed, new providers may contact the Division by phone or email for assistance and consultation. Although, this information bulletin is specific to providing new provider support, any provider may contact the Bureau of Quality Management for on-going support for any service related issue.
This mock review process is available to all providers who begin enrollment on or after July 1, 2014. This process is provided free of charge to the provider agencies.
Bureau of Quality Management may be contacted via:
Illinois Department of Human ServicesJB Pritzker, Governor · Dulce M. Quintero, Secretary
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IDHS Help Line 1-800-843-6154 1-866-324-5553 TTY
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