• Thank You to Our 2019 Conference Sponsors & Exhibitors
• National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week
• Disability Community Mourns the Death of Marca Bristo
• Illinois Comptroller Issues Brief on Disinvestment in State Human Services
• HFS Long Term Care Rejected Admission Transaction Review Project
• Williams Consent Decree Update
• Updated Practitioner Fee Schedule Published by HFS
• Save the Date for NatCon20
• NatCon20 Looking for Presentations
• IAMHP’s Annual Conference Registration Open
• Mental Health Presidential Forum September 27
• 6 Weeks Until the 2019 IABH Conference
• Have you Registered for NASDDDS Annual Conference?
• State Representative Dan Ugaste recently visited the Marklund Hyde Center in Geneva
• Notice from IDHS-DDD: Change to Medicaid Reimbursement of Physicians
• IDHS- DDD Draft Bulletin: Residential Site ID or Change to Residential Site Rate Determining Factors
• Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley Calls for More Oversight of HHS Mental Health Grants
• DOL Posts New Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Parity Updates

---

THANK YOU TO OUR 2019 CONFERENCE SPONSORS & EXHIBITORS
Thank you to all of our sponsors and exhibitors for your support at the 44^th Annual IARF Educational Conference & Expo! Your support contributed to the success of our conference that attracted nearly 280 rehabilitation professionals who enjoyed advanced educational programs, networking and learning about products and services that can enhance their profession. With everyone including additional speakers, sponsors and exhibitors we saw a total of 350 attendees in Bloomington-Normal!
 
Sponsors and exhibitors are a vital component of the success of our annual conference by providing valuable information and offsetting the costs of the conference. The 2019 event results are starting to show that attendees had a great experience at this year’s conference, and you played a huge part in that!
 
We are excited to report that we are in the beginning stages of planning our 2020 Conference and will be sharing save-the-date details very soon! We hope that you will join us again next year.
 
We’ve enjoyed working with you this past year and are looking forward to continuing to work together in the future. 
Click here to view the 2019 Conference Photos
 
Click here to view the 2019 Conference Presentations & Handouts
 
Click here to view the 2019 Conference Exhibitor List
 
Click here to view the 2019 Conference Sponsor List

---

NATIONAL DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONALS RECOGNITION WEEK
This week, September 8^th- 14th, many agencies across America celebrated National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week.  Nationally, there are more than 3.6 million direct care professionals that provide high quality supports to individuals with disabilities every day.  IARF would like to recognize DSPs for their dedication, creativity, advocacy and commitment to ensure that people with disabilities have necessary supports to live, work and enjoy life more independently.  In addition, we thank Governor JB Pritzker who continued the tradition of Illinois Governor’s proclaiming this week as Illinois Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week! DSPs are vital to all services and supports in the
State of Illinois.  Thank you, DSPs! (Contact: Beth Owens)

DISABILITY COMMUNITY MOURNS THE DEATH OF MARCA BRISTO
Marca Bristo, a long-time disability rights activist and founder of Access Living, died at the age of 66.  Marca was at home with family when she lost her battle with cancer on Sept 8, 2019.  She was often referred to as an incredible leader, a visionary, a force to be reckoned with and relentless in her fight for equality.  Marca helped write the Americans with Disabilities Act, co-founded the National Council on Independent Living, she was the first person with a disability appointed as the chair of the National Council on Disability and was pivotal in forming the first fair housing program to address disability discrimination.  Marca made an enormous impact on the disability community in Chicago and the entire nation.  A public memorial service is being planned and will be announced to the public once plans are finalized. (Contact: Beth Owens)

ILLINOIS COMPTROLLER ISSUES BRIEF ON DISINVESTMENT IN STATE HUMAN SERVICES
Last week Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza published a brief on the impact of the last several budget cycles on social service providers in Illinois.  Titled “Mending Illinois’ Social Safety Net,” the report offers excellent incite on the role of the social safety net in healthy communities, the economic impact of service provider organizations, and the impact of the budget impasse on them:

• The social safety net sector employs 169,000 people, or about 3.5% of the state’s workforce, and has an estimated annual economic impact of $4.5 billion;
• While the fiscal year 2020 budget offered small increases, funding for human services as a percentage of the state’s General Revenue Fund is at a 20-year low, dropping from 26% in 1997 to less than 16% in 2017;
• After adjusting for inflation and population growth, state funding for human services fell by $4.4 billion between 2002 and 2010. Between fiscal years 2009 and 2014, Illinois cut funding for the largest human service categories by 23%;

 
Using both Comptroller data and information gathered from the Illinois Partners for Human Service, as well as discussions with leading groups (Ounce of Prevention & Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, Thresholds) the report seeks to capture the uncertainty damages of the impasse.  However, it also offers the recommendations the Office received from the groups they met with to construct the report:

• Fiscal stability is critical for service providers.
• Additional funds will be needed to make up for historic funding shortfalls and other factors affecting service providers, such as increased demand and legislation to increase the minimum wage. (NOTE: We believe additional funding will be needed as soon as January 1, 2019 to meet City of Chicago and Cook County minimum wage mandates);
• The contract reform to address equity, billing/IT issues, and administrative costs. The office recommends activating the Task Force on Human Services Contracting Act to review data sharing, contract negotiation, reimbursement rates, business processes, and timely payment. (Note: IARF has been appointed by the Office of the Speaker to this Task Force).

(Contact: Josh Evans)
 
HFS LONG TERM CARE REJECTED ADMISSION TRANSACTION REVIEW PROJECT
In the Provider Notice posted 05/16/19, long term care (LTC) providers were notified of a special project related to rejected LTC admission transactions.
 
Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) set up a process for LTC providers to inquire and follow up on electronically submitted LTC admission transactions that were rejected by the State without notification being sent to the LTC provider. From March 2016 through October 2018, notification letters were not consistently sent to LTC providers when an admission transaction was rejected. Therefore, LTC providers were unable to follow up with the State for an opportunity to reconcile the rejection.
 
LTC providers were instructed to submit spreadsheets of the rejected admission with the assigned transaction audit number (or “TAN”) to HFS through the LTC Exchange for this special project. HFS has logged the information and begun distributing the spreadsheets to the Department of Human Services (DHS) LTC Units (“hubs”). DHS will review each TAN to determine if the admit was rejected correctly and if a notice was sent to the LTC provider. LTC providers will be given the same opportunity for recourse they would have received if the rejection notification had been sent timely. If the State determines that a TAN was rejected incorrectly, it will be processed. To consolidate communication between DHS LTC hubs and LTC providers, each facility spreadsheet will be assigned to one caseworker for review and follow up.
 
LTC providers should expect to start receiving information requests from DHS regarding the rejected TANs. The following instructions were sent to DHS for the TAN review process. Please review the information below and make note of the timelines for LTC provider responses. It is very important that LTC providers return the required information within the prescribed timelines.  These instructions are specific to the review of the rejected TAN special project ONLY and DO NOT apply to regular processing procedures.
 
FOLLOW UP PROCEDURES FOR ALL TAN REJECTIONS WITHOUT A REJECTION LETTER OR TAN REJECTION IN ERROR
 
o   If the admit was rejected due to lack of screening or LTC services denied because requested verifications were not received. Send a manual 267 requesting the information needed to determine eligibility.
§  Allow a 45 day due date. No extensions given.
§  Continue to process eligibility with standard procedures.
·         If verifications are not provided, reject admit and send rejection letter to facility.
o   If the admit was rejected because the application was denied.
§  First review to see if the facility received the denial notice.
·         If the facility did not receive a denial notice or a rejection letter, send a rejection letter to the facility.
o   Allow 45 days for the LTC provider/customer to provide all necessary information for the application to be reopened. If everything needed was received, process reopen and admit.
§  Review to see if all necessary verifications were received for the application to be reopened within 60 days.
·         If so, process re-open and process admit if able.
o   If a verification checklist (VCL) needs to be sent, allow 30 days for the LTC provider/customer to provide all necessary information for application to be reopened. If everything needed was received, process reopen and admit.
o   If the application remains denied, send rejection letter to facility.
o   If admit was rejected due to no active case or pending application.
§  Review to see if an application was submitted. No timeframe guidelines applied for this project.
·         If so, process the admit as usual.
·         If application is denied or LTC services are denied, send a rejection letter to the facility.
o   If admit was rejected due to untimely filing.
§  No timely submission rules will be applied for this project.
·         Process admit.
o   If admit was rejected and no reason can be found.
§  Determine if admit can be processed and complete if able.
§  If the admit remains rejected, send a rejection letter to the facility.
 
If you have questions, contact the Bureau of Long Term Care toll free at 844-528-8444. (Contact Dan Frey)
 
WILLIAMS CONESNT DECREE UPDATE
The Williams Consent Decree, entered on September 29, 2010, in settlement of the Williams v. Quinn class action lawsuit, requires the State to provide residents of Specialized Mental Health Rehabilitation Facilities (SMHRFs) with the opportunity to explore transitioning to a community-based setting.
 
Williams Class Members are defined as Illinois residents with Serious Mental Illness (SMI) living in institutional settings (SMHRFs), and who with appropriate supports and services may be able to live in a community-based setting, such as a private residence, permanently supported independent housing, supportive living program setting, or supported/supervised residential facilities.
 
As part of the Williams Consent Decree, all Class Members are to be educated and informed about the opportunities that exist to facilitate successful transitions into the community and to be evaluated for the ability to transition, if they so choose.
 
Currently, the Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Mental Health (DMH) leads the implementation of the Williams Consent Decree, in partnership with the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) and the Department of Public Health (DPH).  Further, to accomplish this mandate, the Chicago branch of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) performs outreach activities in each of the SMHRFs and are readily accessible to residents should they wish to explore transition.
 
The Specialized Mental Health Rehabilitation Facilities Act of 2013 (“Act”) 210 ILCS 49, requires that, “[a]ny employee or agent of a public agency, any representative of a community legal services program, or any other member of the general public shall be permitted access at reasonable hours to any individual consumer of any facility, unless the consumer is receiving care and treatment in triage centers” and further notes that “[n]othing in this Section shall be construed to conflict with, or infringe upon, any court orders or consent decrees regarding access.”  [210 ILCS 49/3-110]
Section 3-108 of the Act also requires the executive director to “ensure that space for visits is available” as every resident “shall be permitted unimpeded, private, and uncensored communication of his or her choice by…visitation.” [210 ILCS 49/3-108]
 
In accordance with the Act, SMHRFs must identify a reasonable location for NAMI Outreach staff, Ambassadors, and Class Members to convene that will afford engagement opportunities without interfering with daily operations or privacy of the Class Member or other residents.  The SMHRF staff are strongly encouraged to establish relationships with the NAMI Outreach staff and Ambassadors to facilitate access to Class Members.  While NAMI Outreach staff and Ambassadors are encouraged to avoid disrupting the daily activities of SMHRF staff, they cannot be required to make appointments, and have a right and obligation under the Consent Decree to disseminate educational materials per the court order.
 
When NAMI Outreach staff or Ambassadors identify a Williams Class Member who is interested in being evaluated for transition into a community-based setting, a Resident Reviewer will conduct an initial assessment, which requires access to Class Members and their records.  If the Resident Reviewer determines the Class Member is appropriate for transition services, the Class Member is referred to a Community Mental Health Center (CMHC) for transition-related services.  Again, SMHRFs will need to allow these entities, as well as others in accordance with the provisions of the Consent Decree, to have the space, time, and access to Class Members and their records in a sufficiently private setting to allow full participation by the Class Member in the process.
 
If you have any questions, please contact the Department of Public Health, Specialized Mental Health Rehabilitation at (217) 782-5180 or DPH.SMHRF@illinois.gov. (Contact Dan Frey)
 
UPDATED PRACTITIONER FEE SCHEDULE
The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services has posted a new Practitioner Fee Schedule, updated 09/11/2019. You may view the new Fee Schedule here. (Contact Dan Frey)
 
SAVE THE DATE FOR NATCON20
Don’t forget to save the date, mark your calendars, and prepare for a whole of lot Texas at NatCon20, April 5-7, 2020, at the Austin Convention Center in Austin, Texas, the “Live Music Capital of the World.”
 
Please note the first day of NatCon will be held on a Sunday. Registration and housing will open in early September. To learn more about NatCon20, contact the Conference Team! (Contact: Dan Frey)
 
NATCON20 LOOKING FOR PRESENTATIONS
NatCon is known for ground-breaking presentations on the most significant innovations in finance, integrated health care, technology, and professional development.  Now is your chance to share your innovative thinking with a nationwide audience of your peers.  For NatCon20, the National Council is inviting leaders in evidence-based, data-driven research from across the behavioral health field to submit their bold, game-changing ideas that will:

• Reflect our dynamic community
• Benefit attendees’ professional needs
• Present learning objectives that are measureable and achieveable
• Demonstrate strong outcomes
• Inspire attendees to implement what they’ve learned

 
Submit a proposal to be considered for the general conference, the second annual Research Symposium, or the all-new NatCon Technology Shark Tank, where you could win $10,000.  Submit your proposal by October 4, or contact the National Council for Behavioral Health to learn more.  (Contact Dan Frey)
 
IAMHP’S ANNUAL CONFERENCE REGISTRATION OPEN
The Illinois Association of Medicaid Health Plans (IAMHP)’s second annual conference us from September 24-26, 2019 at the Tinley Park Convention Center.  The conference is open to Medicaid providers, health systems, and/or advocacy groups or business vendors in healthcare.  This year breakout sessions will focus on five areas: Health Plan operations, Best Practices, Healthcare Social Determinants and Social Justice, Quality & Care Coordination, and Transforming Healthcare.  Click here to register if you are interested in attending.  (Contact: Dan Frey)
 
MENTAL HEALTH PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE FORUM SEPTEMBER 27
Mental Health for Us, a non-partisan educational organization uplifting mental health and addiction policy, is hosting a presidential candidate debate focused specifically on mental health and substance use issues.
 
Below is info they shared for your reference. They will be streaming live on Facebook and are encouraging watch parties. Happy Friday!
 
“In less than a month, top presidential candidates will make their way to Iowa for the #MentalHealthforUS Presidential Candidate Forum on Sept. 27 6-9pm CST. Find out how you can hear what they have to say LIVE 👉🏼 https://bit.ly/33WIWB2
 
We’re bringing together presidential candidates and our community to talk about some of the most urgent issues facing the nation today: mental health and addiction. Candidates will discuss their plans and voters will ask their most pressing questions about these issues ahead of the Iowa caucuses. We hope you’ll join us!” (Contact Dan Frey)
 
6 WEEKS UNTIL THE 2019 IABH CONFERENCE
Anyone connected to the fields of mental health and substance use treatment and services should consider attending this conference. Representatives from all organizational levels should consider attending – individuals identified for the Physician Institute (primary care consultants, psychiatrists, other prescribers), executive, fiscal and clinical team members, community liaison positions, and staff identified for future leadership potential.
 
In addition, this conference provides an affordable learning opportunity for FQHCs, hospitals, law enforcement, court systems, advocacy groups, and many others. For the price of this conference, this event is a relatively inexpensive way to gain valuable knowledge! More information HERE. (Contact: Luis Andrade)
 
HAVE YOU REGISTERED FOR NASDDS ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Register for the 2019 Directors Forum & Annual Conference
 November 13 – 15, 2019
 The Westin Alexandria Old Town
Alexandria, Virginia
 "Linking Technology and Quality through Innovation in Statewide Systems"
 
REGISTRATION
 
CONFERENCE THEME
States I/DD agencies are increasingly devising strategies to enhance quality outcomes, including those related to the health and well-being of all people receiving services. As states continue to address new and complex challenges, many see an opportunity to increase the use of both technology and data to drive innovation and inform quality management practices. With this increased emphasis on using technology and data comes new solutions to address systemic structures such as HCBS regulations, incident management and to embed quality practices into the state's integrated and holistic approaches to supports and services.
 
This shift calls for a culture where quality is not limited to regulatory compliance and singular activities, but is instead based on continuous learning and improvement strategies distributed throughout the system. Using data and technology to inform policy decisions and performance improvement – all with an aim to increase a state's capacity to honor person-centered practices while balancing risk, quality of life and health and safety.
 
The conference will provide opportunities to:

• Hear from federal leaders about opportunities for integrated care as well as HCBS quality directions.
• Learn about federal efforts related to health and safety in HCBS and state efforts at system improvement in this area.
• Learn from state colleagues about state quality initiatives, including data and technology innovations and alternative payment strategies.
• Learn how quality-driven goals can be translated into clear performance expectations.

(Contact: Luis Andrade)
 
STATE REP. UGASTE VISITED MARKLUND HYDE CENTER IN GENEVA
Statement from State Representative Ugaste (65^th District):
 
“I enjoyed my recent visit at the Marklund Hyde Center in Geneva, which provides services to adults and children with developmental disabilities. During my visit I got to meet one of the community clients, Shanon, who welcomed me to the Community Day Services area! Thanks for having me Marklund!” (Contact: Luis Andrade)
 
NOTICE FROM DDD - CHANGER TO MEDICAID REIMBURSEMENT OF PHYSICIANS 
Effective October 1, 2019, this change will affect anyone who is enrolled in traditional Medicaid or dual enrolled in Medicaid and Medicare.  If a prescribing doctor is not enrolled with Illinois Medicaid, Illinois Medicaid will no longer pay for the service or item prescribed.  Examples of services or items denied coverage could include drugs, durable medical equipment, diapers or referrals to other doctors if prescribed by a non-enrolled physician.  There is a one time, per drug, override available in October by calling 877-782-5565. 
The original notice to physicians regarding this change from HFS can be found here.  The implementation of this change has been delayed twice but the policy change can’t be delayed again, or Illinois will be out of compliance with the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).  The previously issued notices to delay can be found here and here.
Physicians who are not enrolled in IL Medicaid can register in IMPACT to become an enrolled provider and after enrollment elect not to see Medicaid patients.  Once they are enrolled, prescriptions will be covered regardless of their election not to see Medicaid patients.  Patients who have physicians not willing to enroll as an IL Medicaid provider can call 800-226-7068 to identify a new doctor who is enrolled. 
Medicaid Participants with questions can call – 800-226-0768
Medical Providers with questions can call – 877-782-5565
(Contact: Beth Owens)
 
DDD DRAFT BULLETIN: RESIDENTIAL SITE ID OR CHANGE TO RESIDENTIAL SITE RATE DETERMINING FACTORS
IDHS- DDD has posted a draft bulletin for review and comment. The Information Bulletin notifies all CILA and POS providers of the implementation of the DD Division's Site Identification Number (DDD Site ID) and database for all residential settings.  Full Draft Bulletin
DDD is in the final stages of development of a Birdseye database to manage all rate determinations and monitor/manage capacity at each residential site.  When ISC agencies began using the Birdseye database to submit funding request e-packets to DDD, each residential site currently licensed by DDD was assigned a DDD Site ID.  To continue to implement the transition to Birdseye, each new residential site will need to have a Site ID assigned. 
In this draft bulletin, DDD released a proposed form for providers to complete to identify new sites in the database and obtain a DDD Site ID.  Additionally, the form is proposed to be used to notify DDD of residential site rate determining changes.  For example, the working capacity of the residential site is increased.
DDD has indicated that each CILA and POS agency will soon receive a mailing containing a list of their agencies CILA and POS residential sites with the applicable DDD Site ID. The DDD Site ID will be needed to submit future funding requests for CILA or POS services. A DDD Site ID does NOT apply to Adult or Children's Home Based Services nor does it apply to people only funded for day services.
Comments or suggestions may be sent to Beth Owens (bowens@iarf.org) or DHS.DDDComments@illinois.gov prior to September 23, 2019.  (Contact: Beth Owens)
 

IOWA SEN. CHUCK GRASSLEY CALLS FOR MORE OVERSIGHT OF HHS MENTAL HEALTH GRANTS In a letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar, Senate Finance Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) called on the agency to better coordinate federal resources to support effective behavioral health programs. Sen. Grassley urged Secretary Azar to implement recommendations from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the HHS Office of the Inspector General, and specifically encouraged investments in services to prevent and treat the effects of childhood trauma. Read the letter here. (Contact Dan Frey)   DOL POSTS NEW MENTAL HEALTH & SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER PARITY UPDATES The Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration has posted new resources related to parity implementation, including fact sheets on parity enforcement for FY18 and FAQs on parity and the 21st Century Cures Act. Find these resources and more on the agency’s website. (Contact Dan Frey)

 

---