---

Happy Holidays from the IARF Team!

---

Table of Contents:

---

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE IARFUTURE LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE 2020
IARF is heading into its 5^th year of the IARFuture Leadership Initiative! This one-of-a kind program was designed to develop, train, and strengthen future generations of leaders working in not-for-profit social service agencies. The program offers eight day-long sessions and one conference mini module scheduled in concert with the IARF Monthly Meetings of the Membership and the 2020 Educational Conference & Expo to encourage participants to engage with other members and recognize the value of IARF and its mission beyond the program.
 
Why participate?
Through a series of modules developed by leading minds in the areas of organizational culture, strategic thinking & planning, decision making, use of data & analytics, and system advocacy, IARFuture class participants will learn and/or expand their skills to overcome organizational challenges, and innovate in a time of significant system change. IARFuture truly prepares the leaders of tomorrow!  Imagine the value of learning together and shared experiences – the networking opportunities to build professional relationships across sectors, the sharing of best practices and ideas to make our organizations stronger than they are today.
 
Who should be nominated?
Individuals within your organization who have exhibited the desire and capabilities to lead. There is no rigid age requirement for the application, and the Initiative welcomes applicants with a diverse range of background and experiences. No more than two applications per organization.
 
Click here to learn more and apply today! (Contact: Maggie Henley)
 

IARF NEW MEMBERS ONLY WEBSITE
We are very excited to announce our new, upgraded member management system database and website integration all designed to improve our services to our members!

The new IARF Members Only Portal offers:

• Access to members’ only information including ID/DD and Behavioral Health Provider Updates and Legislative Updates.
• Ability to choose which mailing lists you would like to receive communications and easily add yourself to a mailing list with a check of a box.
• Ability to post jobs FREE to our online, public Job Bank.
• Submit events to be posted on the IARF Website Community Calendar.
• Access to the IARF Member Directory, a list of IARF Members and Supporting Members and contact information.
• Integrated website, database, and accounting system which allows nearly instant updates to the member directory that include new members, and changes to current directory listings.
• Ability to view and pay your invoices instantly online as well as download copies of previously paid invoices.
• And more!!!

Behind the scenes, this partnership will enable us to more efficiently run the organization and provide our members with more membership value. Members should be on the lookout for additional features and enhancements to our membership programs as a result. Click here to login to the portal and start accessing the IARF members only resources today!

If you have not received your members only login information yet or need assistance navigating the new members only website, contact Maggie Henley.

REMINDER: NAVIGANT PROVIDER COST SURVEY DEADLINE
The Provider Cost Survey was released on November 18th and a training webinar, which attracted almost 200 attendees, was held by the Navigant team on November 19th.   Navigant has received 9 completed surveys to date, primarily from small (revenue less than $1.0 million) organizations.  The original due date was December 20th; however, as a result of significant feedback from the field that more time was necessary to complete the survey in addition to completing all other year-end reporting requirements, the due date has been extended to January 8th.  This is a hard-stop and surveys will not be accepted after close-of-business on the 8th.  Navigant will have a full report on the responses received to the survey and initial thoughts about the content at the January Ligas Rates Oversight Committee Meeting. (Contact: Beth Owens)

LIFE SAFETY CODE CHANGES EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1^st
The Life Safety Code changes will become effective January 1^st, 2020.  The OSFM has complied and shared fact sheets (Residential Board and Care Facilities and Residential Board and Care Facilities Addendum) that highlight the major changes impacting CILA facilities. The OSFM has indicated they will have an updated packet of information for Residential Providers in the coming weeks. Specific questions about the changes can be sent to Beth Owens or the OSFM directly,  SFM.Techservices@illinois.gov. (Contact: Beth Owens)

HFS NOTICE ON MOBILE CRISIS RESPONSE (MCR) PROCEDURE CODE S9484 CLAIM ADJUSTMENTS
HFS has released a notice that provides billing instruction to providers regarding procedure code S9484 for Mobile Crisis Response (MCR) to ensure providers receive accurate payment for this service. This notice does not pertain to claim submissions to HealthChoice Illinois managed care plans.

Claims for S9484 for dates of service beginning August 1, 2018:

Non-SASS and Adult Participants:
A system issue identified in the June 17, 2019 informational notice allowed claims to pay at $0.00; however, these claims did not appear on a remittance advice and providers were unable to check claim status. The Department has voided these claims that paid at $0.00 and providers should have recently received remittance advices identifying these voids (19C type of adjustment, reason message “3201 – Service Void”). The Department has lifted the timely filing edit for these specific claims through May 30, 2020. Providers may rebill these claims at their usual and customary charges for payment.

After identifying the system problem above, the Department held any later claims received pending resolution of the issue. After the issue was resolved, those claims being held were released and processed. In the interim, the rate for MCR code S9484 was updated on October 10, 2019, so those held claims may or may not have paid at the updated amount, depending upon the provider’s usual and customary billed charges. If providers need to replace the previously paid claim, the Department will accept electronic transactions submitted through MEDI or via 837P files to replace a paid claim, if submitted within 12 months from the original paid voucher date.

SASS-Eligible Participants:
If claims were adjudicated prior to finalization of rate updates for S9484 on October 10, 2019, providers
may need to submit replacement claims, if the provider’s usual and customary charges would prompt
the replacement claims to adjudicate at a higher rate. The Department will accept electronic
transactions submitted through MEDI or via 837P files to replace a paid claim, if submitted within 12
months from the original paid voucher date.

Claims for S9484 Received by the Department Between April 17, 2019 and May 23, 2019:
Due to an internal processing issue, the maximum quantity for this code was updated without a corresponding update to the maximum price. As claims were processed, the units priced to a lesser rate than indicated on the Community-Based Behavioral Services Fee Schedule. Any paid claims affected by this issue will also need to be replaced for accurate payment. The Department will accept electronic transactions submitted through MEDI or via 837P files to replace a paid claim, if submitted within 12 months from the original paid voucher date. 

The Community-Based Behavioral Services Fee Schedule is on the Department’s website.  Instructions for replacement claim submittal may be found in the Chapter 300 Companion Guide.  Questions regarding this notice may be directed to a community mental health billing consultant in the Bureau of Professional and Ancillary services at 877-782-5565, option sequence 1, 2, 4, then 8. (Contact Dan Frey)

EXPANSION OF SHORT-TERM STABILIZATION HOMES
Since 2016, DDD has funded four Short-Term Stabilization Homes (SSH) operated by Envision Unlimited and Individual Advocacy Group (IAG). The goal of the SSH program is to stabilize adults with developmental disabilities who may be in jeopardy of losing their community placement. The program works to stabilize the individual in the short-term stabilization home and then have them return to a community-based placement. Since inception, 70 individuals have participated in the SSH program and over 93% have successfully returned to community providers.
 
DHS-DDD has announced the expansion of the SSH program with the current providers. Both Individual Advocacy Group and Envision Unlimited will each open an additional two Short-Term Stabilization Homes. IAG will expand in the Springfield area and Envision will expand in the Chicagoland area. They will be able to build on their existing infrastructure to quickly expand in the second half of FY20. (Contact: Beth Owens)

DHS- DDD EXECUTIVE TEAM EXPANDS
DHS-DDD has announced that Jennifer Gentile, LCSW, will be joining the Division as the new Deputy Director of Clinical Services. Jen is a licensed clinical social worker and has a master’s degree from Loyola University in social work, with a special focus on administration. She most recently served as the Vice President of Programs and Interim Co-CEO at Orchard Village. Jen will oversee nursing, behavior and medical services and staff. She will also take a lead role in developing therapeutically sound policies, practices and procedures to better meet the needs of individuals receiving waiver funded services.

Other members of the Executive Team include:

• Kathy Ward, Assistant Director & Chief of Staff
• Tiffany Bailey, Acting Deputy Director of SODC Operations
• Bobby Gilmore, Bureau Chief, Reimbursements & Program Support
• Maureen Haugh-Stover, Bureau Chief, Community Services
• Mike Vespa, Supervisor, Program Development
• Andrea Medley, Supervisor, Strategic Planning
• Derek Hedges, Supervisor, Medicaid Waiver Unit

The Division hopes to have an announcement naming a Bureau Chief of Quality Management soon.  (Contact: Beth Owens)

STATE EMPLOYMENT LEADERSHIP NETWORK (SELN) UPDATE
The State Employment Leadership Network team was on the ground here in Illinois December 4th and 5th. They participated in listening sessions that included feedback from associations & advocacy groups, ISC Agencies, governmental leaders, 14c/CDS providers & employment providers. SELN will now take this information, coupled with information the Division has relayed and work by Employment & Training Subcommittee of the Ligas Rates Committee, to create a report in the next 60 days with recommendations on ways to expand competitive integrated employment. The Division’s goal is to expand opportunities for individuals with I/DD who want employment as well as support community providers with resources and tools to help develop supported employment programs. The Division also hopes to increase collection and use of employment data.  (Contact: Beth Owens)

FEEDBACK NEEDED FOR JANUARY DHS-DDD WEBINAR ON ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
The Division is planning to host a webinar in January intended to clarify what types of technology can be funded in the existing 1915c waiver and the methods of applying for funding for that technology.  The webinar will also address Adaptive Equipment, Home Modification and Vehicle Modification requests. The Division has asked IARF to provide questions they may clarify in the webinar.

We are asking members to share questions they have about requesting funding for:

• Assistive Technology;
• Adaptive Equipment;
• Home Modification;
• and Vehicle Modification.

Please send questions to Beth Owens, bowens@iarf.org by COB on December 31st. (Contact: Beth Owens)

CITY OF CHICAGO: MAYOR LIGHTFOOT UNVEILS NEW MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
The city of Chicago will create a new coordinator to help connect residents with city and community trauma-response services, one of several steps Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced Thursday to "better align" the city’s mental health services.

The plan is based on several recommendations made by the city’s Crisis Intervention Advisory Council and the National Alliance on Mental Illness Chicago. The city also plans to boost crisis intervention training for police and firefighters and further integrate data from the city’s public safety agencies to coordinate mental health and response services.

“Now, together, with these recommendations from leading local mental health and community organizations, this city has a roadmap towards building a citywide network of care where all residents have access to the mental health services they need and deserve,” Lightfoot said in a statement.

The plans will be paid for through the $9.3 million added to the city’s budget to expand mental health services. Of that, $1 million will go to increase trauma-informed training for street outreach workers and service providers. (Contact: Luis Andrade)

I/DD SEX EDUCATION WORKGROUP UPDATE
The Sex Education Workgroup Oversite Committee met on December 12th and the next meeting is scheduled for January 17th.  The Sub-committee working on curriculum is scheduled to meet again on January 9th and the process sub-committee is meeting again on December 16th.  DHS-DDD wants to ensure providers are aware they are not required to begin sex education on January 1, 2019.  As the workgroup continues to refine a process and curriculum, a timeline for a roll out to providers will be identified.  Next steps include IDHS building a web page that will host information and resource material and self-advocates across the state will begin participating in small focus groups reviewing the material that has been submitted by community providers.  IARF staff will continue to serve on the Sex Ed Oversite Committee and many members are active in the sub-committees.  (Contact: Beth Owens)

2020 TEC CONFERENCE
The TEC Conference is no ordinary event.  We believe in providing practical recommendations and affordable solutions.  We also believe in connecting professionals with the tools, resources, and expertise they need to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the people they support.  We've learned that the best way to accomplish these goals is by giving attendees a hands-on experience.
 
The event will be held on June 3^rd, 2020 in Naperville, IL. Registration is now open for attendees and IARF members receive a discount on registration. The discount code is available in the members only portal or you can contact Maggie Henley to receive the code. Click here for registration.
 
The call for presentations for the TEC Conference is now open. We are in the search for sessions that incorporate interactive, hands-on demonstrations around popular topics of interest.  Topic examples include (but are not limited to) the use of AAC devices to control voice assistants like Alexa or Google; apps that promote independence and community inclusion; and, mainstream off-the-shelf technologies that improve accessibility.  Speakers are highly encouraged to incorporate demonstration of the actual technology and to actively involve members of the audience in the presentation. Click here to learn more and to submit a proposal.
 
Companies interested in exhibiting at the Conference will have a unique opportunity that allows exhibitors to provide a five-minute presentation during each of the three breakout sessions, meaning that each and every attendee will have an opportunity to hear about what your company has to offer.  Exhibitors at the TEC Conference will have an opportunity to showcase their products and services to state and organizational leaders who are directly involved in promoting and exploring the use of assistive technology.  Click here to learn more and to sign up to exhibit today! (Contact: Maggie Henley)
 

CCBHC DEMO EXTENSION, FUNDING INCREASE FOR GRANTS
Congress has released draft legislative text of a deal to keep the government funded for the remainder of FY 2020. Packaged with the spending bill were a number of short-term health care program extenders, including an extension of the 8-state CCBHC demonstration for an additional five months, to May 22, 2020. The bill also provides a $50 million increase to SAMHSA’s CCBHC Expansion Grants, bringing the total allocation for CCBHC grants to $200 million.

Government funding is currently slated to run out on Dec. 20. A vote on the spending bill has not yet occurred, but we expect it will pass this week to avert a shutdown. The latest extension and funding increase are yet another sign of growing Congressional support for CCBHCs, thanks to advocacy from across the nation.

Although IARF was disappointed to learn that a proposed 2-year extension and 11-state expansion of the program were not included, the latest deal is still an important sign of progress. There remains significant bipartisan support for a longer-term extension and expansion. It has been packaged with other health care program extensions, with the expectation that spending on these policies must be offset by cuts elsewhere. Unfortunately, Congress has not yet reached agreement on the offset, meaning that the whole package of extenders has been pushed to May to give negotiators time to work out a deal. IARF will stay in touch about additional opportunities for advocacy.

Meanwhile, as CCBHC Expansion Grantees enter into the final year of their grants, IARF is pleased to see funding for these grants increased.  CCBHCs have demonstrated great success so far, and the next five months will give us time to continue to bring data and success stories to the Hill to advance our cause. (Contact Dan Frey)

NATCON20 YOUNG LEADERS PROGRAM APPLICATION AVAILABLE
National Council on Behavioral Health is now offering the chance to attend NatCon20, tapping into the experience of National Council leaders to present a Young Leaders Program exclusively for professionals under the age of 35. What does it entail?
 
Open to all young influencers, the program sets up youth for success through peer-to-peer learning, networking and special events, while granting them access to NatCon20 activities.  If you or someone you know is interested in participating, please fill out an application and submit it to NatCon.  (Contact Dan Frey)

NATIONAL DISABILITY INSTITUTE (NDI) FINANCIAL WELLNESS TRAINING IN FEBRUARY 2020
This project is funded under an investment with the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities. Over the next three years, NDI will bring resources to Illinois that have been shown to be effective in addressing the unique needs of the developmental disability community in achieving financial wellness.  A max number of 35 trainees will be trained each year; with over 90 Financial Wellness Trainers equipped to provide extensive training statewide.  Trainers will be paid a stipend to complete the modules.  NDI would like to train IL Partners in Policymaking members, Vocational Rehabilitation counselors, Med-waiver providers, disability organizations and self-advocates on how to offer the Financial Wellness curriculum within their organization or community.  Registration and more information can be found HERE. (Contact: Beth Owens)

ANCOR: U.S. HOUSE INTRODUCES TWO ANCOR LED INITIATIVES
ANCOR is thrilled to announce that on Monday, U.S. Representatives Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA) and Tom Emmer (R-MN) introduced the Isaiah Baker and Margie Harris-Austin Act. The bill would authorize states to reimburse, if they so choose, Direct Support Professionals' (DSP) time supporting individuals during short-term hospital stays. Additionally, U.S. Representative Steve Stivers (R-OH) introduced the SENIOR CARE Act (H.R. 5429), which would allow people with disabilities over the age of 64 to buy into Medicaid. Currently, buy-ins are only available for people with disabilities under age 64. ANCOR has worked on this legislation in conjunction with Ohio advocates since 2018. (Contact: Luis Andrade)

ANCOR: CONGRESS STRIKES BUDGET DEAL, EXTENDS MONEY FOLLOWS THE PERSON UNTIL MAY 2020
After negotiating over the details of FY20 budget appropriations all weekend, Congressional budget leaders unveiled the full text of a deal that would avert a shutdown and ensure stable federal funding until October 1, 2020. On Tuesday, the House voted on this deal in two “omnibus” bills: one funding the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, Commerce, Justice and various financial and science projects; and the other funding the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS – includes Medicaid), Education, Transportation, Interior, Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Veterans Affairs and Congress itself. The Senate is expected to take up and pass the bill before sending it to President Trump for his signature by the end of the week, before funding expires. (Contact: Luis Andrade)

NASHP: HOW STATES ADDRESSED HEALTH-RELATED COSTS AND SOCIAL FACTORS IN 2019
Early in 2019, more than 20 governors identified affordable insurance coverage and rising health care costs as critical policy issues that needed to be addressed in their state of the state addresses.

Highlighted below are some of the significant steps states took in the past 12 months to expand coverage and tackle health costs, including expanding Medicaid, establishing new coverage programs, transitioning from the federally-facilitated marketplace to state-based exchanges, and continuing efforts to rein in drug prices. To read the rest of the article, click the following LINK. (Contact: Luis Andrade)
 
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR THE 2020 ANCOR ANNUAL CONFERENCE APRIL 27-29 IN MIAMI FLORIDA
To mark ANCOR's golden anniversary, we'll gather on Florida's Gold Coast — to celebrate our community's accomplishments, to lift up what works when it comes to solving some of today's most pressing challenges, and to elevate our shared vision for a truly inclusive future. At this year's ANCOR Annual Conference, you can expect our best-ever array of sessions and networking opportunities, including:

• High-level plenary sessions covering our community's most pressing issues!
• More than two-dozen concurrent sessions!
• The presentation of the 2020 DSP of the Year Awards!
• Several networking opportunities, including evening receptions and breaks to meet our 50+ exhibitors!

Together with you, we look forward to celebrating and elevating during ANCOR's 2020 Annual Conference, April 27-29 in beautiful Miami, Florida — Register Today at the following LINK. (Contact: Luis Andrade)