A MESSAGE FROM IARF & IABH
As we enter the first full week of a new decade and the quickly approaching 2020 spring legislative Session, we move forward with an exciting announcement on IABH and IARF’s continued collaborative efforts to increase access to community-based behavioral health services and supports in Illinois. Under the leadership of IABH CEO Sara Howe and IARF President/CEO Josh Evans, the behavioral policy staff of both Associations will fully coordinate legislative and policy advocacy for the 2020 Session. Whereas in the past few years, both organizations have mutually supported legislative and policy initiatives, in 2020 our teams will work hand in hand in communications and strategy execution at the Statehouse and working with Governor Pritzker’s Administration. We believe this unprecedented level of coordination between IABH and IARF will improve both the timeliness and quality of advocacy and policy information we communicate to members AND will enhance the success of our mutually shared goals.
Starting this month, you will begin to see this collaboration in action, as we coordinate updates to members and participate in joint meetings and activities on behavioral health policy items. As we continue into the first quarter of 2020, members attending meetings will be introduced to the staff of each organization so you will be familiar with our respective teams. As we move forward together, we understand both IABH and IARF are separate and distinct organizations with policy objectives that align with our individual missions – IABH representing addiction and mental health providers, and IARF representing mental health providers as well as intellectual/developmental disability service providers. As such, we want to assure you this strategic partnership will enhance our abilities to achieve shared outcomes, while ensuring YOUR voices and priorities are well represented by your Association.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. We look forward to a productive and successful 2020 legislative Session! (Contact: Josh Evans)
APPLY TODAY FOR IARFUTURE 2020
IARF is heading into its 5th 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)
FLSA INCREASED SALARY WEBINAR – JANUARY 16TH
Next Thursday, The Horton Group will host a webinar on the DOL Final Rule changes that took effect Jan. 1, 2020. The US Departement of Labor Final Rul increasing the minimum salary requirements under the Fair Labor Standards Act and redefining exempt vs. non-exempt. Many employers are now realizing that the duties aspect of their exemption analysis are flawed, and regardless of salary, the employees were not truly exempt. Join us for a program to learn more about:
- Overview of the DOL increase to the salary basis requirement for overtime exemptions
- Back to Basics:
- Definitions of exempt, non-exempt, and salaried non-exempt
- FLSA Exemptions
- Duties Test
- Salary Basis Test
- How to address the DOL increase to the salary basis requirement for overtime exemptions
FLSA Increased Salary January 2020 Webinar
January 16th │ 10:00 AM – 10:40 AM (CST)
Presented by: Violet M. Clark
Click here to register. (Contact: Maggie Henley)
DHS-DDD PUBLISHES FAQ ON FORTHCOMING RATE INCREASE FOR I/DD SERVICES
On 1/10/20 this following Q&A’s were released by IDHS-DDD. An official Information Bulletin will be released once they have received approval and are able to move forward with the rate increase. This Q & A has been sent out in advance to allow providers to begin the planning process. While the Division is establishing an expectation that providers invest in workforce, it is not the Association’s view that the language in the FAQ requires a direct wage pass through to all DSPs. IARF will host a zoom meeting to discuss this Q & A next week. Details for that meeting will be sent to the I/DD Committee directly.
A link to the text of the FAQ can be found here.
(Contact: Beth Owens)
2020 TEC CONFERENCE CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS
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 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 today.
The event will be held on June 3rd, 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.
HFS RELEASES UNIVERSAL PDL GRANDFATHERING NOTICE
HFS has issued a notice that provides additional guidance relating to the Department’s managed care organizations’ (MCOs) adoption of the Department’s Preferred Drug List (PDL) beginning January 1, 2020. As part of the MCOs’ transition to the Department’s PDL, patients will be allowed to continue existing drug therapies in specified drug classes, if the current drug is changing to non-preferred status.
By informational notice dated December 19, 2019, providers were advised that beginning January 1, 2020, all MCOs will be required to adopt the Department’s PDL. The MCOs will align their drug coverage with the Department’s so that they and the Department’s fee-for-service program have the same preferred and non-preferred products listed on their PDLs.
Participants currently enrolled in an MCO and stabilized on medications in the drug classes previously released, which includes behavioral health drugs, will be grandfathered for an initial one-year period. After the initial one-year period, renewals may be granted if the patient is still on the medication and still stable. Each MCO is responsible for devising a strategy to implement this policy.
Questions regarding this notice may be directed to the Bureau of Professional and Ancillary Services at 877-782-5565, or to the applicable MCO. (Contact Dan Frey)
DMH STATEWIDE CALL “RECOVERY & EMPOWERMENT” JANUARY 23
Please join DMH’s monthly statewide call on January 23, 2020 for their first Recovery & Empowerment Statewide Call for 2020! The theme this year is "2020 Vision for Ourselves!” These educational forums place an emphasis on sharing successful tools and strategies for wellness. This month's focus is "Seeing and Appreciating Diversity!”
ABOUT THIS MONTH'S CALL:
DATE: January 23, 2020
TIME: 10:00am - 11:00am
TOPIC: Seeing and Appreciating Diversity
OBJECTIVES: Participants will learn: How to identify what makes up your cultural identity; Three steps to staying open to differences; Ways to get to know a person despite cultural differences; Tools that can help us connect with others.
DIAL-IN NUMBER: 1-844-867-6167 [Note: New number and access code required for 2020]
ACCESS CODE: 4360050
MEETING TITLE: Recovery & Empowerment Statewide Call
SPEAKERS: Cindy Mayhew, Tanya Cooley, and Amy Foster
(Contact Dan Frey)
DHS TELECONFERENCE ON CMHC AND CSP CERTIFICATION PROCESS JANUARY 23
The Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health, will be presenting a teleconference presentation via WebEx on January 23rd, 2020, on the certification process for CMHCs and CSPs in accordance with Part 132 (effective January 1st, 2019). This presentation also will cover other topics such as adding or changing specialties/subspecialties and what to do when there has been a change in funding source. The presentation will start promptly at 1 p.m. and is anticipated to last 50 minutes.
A copy of the presentation slides (with player) and the notes will be available on the Department’s Rule 132 website following the presentation if unable to attend.
To reserve your place, please access the registration address below:
https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/onstage/g.php?MTID=e8749396814ad17160e322ded125eda21
Select “Register” under “Event Status”
(Contact Dan Frey)
IAMHP MONTHLY LUNCH & LEARN SERIES ANNOUNCED
This week, the Illinois Association of Medicaid Health Plans (IAMHP) announced their inaugural Lunch and Learn webinar series. Join IAMHP every month, from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm to learn something new about the Medicaid program.
The 2020 Lunch & Learn Calendar
January 22 | ORP and Single PDL
February 26 | Rosters
March 25 | General Billing and IAMHP Resources
April 22 | Inpatient Billing
May 13 | FQHCs
June 24 | Roster
July 22 | Long Term Care Billing
August 26 | Pediatrician Billing
September 23 | General Billing and IAMHP Resources
October 21 | Outpatient Billing
November 18 | Value Based Care
December 16 | Utilization Management
The inaugural January 22 Lunch and Learn Webinar on ORP and the Single PDL will be FREE for all attendees.
Register for IAMHP Lunch & Learn - ORP and Single PDL on Jan 22, 2020 12:00 PM CST at:
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4702345553618169357
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. (Contact Dan Frey)
JOINT ILLINOIS HOUSE AND SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE PUBLIC HEARING ON SECLUSION
Educators testifying before Illinois lawmakers Tuesday urged an end to the practice of secluding students inside small rooms but said it would take a cultural shift as well as a new law to end years of misuse.
At the first legislative hearing on two reform bills — one in the House, one in the Senate — educators and advocates also pointed to the need for state officials to hold schools accountable and require robust training for employees. For more information on the public hearing, see the following LINK. (Contact: Luis Andrade)
CHICAGO TRIBUNE PUBLISHES ARTICLE ON PUNS WAITING LIST
In January 9, the Chicago Tribune published a story entitled ‘Even with a court order, families struggle to find services for developmentally disabled adults: ‘We have great programs, you just can’t get into them.’ Nearly 20,000 people with disabilities in Illinois are on a waiting list to receive state aid after they age out of the state’s public education system, the Tribune reported last month. Most wait years before they are selected. While the state is working to reduce the wait time by making funding more readily available, many people are still being left in limbo. Once they are off the list, some like Jason, are being turned away by programs that don’t have enough room or staff to handle their needs. “We are behind in Illinois comparatively,“ said Josh Evans, president and CEO of Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities. “But the benefit of being behind is we can look at what other states have done. … You can’t make these changes overnight.” To read the rest of the Article, click HERE. (Contact: Luis Andrade)
WEST VIRGINA DHHR PREPARES REPORT ON ELIMINATION OF IDD WAITLIST
The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) will submit a report to Governor Jim Justice by January 15, 2020, on ways to finance the elimination of waitlists in the state’s Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Medicaid waiver program. In the last few years, there have been about 1,000 residents medically approved to be part of the program once funding is available. DHHR Secretary Jeremiah Samples has stated that adding 1,000 more slots would cost the state $19 million. To view the report, click the following LINK. (Contact: Luis Andrade)
NY ALLIANCE RELEASES PERSON-CENTERED PAYMENT AND PROGRAM POLICIES: SUPPORTING SERVICES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH COMPLEX NEEDS WHITE PAPER
The New York Alliance for Inclusion & Innovation working with a small group of experienced providers along with our government affairs group, Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, the NY Alliance published a White Paper which outlines the problem, includes real case studies of people with complex needs served by our member agencies along with a series of recommendations. The goal of the white paper is to identify the myriad of issues facing providers when serving people with complex needs. They’ve learned that the issues are complicated and providers, despite the lack of necessary resources to adequately serve the population, are delivering quality services in safe environments. To view the full report click HERE. (Contact: Luis Andrade)
ANCOR: RSVP TODAY FOR THE NATIONAL LAUNCH OF CASE FOR INCLUSION 2020!
Join United Cerebral Palsy and the ANCOR Foundation's Included. Supported. Empowered. campaign for the national launch of the Case for Inclusion 2020. Published annually since 2007, the Case for Inclusion assesses all 50 states and the District of Columbia on how well state programs are supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This year's Case for Inclusion assesses the states on 58 measures across seven different issue areas that examine the chances for community inclusion for people of all abilities. The national launch event will begin with registration and continental breakfast at 8 am, followed by opening remarks at 8:30am. A presentation of the key findings from this year's report will be followed by a panel discussion, during which the audience will have the opportunity to ask questions of the panelists. Closing remarks will begin at 10:45am, and the event will conclude no later than 11am. Speakers will be announced in the coming days. This event is free, but space is limited and advanced registration is required. RSVP today HERE!
ANCOR-NAQ 3-PART SERIES: THE KEYS FOR ESTABLISHING EXCEPTIONAL SUPPORTS
Wednesday, January 22 – Wednesday, February 5
We all know that it is critical to establish strong positive relationships with the people we support. It's also essential for us to develop positive working relationships with the people who comprise their core circle of support. To boost your capacity to build and strengthen these relationships, ANCOR and NAQ (The National Association of QIDPs) have joined forces to offer a 3-part webinar series on Relationships: The Key for Establishing Exceptional Supports. In this webinar series, we will explore best practices for developing relationships with guardians, siblings, and staff in order to help the people we serve to live full and meaningful lives. This 3-part webinar series runs from January 22 - February 5, and each installment will be one hour in duration. Register for the entire series and receive a 20% discount!
- Guardians - Promoting Choice with Support January 22, 2020: 1pm – 2pm EST
- Siblings - Opportunities for Partnership January 29, 2020: 1pm – 2pm EST
- Supervisors - Creating Positive Environments for All February 5, 2020: 1pm – 2pm EST
Recordings will be made available for all registrants. Register at the following LINK:
(Contact: Luis Andrade)
IDHS-DDD ANNOUNCES NEW DD ADVISORY COMMITTEE
IDHS-DDD has announced they will be accepting applications for the newly created DD Advisory Committee. This committee will provide a venue for stakeholders, including individuals with I/DD, families, ISCs, providers, Associations and governmental staff, to provide advice and recommendations on the activities of the Division and the Illinois DD service system including:
• Providing feedback on policy and processes that the Division is implementing.
• Establishing smaller work-groups meant to create new policy, processes, training and/or other deliverables that will positively impact the service system. These work-groups will bring in additional individuals not currently seated on the Advisory Committee that can best inform the topic or work-group need.
• Assisting the Division in obtaining feedback from individuals with I/DD in order to better inform services.
The Division is looking for this committee to have 30 members in total and will meet quarterly. Additional subcommittees maybe formed that could meet more frequently and involve additional providers. Topics this committee will tentatively discuss in 2020 may include but are not limited to: are competitive integrated employment, SELN recommendations, policy updates, rule clarifications, BQM review tools, Personal Plans and assistive technology. If you are interested in representing the provider perspective on this committee, contact Beth Owens beth@iarf.org. Applications can be submitted to Allison Stark, allision.stark@illionis.gov and will be accepted through January 31st. (Contact: Beth Owens)
NAVIGANT PROVIDER COST SURVEY
The Division announced it has collected slightly over 100 completed provider cost surveys – close to 1/3 of all providers in Illinois. While we very much understand this is a time-consuming process and fell near end of year reporting, we were able to secure some additional time so that your organization could complete the survey. The Division has indicated it will still accept surveys that have been started, but not yet completed. We have no further details on that part. (Contact: Beth Owens)
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)
