• IARF Webinar: Leadership Strategies for Retention from Day 1
• DHS-DDD Webinar:Assistive Technology, Adaptive Equipment, Home and Vehicle Modifications
• IMPACT Enrollment
• IARF Testifies Before Senate Human Services Committee
• 2020 Case for Inclusion Report – Workforce Crisis is the ‘New Normal’- Waiting Lists Grow
• Governor Says Telehealth will be Focus of First Release of Broadband Funds
• EverSpring Pharmacy Partners with IARF to Share Specialized Pharmacy Service Options
• Next Steps for Providers Transitioning to the HRST Online Tool
• Register Today for the 2020 TEC Conference
• Sign on to Support Full Funding for the Mental Health Early Action on Campus Act
• Medicaid Managed Care Enrollment Stayed Steady in November 2019
• DMH "Recovery & Empowerment" Statewide Call February 27
• New Practices in Place for SODC Transitions to Community Placement

The Association will host a FREE, members-only webinar on, February 27^th. Join us as we welcome back, Scott de Fasselle, with Blitz Media Design for the IARF Webinar: Leadership strategies for Retention from Day 1.
 
Imagine you’re trying to fill a cup with water, but the cup has no bottom. Obviously, it won’t work.
However, many providers are using this approach to employee turnover. Are you trying fix turnover by recruiting more people?
 
After the webinar, you'll understand:

• How to get buy-in from your team to make changes.
• Ways to start using existing staff and resources to improve retention of new DSPs today.
• What you can learn from LEGO to retain new employees.

This webinar is an IARF Members-Only Webinar and is provided free of charge to IARF members. Member login is required for registration.  Click here to learn more and register today! (Contact: Maggie Henley)

DHS-DDD WEBINAR: ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY, ADAPTIVE EQUIPMENT AND HOME & VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS
The Division of Developmental Disabilities will be presenting a Webinar on technology, equipment and modifications that can accessed through the waiver on February 19^th from 10am to 11:30am. Director Stark will start the webinar by talking about the Division’s interest in the expansion of technology for the individuals in our communities, as well as the status of the Assistive Technology Pilot. Jim Eddings and George Bengel will walk attendees through the process for approval and answer questions from providers.   Questions provided by IARF members last month on this topic were submitted to the Division and used when developing the content of this webinar.  Additionally, an Informational Bulletin was posted by DHS-DDD on 2/4/2020. (Contact: Beth Owens)

Webinar Link
Meeting number (access code): 805 703 063
Meeting password: QJQebm3v 
To register for the webinar or if you are having difficulty joining the WebEx meeting, please email Christina.Suggs@illinois.gov. 

IMPACT ENROLLMENT
DHS-DD has received a few inquiries on the HFS notice posted last week. This change primarily impacts individual service delivery providers (such as therapists), suppliers and vendors who sell equipment or technology, and contractors who perform home and vehicle modifications. It also impacts providers who are new to providing services to people in the DDD HCBS Waivers.  This change does not affect service providers or vendors who are already enrolled through IMPACT with the Division of Developmental Disabilities and does not affect individuals who receive HCBS Waiver Services. (Contact: Beth Owens)

IARF TESTIFIES BEFORE SENATE HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
On Wednesday 2/5/20, IARF testified before the Senate Human Services Committee in support of SB 2541. This bill is sponsored by Senator Heather Steans (7th District) and is a legislative initiative of the Department of Human Services (DHS). SB 2541 increases rates for ICF/DD and MC/DD facilities to effectuate $13.00/hour wages. Currently, the provider rates for ICF/DDs and MC/DDs are under $13.00/hour which is below Chicago’s minimum wage.
 
Allison Stark, Director of the Division of Development Disabilities (DDD), presented the bill to the Committee with additional information provided by Sarah Myerscough-Mueller from the DHS Office of the Secretary. Additional testimony provided before the Committee came from the Center for Developmental Disabilities Advocacy and Community Supports.
 
IARF voiced support for the rate increase in order to meet increasing minimum wage pressures on our providers, as well as to achieve compliance with state mandated consent decrees. Since the bill was debated in the Committee today, it can be voted on by the full Senate as early as next week. After that, the bill would be sent to the House of Representatives for additional vetting. IARF will continue to advocate for rate increases for DSPs, as well as other frontline staff, before the Illinois General Assembly. Please feel free to reach out with any questions you may have. (Contact: Luis Andrade)

2020 CASE FOR INCLUSION REPORT – WORKFORCE CRISIS IS THE ‘NEW NORMAL’ – WAITING LISTS GROW
Yesterday the 2020 Case for Inclusion Report was published and immediately began to receive national coverage.  As we reported in yesterday’s update, the 2020 report shows:

• The total number of people with I/DD on waiting lists for Home and Community Based Services increased by 49,000, from 424,000 in the last report to 473,000 in this year’s report. Ten states saw decreases in the number of people on their HCBS waiting lists, while 23 states saw their waiting lists grow.
• Nationally, the turnover rate for direct support roles was 43.8%. In large part, this can be explained by low median hourly wages for DSPs, which stood at just $12.09 nationally.
• The percentage of people with I/DD working in integrated employment—meaning they are participating in a program that is supporting them to work alongside people without disabilities—crept upward by just one percentage point, from 19% in the Case for Inclusion 2019 to 20% this year. Across the nation, there were 127,000 people with I/DD working in competitive employment, up from 124,000 in last year’s report. Whereas only seven states in the Case for Inclusion 2019 could boast that more than one-third of its residents with I/DD were engaged in competitive employment, that number increased to 10 states in 2020.
• There was an increase of two percentage points in the number of people with I/DD engaged in self-direction, from 11% in FY 2017 to 13% in FY 2018.

Members can access additional information from our update on our website. (Contact: Josh Evans)

GOVERNOR SAYS TELEHEALTH WILL BE FOCUS OF FIRST RELEASE OF BROADBAND FUNDS
Telehealth will be among the initial focuses of the state's $420 million broadband infrastructure expansion plan, Gov. JB Pritzker said Wednesday. He announced the release of the first $50 million at a press conference in Springfield. Pritzker is also emphasizing education and economic development.
 
Pritzker noted that providers like Rush University Medical Center use technology to offer services like mobile telestroke units, which allow medical providers to treat patients faster with remote expertise.
 
Applicants can receive up to $5 million per project as part of the first round of funding. Priority will be given to projects where applications will cover at least half of the project’s total cost. Awarded projects must be completed by June 30, 2023. (Contact Dan Frey)

EVERSPRING PHARMACY PARTNERS WITH IARF TO SHARE SPECIALIZED PHARMACY SERVICE OPTIONS
The Association is pleased to announce our partnership with EverSpring Pharmacy. EverSpringRX is a privately-owned boutique pharmacy that offers comprehensive pharmaceutical care to the senior, mental health and special needs population with medication assistance and consultation.
 
"We are very honored to be part of IARF and look forward to meeting the members.  The team at EverSpring Pharmacy works diligently with our customers to develop a service model based on the specific needs of each community.  While medication packaging and delivery is the backbone of every pharmacy, EverSpring Pharmacy's team goes beyond that and tailors our service to meet your needs,” said Stephen McConnell RPh, MBA, Owner of EverSpring Pharmacy.
 
EverSpring offers daily delivery, 24hr emergency delivery, convenient and automated refill options, RPh and RN Consultants. They provide specialized services to adults with I/DD in nearly all types of service settings.  In addition, their team includes nurses certified in working with persons with developmental disabilities and members of the DDNA, provides programs to community nurses, community staff, and caretakers aimed to improve quality of life for all clients
 
“One of our top priorities at IARF is to partner with Supporting Members like EverSpring Pharmacy that share our commitment to quality services and supports,” said Josh Evans, IARF President & CEO. “We look forward to having EverSpring Pharmacy join the Association at the May Meeting of the Membership and our annual conference in September to discuss how their service model works effectively with behavioral health and I/DD service providers and the individuals they serve,” continued Evans.
 
Click here to learn more about EverSpring Pharmacy. (Contact: Maggie Henley)

NEXT STEPS FOR PROVIDERS TRANSITIONING TO THE HRST ONLINE TOOL
DHS- DDD has begun implementing the use of electronic version of the Health Risk Screening Tool (HRST). With all but 8 providers having completed a Service Agreement with Health Risk Screening (HRS), the next step is to work with HRS to have both your user data, and individual data, entered into the Health Risk Screening Tool (HRST) database.  The Division has indicated that this step must be completed by 3/31/2020.
 
In order to begin utilizing this tool, provider staff will need to complete online rater training.  To complete the rater training, the agency HRST Gatekeeper will need to reach out to IL Support (ilsupport@hrstonline.com) and request to register an account for the staff.  The staff will then receive log-in credentials needed to take the rater training. To date, there are 454 raters entered into the system and in the process of taking the online trainings.
 
Clinical Reviewer Training for RN Trainers will be offered on 2/13/20 and again on 2/27/20. Both trainings will run from 9 am – 3 pm.  HRS is planning to offer these trainings on a monthly basis in the future.  RN Trainers must complete the Online Rater Training prior to registering for the Clinical Reviewer Training. Link to register for the February Clinical Reviewer Trainings can be found HERE.
If you need assistance with signing the Service Agreement, entering your data into the HRST database, or enrolling in any trainings, please email ilsupport@hrstonline.com. (Contact: Beth Owens)

REGISTER TODAY FOR THE 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 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 to learn more about the TEC Conference and registration. (Contact: Maggie Henley)

SIGN ON TO SUPPORT FULL FUNDING FOR THE MENTAL HEALTH EARLY ACTION ON CAMPUS ACT
NAMI Chicago and Young Invincibles would greatly appreciate your support for funding of the Mental Health Early Action on Campus Act, legislation that IARF supported during the 2019 spring legislative session.
 
As you might recall, the Mental Health Early Action on Campus Act was introduced last year and signed into law in August 2019 (PA. 101-0251). The Act puts a structure in place to expand mental health resources for students at public 2- and 4- year institutions of higher education in Illinois.
 
It is crucial that adequate funding is appropriated to fully realize the law's potential. At the end of 2019, the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability recommended an appropriation amount based on input from Illinois campuses, the Illinois Board of Higher Education and the Illinois Community College Board. We will be sending the attached letter to the Governor's office requesting the full appropriation of $19.3 million be included in the proposed FY21 budget.
 
To indicate your support, please fill out this brief form by COB on Monday, February 10th. (Contact Dan Frey)

MEDICAID MANAGED CARE ENROLLMENT STAYED STEADY IN NOVEMBER 2019
The state’s Medicaid managed care rolls stayed steady in November, dropping by less than 400 members.

Enrollment in HealthChoice Illinois was 2,126,104 as of Dec. 1, compared to 2,126,493 at the start of November.
 
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, NextLevel Health Partners and County Care Health Plan saw bumps in their membership, while IlliniCare Health Plan, Meridian Health Plan and Molina Healthcare lost enrollees.
 
The market is in for a shakeup in 2020 with CVS Health taking over IlliniCare and Molina planning to acquire NextLevel.
 
As of Dec. 1, enrollment totals were:

• Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois – 436,553 (1.4 percent increase from Nov. 1)
• IlliniCare Health Plan – 339,294 (0.5 percent decrease)
• Meridian Health Plan – 759,466 (0.9 percent decrease)
• Molina Healthcare – 213,951 (0.1 percent decrease)
• County Care Health Plan – 319,174 (0.1 percent increase)
• NextLevel Health Partners – 57,666 (3.3 percent increase)

(Contact Dan Frey)

DMH RECOVERY & EMPOWERMENT” STATEWIDE CALL FEBRUARY 27
The first Recovery & Empowerment Statewide Call for 2020 has been scheduled for February 27.  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 is Believing in Ourselves!”
 
Individuals are welcome to dial in from a personal phone or from home.  However, if dialing in from an agency or other organization, to help reduce the cost, please gather and dial-in together.  Remember to provide the moderator with your name, the agency you are representing (if applicable), and the number of persons listening in from your location. 
 
ABOUT THIS MONTH'S CALL:
 
DATE:             February 27, 2020
TIME:             10:00am - 11:00am
TOPIC:            Seeing is Believing in Ourselves
OBJECTIVES:       Participants will learn: The definition of self-compassion; tools and tips to have more compassion for ourselves; How to see ourselves clearly; and how to give ourselves credit for achievements
 
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, Wayne Beyer and Carl
 
You will be on hold with music until the host opens the conference call.  If you have any questions or require additional assistance, please press "0" from your phone during the audio conference. (Contact Dan Frey)

NEW PRACTICES IN PLACE FOR SODC TRANSITIONS TO COMMUNITY PLACEMENTS
The Division would like community-based providers to consider serving individuals interested in transitioning out of our SODCs. DHS-DDD will now provide a “transition safety net” letter to a provider that may has concerns with accepting a referral from an SODC.   This letter would include a provision that the individual could return to the SODC if the transition was unsuccessful.
 
Through analyzing discharges from State Operated Developmental Centers (SODCs) into community-based placements, DHS-DD has found that individuals may require a higher level of support and assistance before, during and after the transition. In the past, individual in SODCs were not eligible for SST assistance until they had fully transitioned to community placement. DHS-DDD has announced they are changing the SST guidelines, to now allow a SST referral prior to moving from an SODC. This will allow for SST to provide additional support and assistance during the person’s transition to bridge the two settings.  (Contact: Beth Owens)