JONATHAN EDISON ANNOUNCED AS OPENING KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT THE IARF CONFERENCE

On Thursday, IARF announced Jonathan Edison as the opening keynote speaker for the 44^th Annual IARF Educational Conference & Expo. "Success Strategist" Jonathan Edison is one of the most compelling thought leaders and Motivational Business Speakers today. As an expert in human development he delivers strategies, methods and tools filled with insight and humor that consistently move people and organizations to their highest potential.

Lack of motivation and a non-existent internal drive can lead to employee inefficiency and low productivity-not to mention higher turnover rate. In this fast paced and demanding environment, Jonathan provides the fundamental information that your team needs to stay competitive in a fast-moving world. Jonathan teaches audiences about the power of thought and the seven elements of internal energy that allow us to have the best year ever! —Belief, Imagination, Enthusiasm, Passion, Resourcefulness, Intuition and Service. Jonathan’s program is designed to uplift, inspire and light a FIRE!

See Jonathan live at the IARF Conference on September 4, 2019 at the Bloomington-Normal Mariott Hotel & Conference Center! Click here to learn more and to register for the Conference. (Contact: Maggie Henley)

 
IARF ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FOR THE 2019 IARF COMMUNITY CARE PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR AWARD

IARF is excited to announce we are now accepting nominations for the 2019 IARF Community Care Professional of the Year!  The purpose of this award is to acknowledge excellence. This award seeks to recognize a frontline staff member working in an IARF member agency that exemplifies quality care, compassion, person-centered focus, and commitment to the individuals and families they support and understands the value of the care professional's work.
 
Eligibility: The 2019 IARF Community Care Professional of the Year is intended to acknowledge a frontline staff person.  By this, we mean an individual that provides direct services and supports to an individual receiving services at an IARF member agency. This may include, but is not limited to, DSPs, QIDPs, QMHPs, MHPs, LCPs, nurses, RSAs, etc. 
 
IARF members are eligible to nominate one frontline staff person from each organization.
 
Nomination Process:  In order to successfully nominate someone for the award, nominators must complete the information in the form below by August 13, 2019. 
 NOTE: We will only accept online nominations! Any nominations submitted by email, fax, or snail mail will not be accepted.
 
Award Announcement:  IARF will announce the 2019 IARF Community Care Professional of the Year during the 2019 IARF Conference & Expo in Bloomington-Normal on Friday, September 6th.  The winner will be invited (in advance) to attend the conference at IARF's expense.

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT A NOMINATION

Questions? Contact Maggie Henley at 217-801-9303 x2 or mhenley@iarf.org.

PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP JUST ADDED TO THE IARF CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

IARF is pleased to announce that we are collaborating with TEC and Disability Cocoon for a pre-conference workshop! On Wednesday, September 4^th, before the conference kick-off, we are offering the following pre-conference workshop:

Advancing Person-Centered Services with Technology

9:00 AM – 11:30 – “Build and Inspire” - Richard Harrington, TEC Lab Consultant & Connie Melvin, Director of NAQ & TEC Lab Consultant

Think you need to spend a fortune on enabling technologies?  Think again.  Often times you can create your own solutions for a fraction of the cost of commercially available products.  So roll up your sleeves, put on your creative thinking caps, and prepare yourself to be inspired!  In this hands-on session, you will be learning to how to make a number of your own enabling technologies using materials commonly found in your home or in your local hardware store.  All supplies will be provided, and you are encouraged to take the products you build back to your homes/workplaces to benefit the people you support. 

11:30 AM – Noon – “How Did They Do It? Advancing Enabling Tech and Remote Services in States”– Dustin Wright, CEO – Disability Cocoon

Technology is transforming disability services and supports in pockets around the country that are embracing a “tech first mindset”.  Transformation is change, and change isn’t easy for most individuals; it takes even more of a coordinated effort for our industry to change long held definitions of how we define support. 

In this session Dustin will review use the history of remote support services as an example of what it will take to tech enable system wide transformation in Illinois and give an overview of some states’ journeys towards a tech first approach to service delivery.  What will it take for Illinois to take advantage of new enabling technologies?  Find out in this session. 

Registration for the Pre-Conference workshop is $75 and is limited to the first 25 registrants. Registration includes lunch as well as all the materials needed for the Build and Inspire portion of the workshop. Space is limited, so be sure to register early to secure your spot! Click here to register. (Contact: Maggie Henley)

 
29^TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ADA

On July 26, 1990 the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law allowing people with disabilities the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. The ADA helped to make our country more inclusive and all around a better place to call home.

Today, we celebrate 29 years of the ADA and the opportunities that it has provided for so many people.  We salute our members and all the provider agencies that serve individuals with various disabilities helping them to live their best life!

FINAL WEEK TO SUBMIT COMMENTS ON HFS’ FY20 RATES NOTICES

This is the final week to submit comments on the Department of Healthcare and Family Services Public Notices regarding FY20 Rates.  Links to each of the notices are below. 

Substance Use Prevention and Recovery Provider Reimbursement Rates

Mental Health Reimbursement Rates

Early Intervention Reimbursement Rates

Psychiatric Services Reimbursement Rates

Proposed Nursing Facility Reimbursement Rate Increase

Proposed ID/DD and MC/DD Reimbursement Rate Increase

(Contact:  All Staff)

DHS PUBLISHES SECOND ISSUE OF STAKEHOLDER NEWSLETTER

The Department of Human Services has published the second issue of its stakeholder newsletter, DHS ALL IN!  The newsletter contains a message from Secretary Hou, legislative updates, information on legislation, new NOFOs and the 2020 Census, and Consent Decree updates among other things.  (Contact:  All Staff)

HFS PUBLISHES NEW PROVIDER NOTICES ON MLTSS AND LTC ASSESSMENTS/REPORTING

This week the Department of Healthcare and Family Services published several Provider Notices.  A brief synopsis of each with a link to the full Notice can be found below. 

Statewide Implementation of MLTSS for HealthChoice Illinois

This Public Notice is to inform providers of the implementation of Managed Long-Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) statewide as part of HealthChoice Illinois.  Beneficiaries are eligible for MLTSS if they have full Medicare and Medicaid benefits, are not enrolled in the MMAI program, and reside in a nursing facility or are part of one of the following HCBS waivers:  Supportive Living Program, Persons with Disabilities, Persons with HIV or AIDS, Persons with Brain Injury, and Persons who are Elderly.  MLTSS enrollees have 90 days after their enrollment effective date (July 1, 2019) to switch to a HealthChoice Illinois plan. 

FY20 Long-Term Care Assessment Information

This Public Notice is to provide information to long-term care providers on the monthly report instructions and requirements.  The Notice also provides a chart of the monthly due dates for LTC occupied bed assessments. 

(Contact:  Sarah Myerscough-Mueller)

REP. BRISTOW TOURS CHESTNUT HEALTH SYSTEMS

State Rep. Monica Bristow, D-Alton, toured Chestnut Health Systems in Granite City last week to meet with staff and to learn more about the organization’s local work surrounding mental health. 

“As a member of the House Mental Health Committee, I appreciated being able to learn more about Chestnut and their important work to help improve mental health in the area,” said Bristow. “With rising accessibility problems to mental health services and the ongoing battle with the opioid crisis, organizations like Chestnut play a vital role, now more than ever, in improving the quality of life for people when they need help. As state representative, I have made mental health one of my top priorities, and I look forward to working with Chestnut more to ensure that our region has the proper resources and funding to provide these critical services.”

IARF will continue to engage with members of the General Assembly on mental health issues and encourage them to tour facilities to get a sense of the issues facing mental health providers throughout the state. (Contact: Dan Frey)

INSIGHTS FROM INSTITUTE ON COMMUNITY INTEGRATION MINNESOTA DSP SURVEY

This week the Institute on Community Integration in the University of Minnesota published a survey analyzing data collected directly from DSPs in Minnesota on areas such as wages, benefits, and organizational environments.  Highlights from the analyzed data include:

Wages & Hours:

·         86 months – average number of months employed at primary employer;

·         $13.68/hr - average hourly wage at primary employer;

·         35 hours – typical number of hours worked each week;

·         3 hours – number overtime hours typically worked each week;

·         67.5% - percent of DSWs who want more hours or would take full time work if available at primary employer;

·         28.4% - percent of DSWs who have other paid jobs in addition to primary DSW position; of this percent;

o   83.5% had one additional job;

o   15.1% had two additional jobs;

·         $14.30/hr - average hourly wage of DSW first additional job;

·         $12.85/hr - average hourly wage of DSW second additional job;

Health Insurance and Other Benefits:

·         30.2% - health insurance through Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, etc.

·         27.5% - health insurance through primary employer;

·         15..5% - health insurance from significant other/spouse;

·         60.7% - eligible for PTO;

·         42.0% - eligible for paid sick leave;

·         47.9% - eligible for paid vacation;

Primary Reasons for Separations:

·         90.3% - found another job that pays more;

·         64.1% - found another job that offered better benefits;

·         43.2% - found another job with hours that worked better for their family;

·         37.8% - no opportunity to advance;

There are additional data points in the survey that are insightful on the DSW workforce in Minnesota – from the workforce perspective that can help inform discussions on the pressure points we face in Illinois. (Contact: Josh Evans)

AUTISM CARES ACT PASSES U.S. HOUSE

The U.S. House passed the Autism CARES act by a voice vote on Wednesday.  This legislation would provide $1.8 billion in funding for autism programs at the NIH and CDC over the next five years.  As reported in Disability Scoop, one key change in the renewal legislation is its extra focus on the needs of individuals with autism in all age groups. The phrase “across the lifespan” has been added to several provisions in the bill including sections talking about screening and research on interventions.
 

Additionally, the measure would increase the number of self-advocates, parents and autism group representatives on the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee, a federal autism advisory panel, from two to three each. And, it would require officials from the Departments of Labor, Justice, Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development to join the committee.  The addition of a self-advocate on the Committee was due to the leadership of ANCOR.

According to U.S. House Sponsor Chris Smith (R-NJ), the Senate version of the bill is on a “fast track.” (Contact: Josh Evans)

BACK TO SCHOOL: THE IMPORTANCE OF CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH & ACCESS TO TREATMENT WEBINAR

The National Council for Behavioral Health and innovaTel Telepsychiatry are hosting a webinar on Tuesday, August 6^th to discuss the importance of children’s mental health treatment, trends in our society, the importance of normalizing development with psychiatric intervention when identified early and the challenges with the shortage of psychiatrists nationwide. Take this link to register. (Contact: Dan Frey)

AUGUST 29^TH WEBINAR ON DISABILITY PROGRAM AT UIC

The IDHD Webinar series shares the latest in cutting edge research, practice, and policy from experts on a range of topics related to disability.  Below are details about the next webinar in the series:

Disability Studies: Training the next generation of leaders in the disability field

August 29th, 2019 12-1 PM (CST)

Presented by:

Sarah Parker Harris, PhD, Associate Professor, Director of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies, Disability and Human Development; and

Alyson Patsavas, PhD, Assistant Professor, Disability and Human Development

REGISTER HERE:

www.accessibilityonline.org/IDHD

The Department of Disability and Human Development (DHD) at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) is the only academic department in the disability studies field that provides a path from Minor to PhD and anything in between. Learn more about the academic programs offered at DHD including the minor and major in Disability and Human Development for undergraduates, the Masters and Doctorate program in Disability Studies, as well as certificate programs in disability ethics and assistive technology. Our strength lies in the interdisciplinary nature of our department, with access to diverse faculty mentors and resources in the health fields, social sciences and humanities. DHD graduates are finding careers ranging from academic appointments in the burgeoning field of disability studies, to leadership positions in social service and governmental agencies, to advocacy positions in countries around the world. Please contact Katie Arnold with questions or if you would like more information: kkeiling@uic.edu

(Contact: Luis Andrade)

CSH AND CLPHA HOSTING FREE WEBINAR ON NOFA VOUCHERS

The Corporation for Supportive Housing and the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities are hosting a free webinar on Tuesday, August 6, 2019.  The webinar will focus on HUD’s recent NOFA issuance for the Mainstream Voucher Program and will provide information on priorities, scoring, populations, and key changes from the last NOFA.  Those interested in participating can register for the webinar here.  (Contact:  Sarah Myerscough-Mueller)

MENTAL HEALTH TOWN HALL JULY 31

Join us Rep. Lauren Underwood, mental health professionals, and community members for an open discussion about real problems people face in regards to their mental health.

During the event, Rep. Underwood will be able to answer questions about her work to address and improve mental health treatments. The Congresswoman looks forward to hearing from and gaining insight on how to help reduce barriers to mental health treatments in our community.

No food, drinks, promotional materials or signs of any kind will be permitted at the event.

When: Wednesday, July 31 10:00-11:30 a.m. CT

Where: Kendall County Health Department

811 John Street, Yorkville, IL

Click here to RSVP. (Contact: Dan Frey)

REGISTER FOR THE NATIONAL COUNCIL MIDDLE MANAGEMENT ACADEMY

The good news is it’s not too late. There’s still time to sign up for the Middle Management Academy (MMA) in St. Louis!

The National Council’s MMA training includes 3.5 days of intensive and hands-on learning. It’s the only program specifically designed for emerging behavioral health care leaders.

Join the National Council for Behavioral Health for this practical, highly interactive training and find out what great managers do differently to be more effective.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity! Registration is open until August 27^th but spots are filling up quickly. Register today for the Middle Management Academy.

Questions? Contact Frannie Yin at FrannieY@TheNationalCouncil.org.

(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)

IAMHP’S ANNUAL CONFERENCE REGISTRATION OPEN

The Illinois Association of Medicaid Health Plans (IAMHP)’s second annual conference is 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)

ANCOR: THE VALUE BASED PAYMENT WEBINAR SERIES STARTS NEXT WEEK! REGISTER TODAY

Introduction to Value-Based Payments

Wednesday, July 31

2pm - 3pm EDT

Register Here

 Vikki Wachino, former Director of Medicaid and CHIP Services at CMS, will decode value-based payments, alternate payment models, pay for performance, and what these mean for IDD service providers.

 She will address why the healthcare industry is shifting toward value-based payments; how value-based payments are anticipated to impact I/DD services; and what providers need to think about as the VBP model is applied to I/DD services and supports.  If you missed her at the 2019 annual conference, this is your chance to hear how states and payers are approaching I/DD payments.

(Contact: Luis Andrade)

NEW SECTION PUBLISHED UNDER THE COMPREHENSIVE BILLING GUIDE FOR MEDICAID MANAGED CARE SERVICES

The Illinois Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCOs), in collaboration with the Illinois Association of Medicaid Health Plans (IAMHP), have developed a Comprehensive Billing Guide for Medical Assistance Program providers. This billing guide is designed to help providers who are contracted with the MCOs understand the general MCO billing requirements.

MCOs have different policies and procedures related to billing. With this manual, the MCOs have created a single source of information for all claims regardless of provider type.

As different sections of the Comprehensive Billing Guide are finalized and published, the Department will update providers via a provider notice by listing the new sections. Updates and revisions will be provided quarterly, or more frequently if required. The Guide now has published information on:

·         Claims Disposition

The new guide is posted on the IAMHP website.

For general questions or feedback regarding the Comprehensive Billing Guide, please contact IAMHP. Questions regarding this notice may be directed to the Bureau of Managed Care at 217-524-7478 or the individual HealthChoice Illinois managed care plan. (Contact: Dan Frey)

ARC HOSTING WEBINAR - DHS/DDD UPDATE AND Q&A

Registration is now open for The Illinois Life Span Program of The Arc of IL Lunchtime Webinar – IL DHS, DDD Update and Q & A on Aug 13, 2019 12:00 PM CDT. Register HERE.

The following describes the content that will be shared by each of the webinar presenters.
 
Kathy Ward, Acting Director, Division of Developmental Disabilities Illinois Department of Human Services

·         Update on ISC transition

·         DHS DDD plans/changes in 2019-2020

·         DD Hub Pilot Project

·         Access to information through:

o   Dhs.ddd.puns@illinois.gov

o   myisc@illinois.gov

Ronnie Cohn, Ligas Court Monitor

·         State of Ligas Case

·         “Reasonable Pace” for PUNS selection

·         Compliance Monitoring

·         Implementation Plan

·         Seeking input from families regarding concerns and barriers

Donna Frownfelter, PT, MA, DPT, CCS, FCCP, FAPTA, Chair, Ligas Advisory Committee & Parent

·         Development and purpose of Ligas Advisory Committee

·         Current summary of feedback from families that has been shared with LAC

·         Plans/goals for Townhall Meetings/Presentation

·         How to connect with LAC to share experiences and barriers or to participate

Shirley Perez, Director, Ligas Family Advocate Program & Parent

·         Role of Ligas Family Advocate Program

·         Services offered by LFA program

·         Know Your Options events

·         One-to-one support and consultation regarding HCBW services and navigation

·         Informational webinars and call-in series

·         Providing parent-to-parent connection

·         How to connect with regional LFA’s

(Contact:  Luis Andrade)

ILLINOIS COUNCIL ON DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE

This week the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities launched a new website to provide better and more information in a new layout.  The new site can be viewed here.  (Contact:  Sarah Myerscough-Mueller)

GOVERNOR PRITZKER SIGNS SEVERAL HEALTHCARE RELATED BILLS

Last week, Governor Pritzker approved the following healthcare-related bills:

·         HB 2045: Eliminate the copay for medical or dental services for those housed at a Department of Corrections or a Department of Juvenile Justice facility.

·         HB 2433: Ensure hospitals have the necessary equipment for taking blood pressure of pregnant women and require the Department of Public Health to create rules for implementation.

·         HB 3039: Create a process for the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to notify a long-term care facility if an individual’s Medicaid eligibility has been terminated.

·         HB 3040: Require annual notices concerning a redetermination of eligibility be sent to the individual as well as the long-term care facility where they reside.

·         HB 3320: Exempt a dental service plan from the definition of “administrator” in the Third Party Administrator Act of the Illinois Insurance Code.

(Contact: Luis Andrade)