REVISED REMOTE SUPPORTS DRAFT IB RELEASED
The Division of Developmental Disabilities released a revised DRAFT Information Bulletin (IB) this week. The IB, DRAFT - Remote Support, largely remains the same, however there are some things that have been added. Among additions are expanded definitions for Remote Supports Equipment and Ongoing Monitoring. This IB is open for comments through September 1, 2021. (Contact: Beth Owens)
CURRENT ISC GRANTS AGREEMENTS EXTENDED
DHS -DDD has received approval from the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget’s Grant Accountability and Transparency Unit (GOMB/GATU) to extend the current Independent Service Coordination (ISC) agency grant agreements. The current ISC agency grant agreements will now run through Fiscal Year 2024. GOMB/GATU also approved an expansion of the scope of these agreements for Fiscal Years 2023 and 2024. The next Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the ISC agencies will be issued in Fiscal Year 2024 and the new grant agreements to begin in Fiscal Year 2025. The division has indicated his change will not impact other NOFOs scheduled to be released in Fiscal Year 2022. (Contact: Beth Owens)
ILLINOIS PERSON-CENTERED PLANNING SURVEY
The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) Institute on Disability and Human Development is on contract by the division to evaluate the person-centered planning process for Adult DD Waiver recipients in Illinois. UIC has developed a survey to understand the barriers and strengths within the process. People receiving services, families, community organizations, ISCs and all other interested stakeholders are encouraged to complete the survey by August 27th. (Contact: Beth Owens)
BH UPDATE: 988 CRISIS LINE PLANNING
DMH authorized an Illinois Key Stakeholder Coalition and several subcommittees that continue to meet to discuss various topics to assist DMH in its submission of a draft implementation plan to SAMSHA in September. Subcommittee topics include: Statewide Coverage, Statewide Standards, Community Linkage, Public Messaging, and Funding Mechanisms. IARF has been active in the Coalition and is working with the members of the Funding Mechanisms Subcommittee on draft recommendations around sustainable sources of revenue to support the system. In addition, DMH issued a new 590 Crisis Care System grant opportunity to establish continuous crisis services for anyone, anywhere, at any time, in preparation for the 988 implementation. Awardees were announced effective July 1, 2021, based on the geographic regions included in their proposals. (Contact: Luis Andrade)
HFS MEETINGS ON RULE 140
Recognizing the importance of behavioral health provider participation, specifically CMHCs/BHCs, in the new Pathways to Success program, HFS intends to engage the behavioral health trade associations in discussions around potential changes to Rule 140 that may incentivize providers to become a CCSO/MCR provider or offer other new services under the 1915(i) State Plan Amendment. The first meeting with HFS is Friday, August 20. As a side note, but related to behavioral health workforce, the SIU School of Medicine has been chosen as the hub organization in the new Behavioral Health Workforce Education Center, authorized in HB 158, also known as the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Health and Human Services Pillar. SIU has just begun conversations with the Illinois Board of Higher Education on the implementation of this new initiative. (Contact: Luis Andrade)
GOV. PRITZKER SIGNS IARF/THE ARC LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVE HB 292 INTO LAW
On Friday, 8/13/2021, Governor Pritzker signed HB292 into law. IARF was proud to partner with our colleagues at the Arc of Illinois to push forth this important legislative Initiative.
The legislation helps advance the Employment First model in Illinois by allowing employed individuals who live in CILAs to keep ALL of their earned income. Discontinuing the practice of offsetting state payment with an individual’s earned income was also a policy recommendation made within the Guidehouse Rate Study. Additionally, this legislation ensures that the needs of the I/DD community and advocates are represented on the State Use Committee.
We would like to thank State Representative Lindsey LaPointe (19th) and State Senator Laura Fine (9th) for sponsoring this legislative initiative to help remove barriers to competitive integrated employment for Individuals with I/DD in Illinois. We would also like to thank the Governor’s Office and the Department of Humans Services for their thoughtful consideration and approval of our proposal. We would also like to thank DDD Director Stark for the continued commitment to increase access to employment opportunities across the state.
And finally, a special thanks to all of you for your advocacy. The General Assembly heard your voices and you were able to make a difference. (Contact: Luis Andrade)
|
|