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September 3, 2021
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
 
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EMILY MILLER JOINS IARF AS VICE PRESIDENT FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH POLICY
Effective Wednesday, we are pleased to share that Emily Miller has joined the Association as our Vice President for Behavioral Health Policy, replacing Daniel M.O. Frey who departed IARF to become Legislative Director for the Illinois Department of Insurance earlier this year. 
 
From 2012 – 2018, Emily served as our leading policy analyst and Director of BH Policy at IARF.  Prior to her tenure with the Association, she worked in the legislative offices of DCFS, HFS, and DCFS.  We are incredibly grateful to have Emily back with the team and we know she is eager to move mountains, collaborate with our sister stakeholder organizations, and help us partner with the Administration and the General Assembly in advancing behavioral health policy.
 
Emily is looking forward to seeing many of you at Conference and during our zoom meetings! (Contact: Josh Evans)
 

2021 IARF LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE TWO WEEKS AWAY!
The 2021 IARF Leadership Conference is just two weeks away and there is still time to register! Join us at the Marriott in Bloomington-Normal on September 16th & 17th and reconnect with your peers. This year’s event includes an incredible lineup of speakers and facilitators. Our Keynote presenters will discuss themes of organizational recovery, change/transformation, and resilience. Success Sessions build on these themes with presenters sharing their successes implementing changes within their agencies and/or providing tools to construct strong and vibrant organizations. My mind to your mind, my thoughts to your thoughts. What better way to process and internalize the knowledge shared in our previous sessions than through expertly facilitated discussions with presenters and IARF leaders during the Mind Meld Sessions. Attendees will also have a chance to explore the exhibit hall and meet with exhibitors to learn more about the latest products and services during the conference opening luncheon and throughout the event; as well as enjoy some downtime after hours during Glo Bingo – blacklight bingo with cash prizes, music, and most importantly a prize for best costume! We are looking forward to this long-awaited in-person event and hope that the additional mitigation policies add an extra level of “peace of mind” and comfort to all those planning to attend. Don’t miss out, join us for two-days of inspiration, networking, fun and reconnection! Click here to learn more about the conference and register today!  (Contact: Maggie Henley)
 
 

GOVERNOR PRITZKER ISSUES DSP RECOGNITION WEEK 2021 PROCLAMATION
IARF wanted to share this Proclamation from Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker proclaiming the week of September 12, 2021, as Direct Support Professional Recognition Week in the state of Illinois! The proclamation acknowledges all of the hard work and sacrifices that DSPs have endured throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic. Most importantly, the proclamation recognizes and celebrates the contributions of DSPs that help strengthen our communities by fostering greater inclusion for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
 
We are very thankful for the Governor's acknowledgement of the tireless work that you do on a daily basis. We hope that this small token shows our genuine and unwavering appreciation for everything that you do. Once again, THANK YOU to all the DSPs.
 
Please be sure to share the ways you celebrate DSP week on social media channels and with our team at IARF!
(Contact: Luis Andrade)
 

ASSOCIATION SUBMITS QUESTIONS ON VACCINE/TESTING EXECUTIVE ORDER – DPH CLARIFIES TESTING REQUIREMENT
As members are working to internalize the requirements of EO 2021-20 (masking/vaccine/testing mandate), we wanted to let you know we submitted a list of questions/comments to DHS, DPH, and HFS yesterday that we believe will help provide clarity on the impact and implementation of the Executive Order.  We’ve been advised DPH may be filing Emergency Rules soon, and DHS staff are working diligently to prepare an FAQ that could be published as soon as later today.
 
We want to share that DPH has shared with IARF in writing that “those who are unable or unwilling to be vaccinated will be required to get tested for COVID-19 at least once per week until they can prove that they are fully vaccinated - “unwilling” is anyone who is not vaccinated for any reason. This means that staff working in sites covered by EO 2021-20 must either show proof of vaccination or must be tested at least weekly. 
 
We will share published FAQs and/or responses to questions as soon as we receive them. (Contact: Josh Evans)
 

CONGRESSIONAL RECONCILIATION PACKAGE MANEUVERING BEGINS: ILLINOIS TARGETS FOR ADVOCACY
U.S. Congressional Committees have started the process to markup to the $3.5 trillion budget resolution approved by both chambers, with work projected to be completed by September 13th.  In terms of where we will see the work in Congress on our top priority - $400 billion investment in HCBS – we expect that to be done in the Energy and Commerce Committee – of which we have three Democrats from Illinois – Congresswomen Jan Schakowsky & Robin Kelly and Congressman Bobby Rush. 
 
At this point, we are asking readers to make calls to these three Congressional offices with a simple request:
 
“Please support the full $400 billion investment in HCBS and the caregiving workforce in the reconciliation package and communicate that support to your leadership.”
 
A simple, but clear and effective message:
 
Congresswoman Robin Kelly: (202) 225-0773
Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky: (202) 225-2111
Congressman Bobby Rush: (202) 225-4372
(Contact: Josh Evans)
 

DDD TO HOST SEX EDUCATION WEBINAR FOR PROVIDERS
The Division of Developmental Disabilities is hosting the first training of their fall training series
on September 9, 2021 from 1pm – 3 pm. The title of the training is “Supporting Sex Education: What Providers Need to Know.” The webinar will include an overview of provider responsibilities, guardian roles and online resources developed to assist agencies and families including Train the Trainer curricula, FAQs for guardians and agencies and IDHS-approved sexual education materials. Expectations from the Division for providers will also be discussed and attendees will have the opportunity to hear from a self-advocate on the importance of sex education and support in her life. Providers can register for the September 9th Webinar HERE.  (Contact: Beth Owens)
 

DHS ANNOUNCES CHILDREN’S DD WAIVER FEEDBACK SESSION
The Division is in the process of developing the renewals for all 3 of the Home and Community Based Services Waivers, as required by Federal CMS to be completed every 5 years. The Division will be hosting a webinar on September 30th at 1pm to provide an overview of what a Home and Community Based Waiver is, explain the timeline and process for a renewal and identify changes being made to the waiver.  You can register for this Webinar HERE.  Prior to the feedback session, those registered will receive a list of changes being made so participants can provide their feedback.   (Contact: Beth Owens)
 

Products │ Services │ Solutions


PROVIDER IMPACT UPDATES REQUIRED   
The Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) has released a provider notice regarding the IMPACT System. HFS is requiring providers to take immediate action to update provider contact information in 2 areas of the IMPACT System: (1) the Single Sign-On portal; and (2) the IMPACT application directly. The Provider Notice includes step-by-step instructions; please follow those steps to complete the requirements. This requirement impacts all DDD providers including agency providers, individual therapy providers, and individuals hired by self-directed participants (Personal Support Workers). Provider contact information must be updated by September 15, 2021. Questions on the required changes should be directed to the IMPACT Provider Enrollment staff at 877-782-5565.  (Contact: Beth Owens)
 

FALL TRAINING SERIES FOR I/DD PROVIDERS
The Division of Developmental Disabilities will be offering a fall training series for community-based, waiver funded providers. These webinars will provide an opportunity to learn more
about Division expectations for provider operations, system and policy changes, as well as best
practices. The Division requests that at least one individual staff member attend from each provider
organization. Information and links to registration are below.
 
September 9, 2021   1pm – 3pm
Supporting Sex Education: What Providers Need to Know
REGISTRATION
 
October 13, 2021    1pm – 3pm
Employment Webinar: What’s New, What’s Now!
REGISTRATION
 
October 27, 2021    1pm – 3pm
Using Assistive Technology to Increase Independence of Adults with I/DD
REGISTRATION
 
November 3, 2021   1pm – 3pm
An Interdisciplinary Approach to Working with People with Dual Diagnosis
REGISTRATION
 
December 8, 2021   1pm - 3pm
Accessibility 101 for Providers working with Adults with DD who have Physical Access Needs
REGISTRATION
(Contact: Beth Owens)
 

IARF 2021 LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVE HB 2394 SIGNED INTO LAW
Last Friday, Governor Pritzker signed IARF 2021 legislative initiative HB 2394. This legislation mandates the state establish a task force to review the various intake and registration forms for behavioral health programs administered by the state, to find duplicative questions, outdated information requests, and identify where these processes can be streamlined and made less burdensome. The purpose of this legislation is to help ease the administrative burden on BH providers.
 
IARF would like to thank sponsors State Representative Robyn Gabel (18th) and State Senator Laura Fine (9th) for carrying the legislation, as well as the Governor's Office and DHS for their continued leadership. Finally, we would also like to thank you for all your advocacy! (Contact: Luis Andrade)
 

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR CARE COORDINATION AND SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS
This week, HFS released the following Provider Notice, regarding a  Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Care Coordination and Support Organizations (CCSO). HFS will be collaborating with DCFS, DHS-DMH, and the Health Choice Illinois MCOs on issuing an RFQ to solicit plans from interested providers to become CCSOs for Designated Service Areas across the State of Illinois.
  • The Request for Qualifications can be found at this link.
  • Interested applicants will have until 5:00pm on Friday, October 1, 2021, to submit applications.
  • Completed applications are to be submitted via email to HFS.Pathways@illinois.gov
  • HFS will also be hosting trainings for interested applicants on September 7th and September 8th, both at 11 AM. Registration links can be found on the notice.
  • Questions regarding the notice may be directed to the Bureau of Behavioral Health via telephone at 217-557-1000 or email at HFS.Pathways@illinois.gov. (Contact: Luis Andrade)
 

IARF TO HOST BH COMMITTEE MEETING ON PATHWAYS RFQ NEXT TUESDAY
In response to the training sessions that HFS will be hosting next week on the Pathways RFQ, IARF will be hosting a Follow-Up BH Committee Meeting on Tuesday, 9/7/21 at 12 PM. Note that this is immediately following the HFS Pathways training on 9/7/21 at 11 AM.
 
The purpose of this meeting will be to go over the HFS Pathways training, share information, exchange ideas, and come up with any follow-up action, if necessary. The meeting will be via Zoom and login details are available in the members only section. (Contact: Luis Andrade)
 

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH TRANSFORMATION 1115 WAIVER CHANGES
On 8/13/2021, CMS approved an amendment to the Behavioral Health 1115 Waiver. The Letter that went out from Federal CMS on the changes can be seen HERE.
 
Of note, please see updates beginning on page 64. It is IARFs understanding that HFS is keeping the four SUD pilots under the 1115 waiver and moving other initiatives under other authorities - either State Plan or 1915(i). It is our understanding that this is consistent with information relayed by HFS at the MAC meetings.
 
The full 1115 Waiver, as well as additional history and context can be seen at this LINK. (Contact: Luis Andrade)
 

DHS DETAC HOSTING 3 PART TRANSFORMATION WORKSHOP: DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS TODAY!!!
The Disability Employment Technical Assistance Center (DETAC), will be hosting a 3-part Transformation Workshop. This series is intended for Centers for Independent Living and Councils on Developmental Disabilities and other interested partners. Interested parties will learn how they can engage with and support the transformation of disability service providers to offer new, integrated person-centered services. Services to be covered include:
  • customized employment;
  • The discovery process;
  • supported employment; and
  • financial capability into their programs for individuals with significant disabilities.
The first Workshop begins on Wednesday September 8th. Deadline to REGISTER is TODAY!  (Contact: Luis Andrade)
 

GOVERNOR PRITZKER SIGNS ADDITIONAL HEALTHCARE RELATED BILLS
DDD Information Bulletins
DDD Communications
HFS Provider Notices
Thank you to our 2020 IARF Virtual Conference Sponsors! 
Josh Evans - President & CEO  - jevans@iarf.org
Beth Owens - Vice President for Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Policy - bowens@iarf.org
Luis Andrade - Vice President of Health & Long-Term Care Policy - landrade@iarf.org
Emily Miller - Vice President of Behavioral Health Policy - emiller@iarf.org
Maggie Henley - Director of Member Services - mhenley@iarf.org

(217) 801-9303 │ www.iarf.org
 
 






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