Miscellaneous

Clearinghouse Clips: August 20, 2009

CMS State Medicaid Directors Letter: Increased Federal Medical Assistance Percentage under ARRA

Summary: This letter is another in a series of State Medicaid Director correspondence that provides guidance on the implementation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the Recovery Act), Public Law 111-5. This letter provides guidance on the process for accessing the increased Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP), expenditures for which the increased FMAP is available, and the eligibility โmaintenance of effortโ (MOE) requirements under section 5001(f) of the Recovery Act.

Topic(s): State/Agency Information

Source: CMS

More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2676

Employer Perspectives on Employment of People with Disabilities

Summary: The ODEP has released a brochure addressing employer concerns from a survey of 3,797 businesses across 12 industry sectors and various company sizes. Respondents reported on their beliefs about and strategies for recruiting, hiring, retaining and advancing employees with disabilities. Concerns addressed in the brochure include issues with supervision, accommodations, workerโs compensation. Additionally, the brochure and technical report includes tools and resources for employers.

Topic(s): Employment Programs

Source: ODEP - Office of Disability Employment Policy

More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2677

Federal Perspectives and Community Services Reporter

Summary: Two developmental disability news publications cover national policy developments and initiatives affecting persons with developmental disabilities and the programs that serve them. Topics covered in CSR include self-advocacy; key state legislation; facility closures; litigation summaries; autism updates, budget overviews, and helpful resources. Readers keep in tune with the latest shaping publicly funded disability services. The June issue is complimentary; consider becoming a subscriber.

Topic(s): Developmental/Psychiatric Disabilities

Source: NASDDDS

More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2668

Initiatives of the FY 2004 Mental Health Systems Transformation Grantees

Summary: In September 2004 CMS provided $3.6 million to fund MHST grants to encourage states to develop mental health systems infrastructure to implement and sustain evidence-based and recovery-oriented practices. Grants were awarded to 12 states under the Systems Change grants program. This report describes the initiatives with a focus on implementation issues and challenges and how they addressed them. Four Grantees focused solely on evidence-based practices, six on recovery practices, and two on both.

Topic(s): Mental Health

Source: RTI - Systems Change Evaluation

More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2674

IRIS: Wisconsinโs Self-Directed Supports Program - Website and Outreach Material

Summary: IRIS is a self-directed, long-term care option for elderly people and adults with disabilities. This Medicaid waiver program sponsored by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services is available in the 47 counties where Family Care operates. Their website provides information about the program, forms, FAQs, enrollment information and FSA and Participant Handbook.

Topic(s): Aging Issues, Consumer Direction, Developmental/Psychiatric Disabilities

Source: Wisconsin Bureau of Long Term Support

More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2670

Litigation Summaries of Developmental Disability-Related Cases

Summary: NASDDDS is now posting online litigation articles covered in Community Services Reporter (CSR) and other publications. Litigation articles are organized by type of litigation (Access to Services, Community Placement of Institutionalized Persons, Limitations on Home and Community-Based Services, Institutional Reform/CRIPA, Death Penalty Exemption/Determination of MR/DD to be Exempt, and Miscellaneous) and then by state.

Topic(s): Developmental/Psychiatric Disabilities, State/Agency Information

More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2669

National Health Reform and Individuals with Disabilities: Policy Insights

Summary: As the President and Congress forge legislative solutions to the current health care crisis, are they overlooking equally compelling arguments for reforming long-term services needed by some ten million Americans with severe, chronic disabilities? A two-part series, these bulletins deal with the impact of health reform legislation on persons with lifelong disabilities explores the similarities and differences in underlying strategies for restructuring health care and long-term services policies.

Topic(s): Developmental/Psychiatric Disabilities

Source: National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities

More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2673

Participant Handbook for IRIS - Wisconsinโs Self-Directed Program

Summary: This handbook will help participants in the IRIS Program organize and catalog the information they need to self-direct. The handbook includes information on resources, support and services plan, arranging for services, supports and goods, a glossary and FAQ section. The handbook can be downloaded in English (Large Print and Audio), Spanish, Russian, Hmong, and ASL (movie).

Topic(s): Aging Issues, Consumer Direction, Developmental/Psychiatric Disabilities

Source: Wisconsin Bureau of Long Term Supports

More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2671

PHI Training and Organizational Development Services Website

Summary: This new website supports PHIโs training and organizational development services. PHI works with providers of eldercare and disability services across the nation to deliver quality, relationship-centered care. Find out more about the PHI approach to training and ways to build skills.

Topic(s): Workforce/Direct Care

Source: PHI- Paraprofessional Healthcare Institute

More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2672

Real Choice Systems Change Grant Program - FY 2003 Grantees: Final Report

Summary: RTI is preparing a series of reports to document outcomes from the Systems Change grants. Divided into six parts, the first four provide an overview of the enduring improvements, continuing challenges, lessons learned, and recommendations of the 48 Research & Demonstration Grantees, organized by the four types of grants: CPASS, MFP, IP, & QA/QI. Part 5 provides summaries of the FTF Grants. Part 6 reviews the Respite for Adults and Children and Community-Based Treatment Alternatives for Children.

Topic(s): Money Follows the Person, Quality, Resource Center, Single Point of Entry/No Wrong Door, Sustainability