IRF QRP Requirements Waived During COVID-19 Pandemic
Melissa Dehoff
Melissa Dehoff is responsible for all medical rehabilitation and brain injury service issues. Ms. Dehoff attends multiple state-level meetings to advocate on behalf of members on brain injury and rehabilitation issues and is a member of the Department of Health Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Board.
Attention CHC-MCOs: Temporary Changes to CHC Waiver Due to COVID-19
The Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) has been in communication with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), to make emergency amendments to its Home and Community-Based Waivers in response to COVID-19. Members should refer to the document that was issued to the Community Health Choices Managed Care Organizations (CHC-MCOs), which contains the temporary changes that are to be implemented immediately.
CMS Releases FAQs on Medicare Provider Enrollment Relief
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has released Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Medicare Provider Enrollment Relief related to COVID-19. Also included are toll-free hotlines available to provide enrollment information and answer questions related to COVID-19 enrollment requirements.
For a complete and updated list of CMS actions, guidance, and other information in response to COVID-19, members should visit the Current Emergencies website.
DHS Issues COVID-19 Stakeholder Update
The Department of Human Services (DHS) has issued an updated stakeholder message regarding their actions in response to the COVID-19 crisis. Included in this message are updates to: 1135 Waiver, Appendix K Waiver, Residential Treatment Facility Visitation guidance, licensing, and Electronic Visit Verification (EVV). DHS also continues to work on updating a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) document, which is expected to be shared very soon. Members are encouraged to frequently check the DHS website for the most up-to-date information.
In addition, Secretary Miller will host a call for stakeholders on Wednesday, March 25, 2020 at 4:00 pm. Registration information for this call will be shared on March 23, 2020.
CDC Issues New Guidance on Use of Protective Gear for Providers
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued new guidance for healthcare providers that provides information on the best ways to conserve personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gowns, facemasks, N95 respirators, and eye protection as they experience supply shortages due to the outbreak of COVID-19.
April 1, 2020 MLTSS Meeting Agenda
The agenda for the upcoming April 1, 2020 Managed Long-Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) Subcommittee has been released. This meeting is scheduled to take place from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. As a reminder, this meeting has been changed to webcast/teleconference only. Use this link for LISTServs and websites to ensure you receive email from DHS, including communication regarding the MLTSS Subcommittee and the Community HealthChoices Program.
Update: Virtual Services Due to COVID-19
Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and pandemic, OLTL has granted permission for brain injury providers to conduct the following services via virtual therapy on a temporary basis:
- In-home CRT;
- Structured Day in the residence; and
- Counseling and Behavior Therapy.
Community HealthChoices Third Thursday Webinar Scheduled for March 19
The Community HealthChoices (CHC) Third Thursday webinar is scheduled for March 19, 2020 at 1:30 pm. Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) Deputy Secretary Kevin Hancock will be providing updates on COVID-19. To register for the webinar, use this link.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. If you have any questions, please contact the OLTL Bureau of Policy Development and Communications Management at 717-857-3280.
April 1 MLTSS Subcommittee Meeting Via Webinar
The April 1, 2020 Managed Long-Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) Subcommittee meeting will now be held via webinar from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. Public comments will be taken after each presentation. Questions can be entered into the chat box during the presentations and these questions will also be asked at the end of each presentation. There will also be a 15-minute period at the end of the meeting for any additional public comments.
To participate in the meeting via webinar, please register using the link below. A confirmation email will be sent containing information about joining the webinar. Participants are encouraged to register early.
The dial in number is: 415-655-0060 / Access Code: 201-740-620
Captionist Remote Streaming Link
If you have any questions about registering for the webinar or require a toll-free number to dial in, please contact the Office of Long-Term Living. For questions regarding this email, call 717-857-3280.
Changes in Provider Processes for Act 150 Program/OBRA Waiver Due to COVID-19
The Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) issued the following notice regarding changes in the provider processes for the Act 150 Program and OBRA Waiver due to Coronavirus (COVID-19).
TO: Service Coordination Entities in the OBRA Waiver and Act 150 Program
The Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) is collaborating with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to make emergency amendments to its Home and Community-Based Waivers in response to COVID-19. To address the concerns and questions that OLTL continues to receive, the following changes in provider processes for the Act 150 program and OBRA waiver may be implemented immediately.
Service Coordination Entities (SCEs)
OLTL is providing the following guidance to SCEs regarding SC Monitoring and Individual Service Plan (ISP) Team Meetings (i.e. annual reviews, revisions, and ad hoc planning meetings). Until further notice, OLTL is permitting SCEs the flexibility to choose to conduct SC Monitoring and ISP Meetings remotely, using phone or video conferencing solutions. In those instances where the participant does not have a telephone or other electronic means of communication, the SC will document that fact and include attempts made to contact the participant in the documentation. When either of these responsibilities are completed in place of a required face to face meeting, the SC should document the occurrence.
Additionally, SCs should be working with participants to implement their Emergency Back-Up Plans. Participants are required to have an emergency back-up plan for serious emergencies that might cause a disruption in routine services being delivered to the participant for an extended period of time. This may include identifying family and friends to assist during an emergency, or finding alternative ways to receive needed services. OLTL is asking that no reductions in service plans be implemented during this time of emergency. Service additions and updated authorizations will be expected when necessary.
Prev