Yesterday at the RCPA IDD Meeting, there was a conversation regarding retainer payments for CPS providers. During the discussion, Deputy Secretary Ahrens mentioned that the continued funding of the retainer payments are now in the appropriations process. It was unclear if providers could expect a payment for May. We have received clarification that ODP is still anticipating sending May’s retainer payments.

As a result of feedback from providers to the request for information surrounding COVID-19 testing of individuals and staff in licensed facilities, the Department of Health has stated that they would accept data provided from agencies by license rather than submitting data per individual site address.

ODP is urging providers to please participate in this survey as the data is critical to accounting for the needs of our system.

And again, as follow up to the discussion of CPS for individuals living in a residential group home:

CPS may NOT be provided and billed as a separate service for individuals living in group homes. Residential providers are expected to provide the individuals with activities as appropriate to the individual’s needs, and the guidelines from DOH.

A residential provider may choose to contract with a CPS provider if they choose to do so, but for now, residential programs are continuing to be paid at a “without day services” rate.

When a county enters the “green” phase, then facility-based CPS sites may begin to provide services once again.

Notes from the full meeting will be available soon; also if you would like to listen to the recording of the meeting, it is available on the RCPA website on the Members Only Meeting Recordings page.

If you have any questions, contact Carol Ferenz.