|
DBHDS Responds to SIS-A 2nd Edition Questions CRAAG's Readers are Asking
Many thanks to DBHDS for their responses CRAAG's questions on where the implementation of the new SIS-A 2nd Edition stands. Two reports from the Human Services Research Institute (HSRI) are linked below. Lots of reading to do!
Q: Has DBHDS received the final report from HSRI?
A: "DBHDS received the final report and plain language summary on August 26, 2024, 7:54 PM." "September 2024 Update [from the DBHDS website]: In 2022, the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) announced the completion of their project to re-norm the Supports Intensity Scale-Adult Version (SIS-A). During the Spring of 2023, the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) entered into a contract with the Human Services Research Institute (HSRI) to study the impact of implementing SIS-A, 2nd Edition for Virginia. The HSRI Plain Language Summary and the HSRI Final Report summarize the work done, the results, and HSRI’s recommendations. DBHDS reviewed all recommendations. The implementation of some are in progress, while others will take longer and involve other stakeholders."
Q: Has the report been approved for implementation by the DBHDS leadership?
A: "DBHDS has already started moving forward on some of the suggestions."
Q: When and how will the final report be shared with stakeholders?
A: "The report has been posted to the DBHDS website." [See above links]
Q: In all the public meetings DBHDS emphasized that the algorithm under discussion hadn't been approved and DBHDS was waiting for the final report to answer some of our questions. Is the algorithm the same or different from the example we discussed? Can you update us specifically on the differences if there are any?
A: "Everything will run as it has been through September 24, 2024. From September 25 - October 1 there will be a pause in assessments until after October 1."
"After October 1, 2024:"
"SIS-C assessments: there is no change to this SIS. Algorithm used: SIS Sections 1, 2A, 2B, 2E - it may also include Supplemental Questions, and Verification."
"SIS-A assessments: SIS-A will continue to be completed in VA through September 24, 2024. SIS assessments completed will remain valid until the next SIS due date. The algorithm used to determine the support level and reimbursement tier will remain unchanged. Algorithm used: SIS Sections 1, 2A, 2B, 2E - it may also include Supplemental Questions, and Verification."
"SIS-A, 2nd Edition assessments: After October 1, 2024 SIS-A, 2nd Edition will be completed in place of SIS-A. SIS Vendors will follow current SIS due dates which are provided by DBHDS. For this SIS only, the algorithm used to determine the support level and reimbursement tier will include the entire SIS. Algorithm used: Section 1, Section 2 - it may also include Supplemental Questions, and Verification."
| 
