October 5, 2020 CP State News We're here for you!

Community-Based Prevocational Services billing changes Community-Based Prevocational Services provider fee schedules will be consolidated from three (3) geographic rate regions into two (2) geographic rate regions. The consolidation will be made effective October 1, 2020 and will create an “Upstate” and “Downstate” rate region for reimbursement purposes. These changes are being enacted as part of Amendment 03 of the OPWDD Comprehensive Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver.. Click here to read the full memo.

DOH provides return-to-work toolkit The New York State Department of Health has provided a tool kit that includes a flow chart to decide when employees and students can return to work if they test positive or have symptoms of COVID-19.  Click here to view and download the toolkit.

OPWDD to survey providers of Day Services beginning Oct. 6 The following information was sent by OPWDD today, October 5: OPWDD is sending out a survey to all providers of Day Habilitation and Prevocational Services for the purpose of understanding how their programs are re-opening to in-person services and which regulatory flexibilities will be needed as we move forward into the new, post-COVID normal. It is vital that OPWDD understand how individuals’ needs are being met as these agencies offer a range of in-person and remote opportunities for daytime support. The survey is designed to be as brief as possible, while still providing us with a good sense of how services are being offered and how well they are meeting individuals’ needs. We are sending the survey on 10/6/2020 with a response deadline of 10/21/2020. In partnering with you and other provider associations, we hope to encourage a robust response from providers. I ask that you please consider directly encouraging your members to complete the survey. In addition, I hope you will help enhance our understanding with some system-level input that was not possible to obtain through the survey, by sending us your thoughts on the following critical, but more general questions based on the operations of your member agencies. Please send your reply to opwdd.sm.MCI@opwdd.ny.gov by 10/21/2020. What are some ways day service providers are ensuring support for the individuals with the greatest support needs who reside at home with family?  What support, if any, are day programs offering those living at home who cannot make use of virtual supports? Are you aware of any promising practices and innovative ways day providers supported individuals to make virtual service delivery successful and engaging? Please describe. Thank you in advance for your support of these efforts. Staying connected to the field and what is happening in the lives of those we serve will assist us to move forward in positive ways. Your ongoing partnership is greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Allison McCarthy Director, Managed Care Implementation New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities

Webinars: Ways to Vote, Best practices and How to Report Accessibility Barriers The NYS League of Women Voters and Disability Rights New York have partnered to host webinars to explore how individuals can vote safely in the upcoming General Election. In this webinar, voters can learn all the ways you can vote, tips and tricks to make it an easy experience, and what you can do if you face barriers to the polls before, during, or after you cast your ballot.  Dates and times:  • Thursday, October 8 @ 6:30 PM https://zoom.us/j/93979457378 • Tuesday, October 13 @ 1PM https://zoom.us/j/97621225258 • Friday, October 23 @ 10AM https://zoom.us/j/96409985919

Routine survey activity for non-ICF programs Beginning 10/8/2020, the Division of Quality Improvement, Bureau of Program Certification (BPC) will begin to complete routine survey activity for non-ICF programs. ICF survey activity is already occurring. This will include site visits, Person Centered Reviews and Agency Reviews. In addition, BPC will continue to complete visits to select sites impacted by COVID-19. As a reminder, all visits to certified sites will be unannounced.  Please send any questions to quality@opwdd.ny.gov

$20B in new Phase 3 Provider Relief Funding announced Under this Phase 3 General Distribution allocation, providers that have already received Provider Relief Fund payments will be invited to apply for additional funding that considers financial losses and changes in operating expenses caused by the coronavirus. Previously ineligible providers, such as those who began practicing in 2020 will also be invited to apply, and an expanded group of behavioral health providers confronting the emergence of increased mental health and substance use issues exacerbated by the pandemic will also be eligible for relief payments. Providers can begin applying for funds on Monday, October 5, 2020. Click here to read more.

Demand I/DD services be fully funded We still have a voice and we need your help. Go to www.cpstate.org/advocacy to send the message to the Governor and local representatives demanding that disability services be fully funded. Our supporters have sent more than 30,000 messages so far, but our work isn’t done. Here’s what you can do: Send this link - www.cpstate.org/advocacy - to your parents, staff, self- and other advocates, and ask them to flood the inboxes of their elected officials. Share the link on your social media channels. Ask your supporters to enhance the message with their personal stories of how cuts will affect them. If you have any questions about the advocacy tool, or need help with messaging or graphics, please contact Bill DeVoe at wdevoe@cpstate.org. Thank you!

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