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DHS has announced a temporary extension of the COVID-19 modification that allows family to continue providing PCA services
Parents, stepparents and legal guardians of minors, as well as spouses, can continue to serve as a PCA worker for their family member until Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023. On Friday, May 5, 2023, the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) let DHS know of a policy change allowing the agency to apply for a six-month extension of this temporary allowance created during the COVID-19 federal public health emergency.

MRCI understands this change is confusing and may cause a number of questions, we are asking you to please contact your program specialist with how this announcement impacts you. MRCI is here to help answer your questions and get you enrolled in the right programs.
Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental health is all around us but is often misunderstood. The Roadmap to Mental Health, developed by the Mental Health Coalition, is a resource to help explain and provide language on what we mean when we say “mental health.” Take a moment this month to explore mental health resources and reflect on what you can do for yourself to maintain good mental health. It's also a great reminder to check in with loved ones to see how they're doing.
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What cuisine is your favorite?
Italian (pasta, pizza)
Mexican (tacos, enchiladas)
American (burgers, chicken wings)
Buffet (all of the above!)
Last month we asked which type of M&M is your favorite, and the results are in... Peanut took the lead with 36.6%! Followed closely by Peanut Butter at 34.7%, then Classic with 25.4%, and last but not least was Fudge Brownie with 3.3%. Stay tuned for the results of the cuisine survey next month!
HCBS direct care workers and traditional PCA workers may apply for grant initiatives, including a retention bonus and PCA training stipend. The two initiatives are part of the Legislature-created HCBS grant developed to help attract new direct care workers and keep current employees who provide HCBS services to people with disabilities and older adults. 

Click the box below for more information and application instructions.
EVV Quarterly Updates
The DHS EVV team will host quarterly sessions for people affected by EVV to provide clarification on roles/responsibilities, updates and next steps. The next session is scheduled for June 26th, 2023.
PTO Balances over 80 hours will be reset following the pay period of 7/1/2023 per the collective bargaining agreement, an employee “may carry over up to 80 hours of PTO from one State fiscal year to the next”.
 
The State fiscal year ends June 30 meaning any PTO hours over the 80 hour cap will be lost. All PTO requests must be submitted with the pay period ending 7/1/2023.  
 
Please Note: PTO benefits are for workers under the Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS), Consumer Support Grant (CSG) and PCA Choice programs.
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Every Wednesday, we share photos sent to us by clients and families that define what self-direction means to them. You'll also find important updates, helpful articles, announcements, and more.

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2023 Training Schedule
Each year MRCI is required to assign training to all workers under the 245D programs of Individualized Home Supports (IHS) formerly known as Personal Supports, Respite, and now Homemaker. Below is the calendar of when the training will be assigned. 

Training is assigned in the beginning of the month and is due by the last day of the month. If your worker does not complete the training they will be temporarily suspended and not able to clock in or out through the app, or be paid for the time worked until complete.

If you have questions regarding the completion of the training you can connect with our program staff at 800-829-7110.
Month:
Subjects:
June
HIPAA/Data Privacy, First Aid
August
Client Rights
September
Positive Supports Rule
October
CSSP-A Review, Person-Centered Planning
Once per year
CSSP-A/IAPP Annual Review
Homemaker Only
Annually, in June
8 Hour CORE
Homemaker Staff Under the 245D Programs: MRCI now is including the Positive Support Rule training annually. The training has been assigned, please log in and complete by the end of November. 
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MRCI is creating innovative and genuine opportunities for people with disabilities or disadvantages at home, at work and in the community.
1961 Premier Drive, Suite 318
Mankato, MN 56001
 (800) 829-7110