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We look forward to seeing you virtually as we share local and state updates. 

Unable to attend? Find the recorded Zoom sessions posted on our provider page. For 2022, we will continue meeting the 1^st Wednesday of even months (February, April, June, August, October, December) from 9am-10am.

Please take a minute to complete a survey to help DODD better support the DSP workforce. The survey found here for residential providers will help DODD better understand staff longevity and training as they consider all options to support the DSP workforce. We will summarize and share this data with DODD so that they can use in the decision-making process. Please complete this survey by 11/12/21.

This survey should be completed by agency providers who provide residential services to individuals with DD in Hamilton County.  

Several changes went into effect on October 15, 2021, these include:

• In-person Adult Day services can no longer be provided in a person’s home.
• The Community Integration (CI) Add-On ended.
• Effective 10/15/21, qualifying services previously authorized with this add-on will be transitioned to STEP through the end of this calendar year. Note that this transition is necessary because DODD’s MSS system is not yet set up for the new service codes described below.
• Qualifying Community Integrated Adult Day Services will shift to the new Community Integrated Adult Day Support or Community Integrated Vocation Habilitation effective 1/1/2022.

• Reminders for STEP:
• From now until the end of this calendar year, STEP can be provided in groups of up to 5.
• Effective 1/1/2022, these services must be provided in groups of 4 or less.
• STEP can be provided as a virtual service, but only through the end of 2021.

• Virtual day services:
• Virtual day services provided as STEP will continue to be paid at the C acuity rate through the end of 2021.
• Starting 1/1/2022, virtual day services will need to be identified as there will be a specific code for virtual ADS or virtual Voc Hab.
• Beginning 1/1/22, virtual day services will pay at a person’s actual acuity rate and will no longer qualify for the enhanced rate.

PAWS Changes

HCDDS funding specialists are working through the list of people who had the CI Add-On authorized. They are making sure that the person has utilized this service in the past three months. If there is no utilization, they will not authorize STEP (through the end of 2021) or Community Integrated ADS/Voc Hab for 2022. In these situations, if a provider wishes to begin providing STEP or Community Integrated day service, they need to submit a revision request to [email protected].

Provider Assistance Needed



Because we used an expedited authorization process for STEP services during the pandemic, we may not know if a person is receiving the service virtually. It is critical that we have an accurate list so that we can make the appropriate changes in MSS. All ADA providers who are providing virtual day services need to send a list (In Excel preferably) to [email protected] by November 26, 2021.

For questions related to these changes or specific authorizations, providers can email our Funding Manager, Nancy Bystry ([email protected]). 

HCDDS is continuing to offer workforce sustainability grants through the remainder of the year. These grants are available to agency providers to assist with staff training and renewal costs and DSP overtime. To find more information about the workforce sustainability grants and documents, visit HCDDS’s Provider Publications & Communications page.  To provide a little more clarification on the OT worksheet— as you complete the Provider OT worksheet, the ½ time rate of pay should be half of the straight time rate (see example below). 

In addition to the provider sustainability grants, HCDDS recently began running digital display ads on Facebook, Twitter, and across the internet to promote the work of DSPs and encourage people to apply for DSP jobs in Hamilton County. We’ve had hundreds of interactions already and expect hundreds of thousands of impressions throughout the campaign. 

We are hearing about delays with DODDs Provider Certification. Currently it is taking at least 30 days to have an application reviewed. If a provider’s certification is expired, PAWs cannot be uploaded and a provider cannot bill until the application is approved and certification is renewed. As a reminder, when renewing a provider application, the portal opens 90 days prior to expiration. We recommend that providers submit a completed application right when the portal opens, 90 days prior to expiration.

Additionally, there have been delays processing background checks due to issues with a computer system upgrade at BCI. Attached is a process that BCI has developed to assist providers in getting the delayed background check reports.

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) has issued guidance on COVID-19 vaccine booster doses, which have been authorized for certain recipients of the vaccine to prevent serious outcomes from the COVID-19 illness. Eligibility for booster doses is currently limited to individuals at the highest risk for severe COVID-19 based upon their age, certain underlying medical conditions, or occupational/institutional settings. Click Here to see booster dose eligibility requirements. 

Because the vaccine is more readily available, we do not plan on offering boosters through the HCDDS vaccine clinic. That being said, if a community clinic or PCP is not a workable option, please email [email protected] so that we can look at other options.

DODD released new compliance review tools 11/1/21 for Independent and Agency Providers.

• Independent Review Tool - Questions Updated 7.008
• Agency Review Tool - Questions Updated 5.012, 7.020, 7.026

Per the new provider certification rules (OAC 5123-2-08 and 5123-2-09), direct support professionals (DSPs) of waiver services and independent providers must complete the initial training and two hours of the annual training using DODD MyLearning or through an entity using DODD-provided curriculum. This does not apply to DSPs in ICF settings.

For entities interested in providing training in-person or through their learning management system, the DSP Initial and Annual curriculum can be found on DODD MyLearning here. Entities can begin using the new curriculum now, but the new training is required to be implemented by January 1, 2022. Watch a video on how to use the curriculum here.

The DSP Initial and Annual online courses will be available on DODD MyLearning January 1, 2022. DSPs at agencies and independent providers can continue to use the Eight-Hour Provider Training for initial certification and annual training requirements through December 31, 2021.

For help accessing DODD MyLearning or OH|ID, reach out to [email protected].

If you have questions about the curriculum or DODD training, reach out to [email protected]. 

To date, in Hamilton County, we have had 15 MUIs filed for the use of back blows, abdominal thrusts or some form of choking relief and 3 accidental deaths as a result of choking related incidents in 2021 so far this year. Attached are some quick training sheets about choking prevention that can be shared with DSPs.

The Ohio Department of DD notes that eating the wrong diet texture and lack of needed supports are the leading cause of choking-related incidents. Choking incidents can be prevented by:

• Providing the right food consistency
• Wait for the person to finish one bite before offering another bite
• Provide physical support as needed to ensure someone is sitting upright while eating

If someone's face is turning red, lips are turning blue and they have the inability to talk or make much sound, they may be choking. Call 911 and follow first aid training. 

On Thursday, November 18th, representatives from OVRS and HCDDS will talk about innovative business practices including ways to use technology to free up staff time, practical ways to recruit and retain staff, and engaging staff and families in new ways. We hope you are able to join us!

November 18th - 12:00-1:00pm  Innovative Business Practices

• Presenters: Jamie Steele with OVRS, Eric Metzger with HCDDS ALIFE team

Join Zoom Meeting: https://hamiltondds-org.zoom.us/j/96561060234

Meeting ID:  965 6106 0234

Join by Phone:  1 312 626 6799

More Information on NorthStar Advantage

NorthStar Advantage is a collaboration between HCDDS and provider agencies that began in 2008. It is a county-wide effort to improve the quality of services for people served with the goal of supporting provider agencies through collaboration, sharing information and ideas, and supporting a positive culture. 

Agency providers that complete the 4 part series would be eligible to apply for the Gold Standard group of providers that focus on system enhancement and innovation.

Target Audience 

Traditionally, NorthStar Advantage was geared to provider agencies wanting to improve services, grow their business successfully, and develop a network of connections with HCDDS and other provider agencies.

For 2021-2022, we believe many topics have a broader benefit and welcome all to join, including; independent providers, agency providers, those who have previously completed NorthStar Advantage, SSAs, and other interested stakeholders.  

Please attend all sessions or target those sessions that you find most beneficial. To be eligible to apply for the Gold Standard group, the applicant must be present at all NorthStar sessions and be an agency provider. 

Southwest Ohio Council of Governments is offering two FREE leadership trainings on October 12, 2021. 

• 9 am-12 pm- Staff: Building Trust Capital Within the Team
• 1 pm-4 pm- Managers: Building Trust Capital—Leaders Go First!

To register, click on the link in the attached flyer.