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"The VMRC Newsletter"
Friday, May 12, 2023
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Message from the Executive Director
Tony Anderson
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The 2023-2024 May Revise is Revealed as
We Continue Implementing Recent Year Investments
Today Governor Gavin Newsome will reveal his plan to amend his state budget proposal for fiscal year 2023 -2024. He will base the changes off the most recent amount of tax dollars California received and plans to receive, new proposals that the legislators came up with, and new adjustments and ideas the governor has decided will be good for the state. The developmental services system has seen many years of tight budgets throughout its’ history but fortunately since 2016 the policymakers in Sacramento have made major investments in areas demanded from advocates for decades.
While we don’t anticipate any new significant changes to the system later today, it is important to recognize that the game changing investments made over the past two to six years are slowly making their way through to the areas of the system that needed the funding the most. It has been long recognized that the direct support professionals supporting people with disabilities and their families are chronically under paid and that the state has not provided them with the caseload ratios necessary for real case management social work. The reason for this historic underfunding is that to correct this it required more and more funding to the point that it required billions of dollars, strong and tenacious advocacy courage from all developmental services disciplines, and courageous state officials like Mike Wilkening and Nancy Bargmann. On this day of the May Revise for the 23-2024 fiscal year it’s important to recognize that we have met some significant milestones thanks to these factors all coming together.
For many of us who have endured these difficult years it may be frustrating that the rate of implemtation is so slow, but it should not be lost on us that while so many more improvements are needed, the milestones we reached this year will make a huge difference in the lives of those we serve. Here are just a few highlights to be aware of:
New state rate Increases for the following services:
Participant Directed Service Rates
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Participant-Directed Personal Assistance – Service Code 456 – $20.07 per consumer per hour, effective January 1, 2023.
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Participant-Directed Independent Living Services – Service Code 457 – $20.99 per consumer per hour, effective January 1, 2023.
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Participant-Directed Supported Employment – Service Code 458 – $29.50 per consumer per hour, effective January 1, 2023.
New Fiscal Management Services (FMS) Rates:
And finally, regarding the case management ratios and rates for Valley Mountain Regional Center:
- This year we expanded our case management capacity and hired 75 new service coordinators.
- Average caseloads for our regional center are currently listed in compliance with Medicaid requirements. However, the training and onboarding requires thorough preparation before giving new case managers full caseloads so many have not seen the workload relief yet. We expect significant relief by this summer if the state continues to fund our unusually high growth rate.
- The Community Care Facility (CCF) Residential care home rates were revised this year and the new payments went out to providers by the end of March.
- The process for changing rates requires several steps from our Resource Development team and then from our Fiscal team.
- Both teams are working hard to complete these changes recognizing how critically important these rate changes are for our providers and the people we serve. The good news is that changes are retroactive to dates set by DDS.
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Two Letters to Regional Center Directors from DDS this Week | |
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SELF-DETERMINATION PROGRAM: FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SERVICES REVISED RATES
As of May 1, 2023, DDS made new maximum monthly rates for the FMS providers for SDP services. The old rate was based on the total number of services listed in the spending plan. Now the FMS monthly rates are based on the total of employees and providers listed in the spending plan. This does not apply to employees of providers paid by the FMS.
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PERCENTAGE OF RATE ADJUSTMENT USED FOR WAGES AND BENEFITS FOR DIRECT CARE STAFF
Providers with rate increases for DSPs who spend at least 75 percent of their time providing direct services must keep documentation, for audits by DDS and VMRC to make sure funds were spent on DSPs. The new rate is equaled to one-half of the difference between rates in effect March 31, 2022 and the fully funded rate model. DDS has posted an online tool help in calculating this change.
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Kings View and Legacy Health Endowment (LHE) Partner to Increase Supports for Families
Kings View has recently received a grant from Legacy Health Endowment (LHE) to partner on their project to explore ways to increase supports to families with a household member with an intellectual or developmental disability, particularly meaningful respite, and to conduct research and write a white paper with the goal of building creative, culturally competent solutions for these families who are caring for individuals in their homes. LHE funds projects in a specific 19 zip code region of Northern Merced County and Southern Stanislaus County. Our end goal in partnering with them is to create, develop, enrich and/or enlarge supports in collaboration with the Regional Centers and other community partners in these areas.
As a starting point for our project, we are conducting focus groups in both Spanish and English, in person and via video conference, to learn from primary care givers and better understand their experiences. It would be incredibly helpful to our project to have an avenue to share the opportunity to participate in these paid focus groups with the families in these zip codes who are receiving VMRC services. (click on the flyer for more information)
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Upcoming VMRC Public Meetings
VMRC Consumer Services Committee Meeting (Hybrid)
Wednesday, June 7, 2023, 5:15 PM
Click Here for Zoom Information
Upcoming VMRC Service Provider Meetings
Transportation Forum (Virtual)
Thursday, May 11, 2023, 11:00 AM
Click Here for Zoom Information
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The DEI Corner
Mark Crear, DEI Manger
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Case Management Update - Adults
Christine Couch
Director of Consumer Services - Adults
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Check out our friends Lisa and Nic featured in an article on Today.com: This mom has Down syndrome and raised a son: How she did it | |
Happy Mother’s Day Lisa!! | |
Last week, we gathered at WATCH Resources, Inc. to honor and remember the friends we have lost since 2019. It was a beautiful day, an incredible ceremony and a time of incredible memories. | |
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Ongoing Statewide Self-Determination Program Orientation
Interested in learning about the Self-Determination Program (SDP) but don’t know where to start?
The California State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) and the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) are hosting 2-hour—online Self-Determination Program Orientations in English, Armenian, and other languages!
The SCDD training team includes SCDD staff, self-advocates, and family advocates who have lived experience with the Self-Determination Program. One size does not fit all. You can choose the presentation day and time that fits into your schedule. https://scdd.ca.gov/sdp-orientation/
After attending an orientation, you will have the information to help decide if SDP is right for you and enroll at your local Regional Center.
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2023 Transition Fairs are on Schedule! | |
Calaveras/Amador/Tuolumne Counties | |
Case Management Update - Children
Tara Sisemore-Hester
Director of Consumer Services - Children
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Clinical Update
Dr. Claire Lazaro
Clinical Director
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World Health Organization Declared End of COVID-19 Pandemic
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared on May 4, 2023 at the International Health Regulations (IHR) Emergency Committee Meeting that “COVID-19 is now an established and ongoing health issue which no longer constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC).”[1] This means that COVID-19 is still out in the community but the pandemic has ended.
Similarly, the federal declaration of Public Health Emergency (PHE) for COVID-19 here in the United States ended on May 11, 2023. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have created a document titled “Fact Sheet: End of the COIVD-19 Public Health Emergency.”[2] It listed what will be affected by this change and what won’t be affected. The access to vaccinations and certain treatments generally will not be affected.
Here is the link to the document:
https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2023/05/09/fact-sheet-end-of-the-covid-19-public-health-emergency.html
[1] WHO. May 5, 2023. https://www.who.int/news/item/05-05-2023-statement-on-the-fifteenth-meeting-of-the-international-health-regulations-(2005)-emergency-committee-regarding-the-coronavirus-disease-(covid-19)-pandemic
[2] HHS. May 9, 2023. https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2023/05/09/fact-sheet-end-of-the-covid-19-public-health-emergency.html
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month
When talking about one’s health, we include both our physical and mental health. This May, let us focus on our mental health. The U.S. Surgeon General, Dr, Vivek Murthy, has released an Advisory on The Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation facing our County, its destructive impact on our health, and the healing power of relationships.[1] More information when you click this link.
[1] Dr. Vivek Murthy. May 2, 2023. https://twitter.com/surgeon_general/status/1653353795189973000?s=51&t=B7btT5XVRs5Dwy_xzNvIyw
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Update on Pharmacist-led Classes for the Community
From William A. Kehoe, PharmD, MA, FCCP
VMRC Consultant Pharmacist
First, I want to thank all of you who have participated in our pharmacist-led medication and health classes over the years. The pandemic created challenges for us. But, using Zoom presentations we have been able to continue to provide classes with continuing education credit. Thank you for your participation.
We will be making improvements to our classes starting this month. Here are a few of the changes.
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We will continue to use the Zoom platform to deliver classes. Rather than delivering them on a specific date and time, we will now post two classes by the 25th of each month. Access to these classes will be via the VMRC website. You will be able to access them at any time you wish whether viewing as an individual or as a group at your facility. We hope that this makes it easier for you to schedule.
- There will be two classes posted each month. Each will be 50 minutes and with the required quiz participants will earn one hour for each one.
- An announcement about new class postings will be placed on the VMRC website and sent to our list of prior participants.
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Certificates will still be provided for those who wish to obtain credit. These will now be handled by Jennie Garcia by asking for and sending the completed quiz to JGarcia@vmrc.net.
Here is the schedule for the rest of 2023.
|  | Please feel free to contact Dr. Kehoe at wkehoe@vmrc.net if you have any questions. | |
COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Ending… What Now?
The COVID-19 public health emergency will expire on May 11, 2023, according to the White House. What does this mean for the public? Sharing this article from the Expert Insights of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health[1]:
Experts broke down some of the changes we can expect in this Time Article.[2]
Vaccines:
- People without health insurance will no longer be able to get free COVID-19 vaccines through state Medicaid programs.
- People on Medicare and Medicaid will continue to receive free vaccines.
- People with private insurance: Vaccines and boosters will be covered when using an in-network provider.
COVID Tests: Currently, people with private insurance or Medicare can get reimbursed for up to eight rapid tests.
- It’s possible insurance companies may continue to cover tests, if they are distributed by select in-network providers.
- Medicare beneficiaries will start paying for a portion of tests.
- Medicaid will continue to cover the cost of tests ordered by a doctor, but at-home test coverage will vary by state.
Remember: U.S. residents are still eligible to order free at-home tests [3] until the PHE ends, so it may be a good idea to keep some on hand.
COVID-19 Treatments:
- Privately insured: COVID-19 treatments (including antiviral therapies like Paxlovid) will continue to be covered.
- Medicare Part D: Antiviral treatments will be covered until the federal supply is depleted. After that, beneficiaries will have to pay for a portion.
- Medicaid: Only treatments approved by the U.S. FDA will be reimbursed. Medications under EUA will also vary by state.
Hospital Care:
- Medicare reimbursements that hospitals received during the pandemic will end with the PHE, and patients receiving COVID-related hospital care could see higher bills.
“The virus doesn’t care whether there’s a public health emergency declaration or not,” Sharfstein told AARP. It’s important to stay up to date on vaccines, watch out for symptoms, and test yourself if you’re going to be around vulnerable people, he says.
[1] https://us3.campaign-archive.com/?e=43337e8f93&u=0a43ad874dbe00d8f0545cfef&id=c077b8734c
[2] Time Article. January 31. 2023. https://time.com/6251520/covid-19-public-health-emergency-ends-what-changes/
[3] Get Free COVID-19 at-home tests. https://www.covid.gov/tests
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Community Services Update
Brian Bennett, Community Services Director
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Social recreation opportunity for VMRC consumers ages 12-21 | |
Emergency Response Update
Aaron McDonald, Emergency Response and Safety Specialist
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California’s Big Melt
After a winter of record snow and rain, California is dealing with the Big Melt.
As temperatures warm, the snowpack is melting and flowing into rivers and streams. All that water has both good and potentially dangerous effects. Flooding has already hit the Central Valley. Recreation on stream and rivers is strongly discouraged due to swift and unpredictable stream and river flows. Multiple water rescues have already occurred, and emergency rescue teams advise residents to keep in mind the potential danger of stream and river recreation during this time. These strong currents could significantly impact the ability of first responders to safely rescue people who become stranded on streams and river. Not only does snowmelt cause high flows, but it also makes the water extremely cold, which can be dangerous to swimmers, tubers, waders, pets or anyone entering the water.
But the water can also help drought-battered farms and water storage networks.
The San Joaquin River Basin remains one of the areas of top concern, as record-deep snowpack in the Sierra Nevada is expected to send a cascade of water down into the San Joaquin Valley as it melts.
But though the next few months will see the bulk of the melt, the depth and density of the snowpack means flows could persist into fall, according to state water supply forecasts.
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Red Cross Wildfire Pre-Planning and Evacuation Training Available
California Department of Developmental Services has partnered with the Association of Regional Center Agencies, Department of Social Services, and American Red Cross in hosting four training sessions for residential facilities staff (adult residential facilities and residential care facilities for the elderly) that are in areas with a heightened risk for wildfires.
This training will provide you with tools to assist you in taking your emergency plan and putting it into an action plan to assistance your staff and residents in understanding the importance of being prepared in case of an emergency. This guidance and training will support the facilities in their decision to evacuate, have plans in place before they need to evacuate and have residents and staff that know the individual preparations and actions needed before, during and after a wildfire event. We are offering the following trainings.
Four sessions are available. Please register for the Thursday that works best with your schedule:
May 11 - 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
May 25 - 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
June 1 - 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
June 15 - 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
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North Valley Hills Update
Dena Hernandez, Regional Manager (209) 473-6930
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ATTENTION!! Employment providers, regional center employees, and other direct service staff involved in the 14(c) transition. The California State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) has secured federal technical assistance (TA) through the U.S. Department of Labor NEON grant (National Expansion of Employment Opportunities Network) and the Administration for Community Living’s Disability Employment TA Center. The transition from subminimum wage in California is the TA’s focal point. Led by subject matter experts using national best practices in an online format series—California’s NEON Community of Practice (CoP) will focus on incentives and benefits planning, change management, customized employment, individualized services, business bottom-line enhancing employer education and outreach, and self-employment.
You can view the Community of Practice Session Calendar here: https://scdd.ca.gov/sb639-ca-neon/
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