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PROVIDER NEWSLETTER


UPCOMING VIRTUAL PROVIDER FORUM

Join Us on Zoom:

Wednesday, October 6th at 9 AM

We look forward to seeing you virtually as we share local and state updates. Superintendent Leia Snyder will also be joining to talk about the Provider Sustainability Program and how we hope this will help provide some support and stability for providers impacted by the DSP crisis.


Unable to attend? Find the recorded Zoom sessions posted on our provider page

10/6/21 Tentative Agenda

  •  Welcome Dawn Freudenberg
  • MUI and COVID Trends- Jennie Flowers
  • Statewide Updates- Jen Meadows
  • Provider Sustainability Program- Leia Snyder
  • Open Discussion- All

Zoom Link & Information


https://hamiltondds-org.zoom.us/j/4282305782


Meeting ID: 428 230 5782

Phone: 1 (312) 626-6799


WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Strategic Plan Input

Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services is creating its 2022-2024 Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan guides the agency’s priorities over the next three years. You can make your voice heard and be part of the planning process by taking this short survey.


We would also like to invite you to the Provider Strategic Planning Café. In this session, we want to hear from you about how we can continue to partner and collaborate for a better future.


Please join us virtually:

When: 9/29/21 at 10:00am

Where: Zoom at https://hamiltondds-org.zoom.us/j/99799634197?pwd=dnBOTlA0Z0ZpTFFYS2pXRFQ2NXFrZz09

  • Meeting ID: 997 9963 4197
  • Passcode: 222907
  • Join by Phone: 1 (646) 558-8656

DSP Appreciation Week 2021

Last week was Direct Support Professional Appreciation Week, and we celebrated DSPs with gifts and a honk-and-wave at our PPE handout. We also shared stories and photos highlighting the amazing work Direct Support Professionals do to impact in the lives of people they support. Click here to read a story we shared about Lyn Hill who has been a DSP for more than 5 years.

 

You can find more photos and content we shared on our social media.

We celebrated by having a

PPE giveaway and honk & wave.


STATE & LOCAL UPDATES

DSP Workforce Crisis

This month, OACB collaborated with the four provider associations (Ohio Provider Resource Association, Ohio Health Care Association, Ohio Waiver Network, and Values & Faith Alliance) as well as Advocacy and Protective Services, Inc. to write a letter intended for people served, their family members, DD professionals, and other system stakeholders about the ongoing and worsening DSP workforce crisis.

 

This is the first of many statewide messages that will be distributed about the workforce shortage, and represents the beginning of a long-term dialog with the tens of thousands of people and families served by our system. As we know, the DSP crisis has affected providers in Hamilton County. We hope that this letter, along with the memo from Superintendent Leia Snyder help in opening conversations with teams about flexibility and exploring alternatives to assist with the DSP shortage.

Updated MUI Forms

We have posted updated MUI Category- C forms on our provider page. Please use the new forms on this page for Law Enforcement, Unapproved Behavioral Support, and Unanticipated Hospitalization

ADA Return to Acuity Based Payments

As a reminder, as of 9/1/01, DODD returned to ADS/VH rates associated with the acuity group assignment for each person receiving services. For services delivered on or after September 1st, providers should use the traditional ADS/VH billing codes. To view the full memo from DODD, click here.


STEP billing rates and codes will remain in place and are unaffected by the return to acuity group payments.

Competency-Based Training & Longevity Add-On 

DSPs who have 2+ years of paid, full-time or equivalent experience providing support to people with DD and complete 60 hours of applicable training are eligible for the Competency-Based Training and Longevity Add-On. This Add-On adds $.39/HPC unit to the regular reimbursement rate for HPC. 


As part of HCDDS’s workforce sustainability program, providers are able to request reimbursement of $900 to cover the cost of the employee’s time completing the coursework for any employee who completes the requirements after 9/1/21. 


See below for more information/resources about the Longevity Add-On:

DSP Waivers for GED, High School Diploma & Age

DODD is taking two actions to increase the number of people eligible to be hired as a DSP to assist providers in hiring quality DSPs. DODD hopes that this will assist providers immediately by increasing the number of eligible applicants while we all work on the long-term sustainability of the workforce.  


DODD has temporarily waived the requirement that DSPs must have a GED or high school diploma. This waiver will be in effect from 9/17/21 through 9/30/2022. Employees without a high school diploma or GED cannot be certified to administer medications.


Additionally, through a similar age waiver, DODD is allowing the temporary use of Direct Support Assistants. People aged 16 and 17 can be hired to preform more limited duties as assistants. These employees cannot provide intimate personal care or administer medications and must always work with a DSP that meets all requirements in the rule.


Please see the attached full memo from DODD and Temporary Waiver Guidance

Vaccine Replacement Cards & Test Kits

Did you lose your vaccine card? Ohio now has a centralized site to request replacement cards. To request a new card, visit this link and complete the simple questionnaire.


Home test Kits are available at some libraries and YMCAs. To find locations, where testing is available, please visit this link. Anyone who lives or works in Hamilton County is eligible to get tested at one of the Test and Protect Sites.

New Provider Certification Rules

Earlier this month, SWOCOG hosted a regional session for providers to learn about the new provider certification rules from DODD. Unfortunately, there was a glitch in making the recordings available. That being said, you can access the PowerPoint and the new rules (Agency Providers and Independent Providers) at the links provided.


We did want to highlight that the new rule requires a $10,000 continuing line of credit. The most recent guidance from DODD is that this must be a statement from the bank and that a credit card will not meet this requirement. 

Small Business Relief Grants Available

The Hamilton County Small Business Relief Grant program is accepting applications for grants up to $10,000 to support our small business community. Hamilton County Commissioners are awarding $4.1 million in grants to eligible small businesses in a third round of funding using CARES Act dollars. Click here to view eligibility requirements.


This application process is easier than ever. You’ll need three things to apply:

  1. A government-issued ID
  2. A copy of a filed 2019 and 2020 federal business tax returns
  3. And proof that your business operates in Hamilton County


To learn more, go to Hamilton County’s COVID relief Website



The deadline to apply is Monday, October 4th at 5:00 pm. For application assistance, reach out to 513 Small Business Assist Program at 513assist@nextstreet.com or call 513.273.0503.


TRAINING & ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

SWOCOG 20211 Leadership Academy

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.

Zoom Connection Hour

Who: This is for adults that we serve who are looking to be social and meet other people with similar interests.


What: Ann Myres and Amber Cowart (Community Navigators with HCDDS) will be hosting weekly zoom calls where people can join and share their interests and potentially form connections with other people.


When:

Tuesdays: 2pm-3pm



https://hamiltondds-org.zoom.us/j/92115466073?pwd=UmRNYjNOcTlyRDFSVldTa3RTMW00dz09

Meeting ID: 921 1546 6073

Passcode: 1950

Phone Number: 1-646-558-8656

Wednesdays: 5pm-6pm



https://hamiltondds-org.zoom.us/j/95677618654?pwd=YXZ0cTRodkpTT2Q1bFRuUThubVJqUT09

Meeting ID: 956 7761 8654

Passcode: 1950

Phone Number: 1-646-558-8656

Best Buddies

We have some exciting news! We are collaborating with UC to offer Best Buddies Friendship. These programs build one-on-one friendships between people with and without IDD offering social interactions while improving the quality of life and level of inclusion for a population that is often isolated and excluded. 

 

If you know an adult who would like to be matched with a college student for friendship, please share the attached letter. The letter goes over how to complete the online application to register with Best Buddies. If someone doesn’t want to be matched with a college student, they can still participate in the group events. 

 

Please complete the application process as soon as possible as the matching process will take place in October. People joining will have to provide their own transportation and be able to pay for activities. 

Fernside Grief Support

We know the past year and a half have been challenging and many have experienced the loss of a loved one.  Fernside Center is willing to offer free, small groups to individuals (children and adults) who have experienced a loss and are open to sharing their story and discussing coping skills. If you know of someone who would be interested, please reach out to Amber Cowart by email (amber.cowart@hamiltondds.org) or phone (513.203.3768).

WEBINAR: Internet Safety Training


HCDDS is offering a 2- part training for teens and adults to talk about internet safety. The goal of the training is to ensure that everyone is educated on sage ways to use social media and the internet while also being aware of potential risks.   Please see the attached flyer for additional information.


The two-part training will take place on:

  • November 3, 2021, from 5-6:30 PM
  • November 10, 2021, from 5-6:30 PM


To register for this training, please email your name and address to Ann Myres at Ann.Myres@hamiltondds.org or call her at 513-703-2138 with this information.

Register for this training by October 21, 2021


Once you register, you will be mailed a packet that you will receive prior to the training. You can reference this information during the training sessions.

A Zoom link will be emailed to you a few days before the zoom meeting.


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