Minnesotans receiving support through the Aging and Adult Services Division (AASD) and Disability Services Division (DSD) can expect a series of updates to services and policies, according to the Minnesota Department of Human Services bulletin. Changes include modifications to paid time off (PTO) for certain workers, modifications of policy to enable better access to transition coordination for those with mental health needs, and the end of a verification code requirement for assisted living facilities. The summary of these updates was provided in a recent announcement shared by the AASD and DSD.
The legislative changes now allow Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS) and Consumer Support Grant (CSG) workers the option to quickly waive their right to PTO when they're providing services to family members, effective May 25. "Effective Aug. 1, 2024, a person may receive MHM TC services with AMH-TCM, CMH-TCM, VA/DD-TCM, BHH or ACT services," the bulletin states. This change aims to improve the availability and coordination of care for individuals utilizing these services. Furthermore, starting August 1, the requirement to obtain a verification code from the Senior LinkAge Line before signing an assisted living facility lease will no longer be in place, simplifying the process for many seniors.
In other news pertinent to care providers, the Department of Human Services (DHS) has set a compliance deadline of September 1 for the Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) system. Providers of personal care services, including some waiver and home health services, are reminded to adhere to the impending deadline to avoid disruptions. DHS is also surveying to garner feedback regarding EVV implementation, with a deadline for responses set for August 30. People and entities affected are strongly encouraged to participate and ensure their voices are heard.
Policy changes continue to shape the caregiving landscape as the DHS has announced that effective October 1 spouses and parents of minors will be eligible to be paid for providing personal care assistant (PCA) services. This move is seen as a significant stride in recognizing the value of familial caregiving and providing financial support to families in these caregiving roles.
Training sessions are on the horizon, with a webinar scheduled for August 6 focusing on the Disability Waiver Rate System (DWRS) Cost Reporting for residential and unit-based service providers. An EVV provider onboarding session will also take place on August 7, a crucial event for providers as the compliance deadline approaches.
Concluding the slew of updates, registrants are reminded to save dates in November for the annual Minnesota Gathering which spotlights person-centered practices. The gathering aims to bring together service recipients, providers, and tribal nations among other stakeholders. Additionally, the DHS has made Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) online training available to various parties including families, providers, and financial management services (FMS) providers.
These updates underscore a landscape of continuous evolution and adaptation within Minnesota's health and human service sectors, reflecting a response to both legislative actions and the needs of the community. Stakeholders can find complete details of these updates and additional information through the AASD/DSD bulletin.
