The Department of Human Services (DHS) is advancing into new territory with the enforcement of electronic visit verification (EVV) compliance starting this month. Addressing providers that deliver personal care services across various waivers and home health services, the DHS mandate, which took effect on September 1, 2024, underscores the shift towards ensuring the accuracy and integrity of service delivery. According to a bulletin from the Aging and Adult Services Division (AASD) and Disability Services Division (DSD), "DHS began to enforce EVV compliance and review EVV usage for all providers, regardless of payer." This heralds a new chapter for accountability in the care network encompassing both financial management services (FMS) providers and managed care organizations (MCOs).
The weekly digest from the AASD and DSD also notes the cancellation of a key training webinar. Scheduled for September 25, 2024, the "Advancing Your Skills: Enhancing Support Plans" session will no longer take place. Aimed at bolstering the knowledge base of new and experienced staff who utilize MnCHOICES – a tool critical for waiver case managers and care coordinators, among others – the DHS encourages continued learning through self-paced online resources. The decision to cancel was shared with stakeholders, with the DHS communicating that "DHS canceled the Sept. 25, 2024, session of the Advancing Your Skills: Enhancing Support Plans webinar series," as stated by the Minnesota Department of Human Services.
While the digital shift continues to redefine administrative landscapes, it must be noted that learning processes too have to adapt swiftly. With the webinar series disrupted, staff relying on these sessions to advance their skills are encouraged to actively engage in alternative means like online courses tailored to their duties. The DHS's communication insists on the continuity of training and its pivotal role in the care ecosystem, stating, "In the interim, DHS encourages case managers to complete self-paced online courses specific to their role."
