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ODP Announcement 21-031: UPDATE highlights that the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) provides a temporary 10% increase to the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) for certain Medicaid expenditures for home and community-based services (HCBS). The funding is to be used to enhance, expand, or strengthen HCBS beyond what is available under the Medicaid program.
On June 3, CMS notified states that they have an additional year to use funding made available by ARPA, expanding eligible expenditures to March 31, 2025. To provide guidance about the process for providers to request one-time payments and address staff training, credentialing, and business associates programs for employment, the application deadline for this initiative has been extended to October 31, 2022.
Providers interested in applying will complete and submit the Staff Training, Credentialing, and Business Associates Programs for Employment Supplemental Payment Application and submit via email to Rick Smith. Applications will be accepted through October 31, 2022.
The Department of Human Services (DHS) Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) has announced a funding opportunity under an approved Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) spending plan that will provide American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to HCBS providers. The purpose of the funding is for the implementation of quality improvement (QI) projects to improve the services available to HCBS participants through the Community HealthChoices (CHC) and OBRA 1915(c) waivers. This opportunity focuses on supplementing activities in a manner that improves and strengthens the quality of HCBS services. The use of the ARPA funding, however, is limited to those activities that supplement rather than supplant the existing services.
DHS will provide funding of up to $40,000 per approved request submission and approve funding on a one-time basis to each qualified provider. DHS will review and approve submissions in the order in which they are received until the total funding allocated has been exhausted. Members are encouraged to submit their requests as soon as possible.
Funding will only be provided for the following improvement projects:
Additional information, including the HCBS Quality Incentive Funding Request Form, is available on the DHS Long-Term Care Providers web page. Questions should be sent via email to OLTL.
ODP Announcement 22-043 provides information regarding the part of the Office of Developmental Programs’ (ODP) ARPA plan wherein providers can receive a one-time supplemental payment for technology-related activities that strengthen and enhance home and community-based services (HCBS). The following activities would be supported by this initiative:
This initiative is designed to enhance HCBS by:
Supports Coordination Organizations: As part of the ODP ARPA plan, SCOs can receive a one-time supplemental payment for technology-related activities that enhance HCBS by:
This announcement includes the Application for Providers and Application for Supports Coordination Organizations.
ODP Announcement 22-040 shares that the questions and answers from the webinar the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) recently held to discuss the one-time supplemental payment available to address staff training, credentialing, and business associate programs for employment have been combined into a document for stakeholders.
The Q&A document includes all questions that were asked and answered during the webinar on April 4, 2022. Answers provide detail on what types of programs will be considered for ARPA funds. The document will be updated with any future questions and answers that are relevant to the distribution of funds through ARPA.
Stakeholders may email any questions not addressed.
On April 4, 2022, the Office of Developmental Programs presented a question and answer (Q&A) session on the use of ARPA funding in helping to increase staff qualifications, pay, and recruiting.
The recording of the session is now available. Also available are materials presented during the webinar and a transcription of the questions asked and answered.
Please note: No credit hours or certificates of attendance are being offered for viewing the recording.
Questions may be directed via email.
This announcement is to inform stakeholders of ARPA funds that are available to AEs to disperse in order to meet Respite and/or the Family Driven Support Services (FDSS) needs of individuals on the waiting list who do not currently receive waiver funded services. This communication is intended to:
An FAQ is included to address common questions about this program as well as a Family Support Funds tracker for reporting use of the funds.
ARPA Funds and Credentialing Information
April 4, 2022, 1:00 pm–1:30 pm
Audience: Providers
Join Deputy Secretary Kristin Ahrens and Bureau Director of Policy & Quality Management Jeremy Yale to discuss the recent announcement about the ODP American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) One-Time Supplemental Payment to Address Staff Training, Credentialing, and Business Associates Programs for Employment.
Format: ODP GoTo
Adult Autism Waiver (AAW) Updates
April 11, 2022, 10:00 am–11:30 am
Audience: All Office of Developmental Programs’ (ODP) AAW Providers and Support Coordinators
The purpose of the meeting is to provide updates on the Adult Autism Waiver, answer questions, and provide technical assistance and support. These meetings are held for all ODP providers and Support Coordinators providing AAW services. The Virtual Office Hours (VOH) starts with an overview of any new ODP Announcements and also includes a) highlights of new practices, b) a review of topics and questions sent in advance, and c) a discussion of any concerns that have come up in the past few weeks. Providers will be able to ask questions directly of AAW Regional Office (RO) Representatives.
Format: Columbus GoTo
Statewide Positive Practice Seminar
April 14, 2022, 9:00 am–3:00 pm
Audience: All Stakeholders
You are invited to participate in the Department of Human Services’ (DHS) Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) and the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) Statewide Positive Approaches & Practices Meeting.
TOPIC: Embracing Behavioral Supports and Meaningful Applications — Positive behavioral support is a process that combines evidence-based practices to address behavioral challenges and improve independence, participation, and overall quality of life of individuals living and learning in complex community environments. This session will engage participants to take an active role in behavioral interventions and expand one’s knowledge with principles and practices for dual diagnosed individuals and trauma.
Session #1 — Hard to Tell: What Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Need Us to Know about Trauma and Trauma-Informed Care
Dr. Caren Roser-Morris, Licensed Psychologist, OMHSAS.
Session #2 — The Importance of Quality of Life and Lifestyle Interventions in Behavioral Support
Jordan Hollander, Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations Session
Session #3 — The Power of Collaboration Through Behavioral Assessment and Treatment
Lindy Mishler, Behavior Specialist, Bureau of Support for Autism and Special Populations Stacey Keilman, CEO, Torrance State Hospital.
Format: Columbus GoTo
Charting the Lifecourse Applying Principles and Using Tools to Support a Good Life for Individuals and Families
April 27, 2022, 9:00 am–1:00 pm
Audience: Individuals & Families
“Charting the LifeCourse” was created to help individuals and families of all abilities and all ages develop a vision for a good life, think about what they need to know and do, identify how to find or develop supports, and discover what it takes to live the lives they want to live.
Participants in this training will:
Format: Columbus Zoom