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Calendar of Events
April 21-23, 2010
NCARF Annual Leadership Forum
Wrightsville Beach, NC |
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NCARF Headquarters
Suite 102
Raleigh, NC 27607
Phone
919-863-9486
Email
Nicole Shore
Association Executive
Michelle Eggleston
Membership Coordinator
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Coalition and DD Consortium Update |
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Coalition and DD Consortium Update from Chris Kiricoples
What follows is a summary of the information and discussion that occurred at these two meetings:
* Presentation by Piedmont Behavioral Health representatives on
their 5-year experience with the 1915 (b) (c) waiver---Last month, several
DD Consortium members expressed a great deal of concern about the new
waiver...the Consortium's leadership arranged a presentation, which was very helpful and informative. I will forward their actual Powerpoint
presentation when it is available, but here is a brief summary of the most
important points.
1. The idea is to manage all public resources available, with the goal
that the most resources will be directed to the people with the most severe
disabilities.
2. The waiver uses a Managed Care model, through methods like capitation, payor of claims authority, rate setting authority, use of a closed provider network (see #7 below), utilization management based on medical necessity, and care/case management so that only the right level of resources are directed to the consumer.
3. For the population with Developmental Disabilities, the Supports
Intensity Scale (administered by the LME---not by providers) is used to
determine level of need and eligibility for services.
4. The LME is paying for defined benefits and outcomes, with a system of
benchmarks and clinical practice guidelines.
5. The waiver is divided into several different sections, and DMA and CMS have final approval authority for what services will be purchased. The 'c' waiver is the DD portion of the waiver.
6. The PBH folks acknowledged that there had been many challenges using
this waiver with the DD population, and that they had made numerous
adjustments and/or exceptions.
7. Regarding the use of a Closed Provider Network---PBH staff stated they
are using 103 DD service providers in their 5 county area. They stated that
one of the items that makes this waiver unique is that "the consumer is
waiving their freedom of choice in selecting a provider" and agreeing to
utilize providers selected by the LME. As other LMEs had contacted them
about how they had implemented the waiver, PBH had heard that the other LMEs intended or hoped to limit their provider networks more aggressively.
That is a brief summary of nearly 2 hours worth of discussion. Most of the
DD Consortium members expressed concerns specific to the waiver and the
population with Intellectual and other Developmental Disabilities. There
were also several comments about LME authority/autonomy, and the need for the Division to carefully monitor and supervise the LME's implementation of this waiver. The Division will be selecting two more LMEs to come under this waiver, effective January 2011, and six have applied for consideration to date (through another source, I have learned that these are ECBH/AMHC, Smoky Mountain, Western Highlands, Sandhills, Centerpoint, and Mecklenburg). PBH will continue to operate under the waiver, and is said to be in merger discussions with OPC. Given the size of the LMEs and the continuing negotiations about merger of LMEs, the waiver could be in effect in 40 to 45 counties by the end of this calendar year.
* Leza Wainwright and Jim Jarrard attended the Coalition meeting and
reported on the types of limited data the Division is tracking. Regarding
the state budget, they have NOT been asked to make additional cutbacks for the current fiscal year, but they have been asked to do 3-5-7 % cutback
scenarios for next fiscal year. There has evidently been some discussion
about how those reductions would be implemented, specifically to
state-operated facilities cuts vs. community-based services cuts.
Statewide, Medicaid growth and expansion must be controlled, and the
Medicaid budget must make a reduction of at least $1 billion.
Leza also confirmed that the Division had received approval to expand the
1915 (b) (c) waiver to 2 additional LMEs. The CABHAA unification process is moving forward and is on schedule.
* The Arc of NC announced that they will be doing a series of
regional informational meetings about the new waiver and its impact on DD
services----a schedule is posted on their website. Coalition members were
updated about the effectiveness of the Eastern Regional Town Hall meetings (with a summary of news/media coverage of the event) and urged to continue to publicize and attend the numerous other Town Halls scheduled around the state.
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Communication Bulletin #109 |
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REMINDER: NEXT COALITION MEETING IS MARCH 15 IN CHARLOTTE!!
March 15 - Charlotte AT McLeod Center, 515 Clanton Road - doors open at 6:00pm and the program begins at 6:30pm.
Town Hall Meeting
on
Mental Health, Developmental Disability, and Substance Abuse Services
Sponsored by The Coalition
The Coalition, 40 organizations advocating together to meet the needs of North Carolinians living with the developmental disabilities, the disease of addiction, & mental illness, will host a series of town hall meetings on MH, DD, & SA services across the state. These listening sessions will:
· Provide a briefing on the current budget cuts and future budget outlook
· Offer an opportunity to share your opinions about MHDDSA services and supports; in person, in writing, or online
· Update you on how to make a difference on these issues
TIME: All meetings are from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. Doors will open at 6:00 PM and the program begins at 6:30.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
March 30 - Greensboro; Place TBA - please see www.thecoalitionnc.org for updates
April 13 - Fayetteville; Southern Regional Area Heath Education Center (SRAHEC), 1601 Owen Drive
April 19 - Asheville; Mountain Area Heath Education Center (MAHEC), 501 Biltmore Ave
Late April - Durham; TBA - please see www.thecoalitionnc.org for updates
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Small Business Partnership Award
This award recognizes small businesses that have partnered with AbilityOne-producing NPAs resulting in increased employment opportunities for people with severe disabilities.
The Meeting Place
Beaufort County Developmental Center
Washington, N.C.
For 16 years, The Washington, N.C. restaurant, The Meeting Place, has thrived as a small business while providing a platform for individuals with severe disabilities to prove their worth as employees. By tapping into Beaufort County Developmental Center's (BCDC) Supported Employment program, The Meeting Place owners, Anne and Bob Martin, have hired 15 individuals with severe disabilities. Today, the restaurant relies on BCDC for its personnel and recruitment needs.
BCDC CEO, Chris Kiricoples, has worked for six Nonprofit Agencies (NPAs) in three states over the course of his 35-year career, building relationships with major corporations, privately owned companies, and family owned companies along the way. "In all those years I have never met employers as dedicated to giving people with disabilities a chance as Anne and Bob [Martin] are," Kiricoples said. "If every NPA could have one small business like The Meeting Place, we would all be tremendously successful in communicating the abilities of people with disabilities to the public. The Meeting Place gives our clients an opportunity to prove their worth."
Overlooking the Pamlico River, The Meeting Place specializes in a luncheon menu that attracts a business crowd and provides catering for special events. BCDC facilitates meetings between qualified prospective applicants and the restaurant. Job coaches are available to provide on-site training. As a new employee gains skills and confidence, and natural supports are developed, the coach gradually spends less time at the work site. However, job coaches remain available for retraining or assistance in coping with any other workplace challenge.
"If I could hire everyone from BCDC I would," said The Meeting Place co-owner, Anne Martin. "I couldn't operate my business without them. They make my business better."
Currently, The Meeting Place employs five persons with severe disabilities. According to Kiricoples, Martin does not have a preconceived notion of the time it takes an individual with a disability to learn a new job, in large part, because she knows that job coaches are always available to assist with any challenge. "Not only is she accepting of our AbilityOne employees, but she has taught her staff to be accepting of differently-abled employees," Kiricoples said. "AbilityOne employees feel valued and accepted at The Meeting Place."
Referrals and promotion about the benefits small businesses can reap by employing people with disabilities communicated by owners Anne and Bob Martin has helped BCDC to develop additional job placement partnerships with other local firms. "They treat every employee as if they are an extended member of their own family," Kiricoples noted. "They genuinely see the potential of each individual and look past their disability to see the whole person."
In response to winning the NISH Small Business Partnership Award, Anne Martin expressed surprise and gratitude while emphasizing that employing people with disabilities is business-as-usual for the restaurant. "We do this because it's what you should do in your life, help people and help each other," Martin said. "Anyone with a disability is just like anyone else; they all have life goals, they want to work, they want to be creative, they want to be a part of society and demonstrate what they can do. If all of my employees were as reliable as the employees I have recruited from Beaufort (BCDC), I would never have any problems."
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Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
For more than 80 years, Vocational Rehabilitation has provided counseling, training, education, medical, transportation, and other support services to persons with physical or mental disabilities in order to help them become independent or job-ready or both. We are now an organization of over 1,100 caring individuals who are looking to make a meaningful and significant difference in our communities. Join our team and make a career for yourself and make a positive impact on and for others.
(Small Business Specialist)
Raleigh, NC
Temporary Position
$42,833 - $65,000
Description of Work: This position will advise eligible clients with disabilities in the development of small business proposals and provide support to rehabilitation professionals within the context of the client's plan for vocational rehabilitation. The selected applicant is responsible for advising clients on effective business plan development including connecting them with local entrepreneurship resources and conducting preliminary business plan reviews. The selected applicant is responsible for face-to-face training of rehabilitation professionals within the Division on the agency'spolicies related to small business as well as developing written resource manuals for clients and professionals which describe the business proposal process and availableentrepreneurship resources. The selected applicant will assist with small business follow-up through small business site visits and by reviewing financial reports submitted by clients receiving the Division's financial support for their small businesses. The selected applicant will work closely with the Division's Policy, Planning, and Evaluation team, Purchasing Department, Rehabilitation Engineers, and Rehabilitation Counselors.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Thorough knowledge of business plan components, business financing alternatives, legal and tax requirements associated with self-employment and entrepreneurship resources available throughout the state of NC. Ability to work with diverse populations, ability to develop an effective professional network within the entrepreneurship community, ability to train entrepreneurship concepts to rehabilitation professionals, ability to pursue self-employment for referred clients while maintaining division policies imposed by state and federal regulations. Proficiency with MS Office software and business accounting/spreadsheet apps. Excellent professional networking skills, financial analysis skills, and verbal/written communication skills, including the ability to produce quality business plans and to maintain reports and documents regarding assistance provided to both clients and professionals. A valid driver's license and travel with overnight stays necessary. Four years experience in business or managerial consulting; and/or previous ownership of a small business and/or employment experience in an assistance program working with individuals with disabilities/socio-econ disadvantages; and a master's degree in business or related field strongly preferred.
Training and Experience Required: Graduation from a four-year college or university, preferably with a major in business, public, or hospital administration, and four years administrative experience involving participation in the planning and management of a business or governmental program; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
To Apply: Please submit a State Application for Employment (PD-107) when this upcoming position is advertised on the OSP website, http://www.osp.state.nc.us/tempsolu/errajobs.htm The job will be advertised from 3/9 to 3/19. Resumes will be accepted as supplemental info. Applications must be received by HR by 5pm of the closing date. For inquiries, contact VR Human Resources at 919-855-3517. EOE
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Autism Trifecta from N&O
Brings back memories of the mh/sa parity battle.
Autism program backers on alert
by Eric Ferreri, staff writer
http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/03/10/379860/autism-program-backers-on-alert.html
Published Wed, Mar 10, 2010 05:09 AM
BCBS plays it wrong
by Ruth Sheehan, staff writer
http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/03/10/379858/bcbs-plays-it-wrong.html
Published Wed, Mar 10, 2010 05:20 AM
Autism services [letter to the editor]
http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/03/10/379436/autism-services.html
Published Wed, Mar 10, 2010 02:00 AM
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Disability Employment Statistics Released |
February 2010 Disability Employment Statistics Released
In February 2010, the percentage of people with disabilities in the labor force was 21.9. This translates into a total of 21,012,000 who are included in the civilian noninstitutional population (16 years and older) but not in the labor force. By comparison, the percentage of persons with no disability in the labor force is 70.1.
The unemployment rate for those with disabilities was 13.8 percent, compared with 10.3 percent for persons with no disability, not seasonally adjusted.
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Arc of NC Position on Managed Care Waivers |
The Arc of NC Position on Managed Care Waivers
Feel free to share this with employees, other providers as well and anyone else who may be effected or interested. Please encourage folks to attend these public forums. Most are sponsored by local chapters of the Arc.
**** PLEASE NOTE THESE ARE SEPARATE MEETINGS FROM THE COALITION TOWN HALL MEETINGS******
CONTACT Ellen Russell, Director of Advocacy and Organizational Development, The Arc of North Carolina for information. (919)782-4632; (800)662-8706; (919)280-3878 (c)
Attached is a position statement from The Arc of North Carolina's Board of Director's related to the expansion of Managed Care Waivers [Medicaid Combination 1915(a)(b) Waivers]. This Statement is not a position for or against the Managed Care Waivers. It is a call to stop all expansion efforts until March 1, 2011, during which time the State should do more evaluation, inform the public and take public comments. Please read the attachment for details.
Related to this issue: The Arc of NC is holding a series of public forums (below) to share information and discuss what is happening.
The Arc of North Carolina is Holding a Series of Public Forums
Across the State on
"Managed Care" Waivers
Currently, PBH (formerly Piedmont Behavioral Health) is the only Local Management Entity (LME) operating under a combined 1915(b)(c) waiver, usually referred to as a "Managed Care" waiver. PBH covers Cabarrus, Davidson, Rowan, Stanly and Union Counties.
- What are combined/managed care waivers?
- How do they work?
- How will they affect people with intellectual and developmental disabilities?
It is very important that we understand what these waivers are. The state has been clear on the intent to convert all of NC to these waivers. This will radically change our system into one that is fully controlled by regional managed care entities operated by the LMEs.
All of us: staff, families, and individuals with disabilities need to be knowledgeable participants in this discussion before the General Assembly returns in May.
For locations that already are using "Managed Care" waivers through PBH, The Arc will be collecting information from attendees on how the Innovations waiver is working for them.
Significant Changes include:
- Flexibility of LME to determine rates and service definitions
- Ability to ration service dollars to most critical services
- Ability to limit provider network and other managed care benefits
- Reduction in provider choice
- Some protections associated with the Medicaid program could be reduced
- The local nature of the service system could be lost
- It is anticipated that the larger expansion of this model (statewide) will be accomplished by combining LMEs, not necessarily geographically connected
For more information on "managed care" waivers and the forums, please visit The Arc of NC's website at www.arcnc.org and follow the link.
Dates and Locations
March 13- Wake County - The Arc of Wake County-
March 16- Haywood County- The Arc of Haywood County- 828-452-1980 ext. 301
March 18- Guilford County-The Arcs of High Point- 336-883-0650 or Greensboro-336-373-1076
March 22- Durham County- The Arc of Durham County- 919-493-8141
March 30- Rowan County-The Arc of Rowan County- 704-637-1521
April 15- Mecklenburg County-The Arc of Mecklenburg County- 704-332-4535
April 29- Craven County-The Arc of Craven County- 252-638-6519 ext. 128
http://www.arcnc.org/action_alert/ManagedCareWaivers.shtml |
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Annual Leadership Forum Accommodations |
Annual Leadership Forum - Save the Date - April 21-23
Call Today to make your reservations!
Accommodations:
The Blockade Runner
275 Waynick Boulevard
Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
Phone: 800.541.1161
NCARF's reduced room rate for Wednesday April 21st is $89 and for April 22-23 is $109.
Discounted room rates are available the nights of April 19 - 26. All rooms in the NCARF room block are Harborview. Ocean view rooms are available at $139. Be sure to reference the North Carolina Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (NCARF) to receive the group rate. The discounted rate will be extended until April 07, 2010. After this date reservations will be accepted on a space available basis and may not be eligible for this rate.
Registration materials available shortly |
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NCARF 2010 Golf Championship |
Save the Date!
2010 NCAF Golf Championship
April 21, 2010
Wilmington Municipal Course
331 S Wallace Ave.
Wilmington NC, 28409
Individual $50
Foursome $200
Entry fee include: green fees, cart fee, boxed lunch, complimentary beverages & snacks, swag bag and awards.
Register Today! |
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Governance Policies
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NCARF is gathering Board of Directors and Organizational Governance Policies for member reference. We'd love to have your contributions. Please send the policies to Michelle Eggleston, meggleston@firstpointresources.com. We'll post them at www.ncarf.com in the members only area. Please send exactly how you would like them posted. If you have questions, please let us know. |
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News to Share?
Please send any news you wish to include in the weekly updates to
NCARF Staff
***The information in the NCARF Weekly Update is presented for informational purposes. Unless expressly stated, opinions may not be the opinion of NCARF as an organization. Inclusion of information in the Weekly Update is not meant to imply endorsement by NCARF or its member organizations. NCARF cannot guarantee the accuracy of all information that is passed along from various outside sources. |
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