Winter/Spring 2023 Edition
Legislative Updates:
- Mileage Reimbursement currently 65.5 cents/mi.(per Internal Revenue System – IRS)
- Public Health Emergency ending 5/11/23.
- Parents of minors and spouses providing licensed PCA services will end. This does NOT affect parents of minors and spouses hired by the FMS as direct support staff through CDCS.
CDCS Reminders:
Multiple Waiver Participants in the Same Household MUST use the same FMS and provide a Family Schedule.
- Family schedule is needed even if staff are not working with 2 CDCS participants/shared services at the same time.
- If using Shared Services, the case manager and managing party must complete Edoc 6633D and assure all requirements are met. See Forms and Guidelines section for samples, templates and checklists.
Waiver funds may not be used to purchase items/services that are solely “recreational in nature”
Unallowed: Tickets to go to a movie (recreational). Allowed: Staff driving 18 year old that is unable to drive (assessed need) to the movies.
Unallowed: Play set for the backyard is considered recreational in nature. Allowed: Waiver funds to be used for adding adaptations to allow person to use/access play set (e.g. adapted swing, extra railing next to stairs)
Unallowed: Purchase of gaming system – recreational activity. Allowed: Waiver funds to purchase an adapted controller so she is able to do the activity.
Using Licensed Waiver services with on your CDCS plan? Please complete Alternative Provider Billing Form with your case manager and share a copy with your FMS and Licensed Agency.
Making Changes to Your Plan:
When you need to make a change to your CDCS plan, it can be done in 1 of 3 ways and with or without the assistance of your Support Planner:
- Revise the CDCS Plan (include new signature) – usually done for major and/or multiple changes with assistance of Support Planner (indicate the changes in the drop-down box after selecting the “Revised” radio button)
- Complete an Addendum if requesting a NEW item/service –
- if increased parents or spouses that are paid hour, need new schedule submitted.
- Must be clear form was completed, initiated, or approved by managing party
- Email to case manager: Reserved for moving dollars from one already approved item/service to another already approved item/service
- Other Tips:
- All requests must be approved PRIOR to start or purchase date
- Limit of one Addendum/Revised Plan per month preferred
- No NEW service or goods requested 30 days or less from the end of the waiver span.
Updates & News:
Camp Clarifications: Camps are approved for the purposes of “skill building” occurring during the camp experience.
- Camps available to the general public are typically considered parental responsibility.
- If the camp needs to charge a higher fee to accommodate staffing needs for the participant, waiver funds can be used to pay the upcharge.
- If CDCS staff is needed at camp to support the person, waiver funds for staffing may be used in order to attend with them. Waiver funds cannot be used for staff’s food or lodging.
- Residential camps (overnight) must be have a 245D license AND be certified by the American Camp Association OR regulated by Minnesota Department of Health, Environmental Health Division.
- Camp outside of MN is only allowed in bordering states (WI, Iowa, SD, ND)
- Day camps cannot be used as childcare. Must be used for skill building. If unsure whether is is allowable, ask your case manager.
Are you NEW to CDCS in Anoka County?
Caution: New Community Services Providers
Finding a new resource can be exciting. However, when finding a new service in the community, the service is not always something CDCS funds can be used for. Sometimes websites indicating they may accept CDCS funds for payment may be misleading. With CDCS being more “flexible” and allowing you to hire “unlicensed” staff, this does not mean waiver criteria and regulations do not apply. Ask your case manager to check on whether the new service is allowed.
Positive Behavior Plan and Positive Behavior Reinforcers:
For those experiencing significant behavioral issues, consider having a positive behavior assessment done and a positive behavior plan created. Ask your case manager to refer you to a licensed Positive Behavior Specialist.
- After completing an assessment, the person may be eligible for a 30% Behavioral Exception increase to the budget if more funds are needed to implement the positive behavior plan. Ask your CM if you qualify.
- Positive Behavior Rewards – Intangible vs. Tangible
- As a part of the positive behavior plan, consider intangible rewards (eg. staying up late, 1:1 time with a parent, making a favorite meal or dessert, having a sleepover with a friend, etc.)
- You may also consider tangible positive behavior rewards (e.g. sensory item, sensory gym night, adapted camp/activity, etc.). To use CDCS funds, the item or service must still meet ALL waiver criteria.
- Removed Positive Behavior Plan form and modified definition in Anoka County Guidelines. If you currently, have positive behavior rewards approved, we will relook at whether they meet waiver criteria at your next renewal time.
Educational Services (not allowed):
- Upon discussion with MN Department of Human Services, we learned waiver funds cannot be used for educational services, including tutoring.
- If you currently, have tutoring approved or other “educational services,” we will relook at whether they meet waiver criteria at your next renewal time.
$500 Stipend Has Ended for Direct Support Workers:
The funds have run out for awarding Direct Support Workers to earn a $500 Stipend after going through MN DHS training modules.
Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) Implementation Continues:
The federal government requires ALL FMS providers to use electronic visit verification systems to document that participant's are receiving the services (e.g. staffing) that are billed to the state. This means that ALL staff will need to use an app system on their phone, tablet, or computer to track and document their work time. The information needed includes the following:
- Type of service performed
- Who received the service
- Date of service
- Location of service delivery
- Who provided the service
- When the service begins and ends.
Household members are exempt from having to use the "location" feature of the app but still must manually go into the app and record the actual times and dates they worked. If you have not yet been contacted or trained by your FMS, watch for more information.
Resources (recommended by participants, not all inclusive):
- Micro Grants (Arc) - $100-$2000 1x/year to support housing or employment goals
- AT4Wellness – technology assistance for remote and telehealth services (equipment – laptops, tablets, smartphone and connectivity such as internet or cell phone services). Click Obtain Services or AT4W Referrals - LiveLife Therapy Solutions, Inc.
- Assistive Technology/Monitoring Technology Providers (not all inclusive list):
Need More Staff? - (All staff need to be hired through the FMS once secured)
College Tuition Available for Staff Who Meet Income Guidelines.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services continues to offer Minnesota Future Together Grants. These grants offer tuition-free pathways for students in high-need career areas. Many direct support professionals who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree are likely to qualify for these grants. Go Here for more information.
Stay Informed:
- Sign Up for The State E-List. Individuals can sign up to receive information directly from the state when changes are about to happen. Go to http://mn.gov/dhs/media/news-from-dhs
- Previous Anoka County Newsletters can be found on the website
- Other General information about CDCS:
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