Tuesday, August 25, 2020 06:43 PM

Upcoming Department of Developmental Services Meetings

Posted: 8.25.20

DS Task Force Monthly Check-In meeting on Thursday, August 27, 2020, from 9:00 to 11:00 am. The conversation will include COVID-19 related updates and discussion.

Meeting information:
Thursday, August 27, 2020
9:00 – 11:00 am
Please register in advance for this webinar. Register Here
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

System & Fiscal Reform Workgroup
Wednesday, September 2, 2020
1:00 – 3:00 pm
Please register in advance for this webinar. Register Here
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Service Access & Equity Workgroup
Tuesday, September 8, 2020
1:00 – 3:00 pm
Please register in advance for this webinar. Register Here
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Input on Alternative Delivery of Non-residential services Regulations: 8/25; 8/26; 8/28
DDS has scheduled a series of three (3) Zoom “Town Hall” presentations to seek input on the emergency regulations for the alternative delivery of nonresidential services option. DDS will provide an overview and invites technical questions, concerns and recommendations for operationalizing the new model. The same presentation is being given on all three dates to accommodate as many schedules as possible. Click here for flyer

The emergency regulations and corresponding Notice and Finding of Emergency (NOFE) may be accessed on the Regulations page of the DDS website. Comments should be sent simultaneously to DDS and the Office of Administrative Law at [email protected] and [email protected] no later than August 26.

As shared in IDA's 8/19/20, Department of Developmental Services is offering input opportunities to the public regarding the proposed changes to Title 17 regulations in an Emergency. The goal is to have them in place for September 1. Services are optional and may not be permanent.

Many pieces are still being clarified:

It has been announced to alleviate additional burden for RC and providers, Burns & Associates are determining the average billing per code. Minimum wage requirements and the 8.2% rate increase will be considered.
Monthly billing - either by consumer or the service code
Keep all records for possible future audit.
Deadline for consumer meetings prior to September 1 is agreed upon as unreasonable. Suggestions for a meaningful and individualized process are being looked for with a time frame ( 30-60 days)
Program certification - process to be decided upon

ACTION STEPS | Voting and Census:

There is an election coming November 3rd. Last day to register is October 19th. Maybe share information with the families in your care? Are you and your family members registered to vote? Click Here
Returning your Ballot by Mail. Click Here
League of Women Voters Easy Voter Guide. An easy to understand, nonpartisan guide to the candidates and ballot measure that will be on our ballots. Click Here
Have you completed your Census Form? Representation and Community services are determined by these numbers. Click Here

IDA Policy and Advocacy Community of Practice Poll
The ultimate goal of IDA's Policy Committee is to improve the lives of young children and families by sharing recommended practices in the field of Early Intervention and influencing legislators' and policymakers' opinions and activities. Your input and participation are important to us! Please take a moment to answer this brief survey.

Fran Chasen and Annie Cox
IDA Policy Liaisons

Announcements

IDA Blog

Considering the Sibling Experience when Supporting Families in Early Intervention
Read More

ACTION Needed to let the Members of the Senate Budget Subcommittee #3 know why they need oppose the Proposed $1B budget delay for Rate Implementation

The Senate Budget SubCommittee #3 on Health and Human Services (Senate.ca.gov/calendar) is meeting on March 21st at 9:30AM at the State Capitol, Sacramento.

"We need you to amplify that we are asking the committee members to REJECT the Governor’s proposed $1 billion need to amplify that we are asking the committee members to REJECT the Governor’s proposed $1 billion in cut to funding for disability services and supports.

Where Does Early Intervention Stand in the Proposed Governor's Budget 2024-2025?

Governor Newsom released his proposed budget on January 10th. He is suggesting that providers of service through the Department of Developmental Services be prepared for a "delay" in the roll out of the rate model funds. You can have a conversation about what does delay mean .....a cut or not. Basically the funds are not going to be passed along to the providers as promised and planned.

Department of Developmental Services Announces Stakeholder Committee to Create Master Plan for Developmental Services

As mentioned in the Governor's proposed 2024-2025 Budget, the Department of Developmental Services will create a Master Plan with a March 2025 deadline. Yesterday Dr. Mark Ghaly announced the appointed Membership for the Master Plan Committee. Developmental Services Master Plan Stakeholder Committee Appointment (ca.gov) - link to go with Membership for the Master Plan
Their first meeting is scheduled for March 6th. Subcommittees are to be formed to increase input from all communities serving the populations involved with the system.

"The reality is that the developmental services system cannot, nor should it, operate in isolation given the changing needs of the consumers and families we serve today.” said CalHHS Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly. “This means we must proactively think about how we connect the dots between systems and sectors, while more intentionally integrating developmental services to our work to serve the whole needs of the individual and their families."

The purpose of the Master Plan is, "...since 2019, the number of Californians served by the developmental services system has grown by 31%, with significant growth among children under the age of 22 who have an Autism diagnosis. Today, over 400,000 Californians receive services and supports through California’s 21 Regional Centers. Individuals who receive services today are more diverse and live longer. They face affordable housing shortages, lower rates of employment, and the challenges of accessing services from other systems and sectors to address their physical, social, and behavioral health needs. A 21st century developmental services system must increase its ability to provide culturally responsive services and to strengthen the accountability and standardization of the system so that it is easier for individuals and their families to navigate no matter where they live in California. "

Additional details in the 2/14/24 Press release:

CalHHS Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly Announces Stakeholder Committee to Create Master Plan for Developmental Services - California Health and Human Services

Early Intervention ACTION Step

In the Governor's proposed budget, he is indicating there should be a "delay" for one year of completing the fiscal roll out that was part of the rate model process.
This "delay" cut of one year of income impacts the ability of families to access services, programs to recruit and maintain adequate staff,etc.
Please take a moment to connect with your legislators about your concerns.

Take Action! Urge Legislators to Reject Delay of $1 Billion to Disability Services (p2a.co)

There are Budget hearings scheduled in the Assembly and the Senate. Input can be sent via email or in person.

You can watch the Assembly hearings here: https://www.assembly.ca.gov/todaysevents.
BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEE NO. 2 ON HUMAN SERVICES
Wednesday, February 28
1:30 p.m. - State Capitol, Room 444
Developmental Services and Rehabilitation Programs
The Senate Hearings can be watched here: https://www.senate.ca.gov/calendar.
Additional details to be shared via IDA EBlasts.

IDA Policy Committee