Thursday, December 16, 2021 07:05 PM

Critical Alert to All Early Intervention Regional Center Vendors

Soon you may be contacted by your local regional center to fill out a staff qualification grid. This spreadsheet is a critical part of establishing program rates based on the approved rate models published in 2020. The first of 4 adjustments will take place in April, 2022. DDS has decided that staff classifications will be based on the 2010 Personnel Manual.

Learn more by joining the rate adjustment presentation for Early Start presented by the Department of Developmental Services staff on December 20.

December 20
2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Register in advance
Register Today

Anyone providing Early Intervention services who is vendored by the Regional Center should make time to participate in these calls. Suggest that you have your finance staff participate along with your clinical. Join the focus group presented by the Department of Developmental Services staff on December 20th to learn the next steps in the rate adjustment process ( staffing forms due to Regional Centers ex.)

Over the last few years, there has been the development of a rate model, a process (AB136), and planning to implement for 2022.

Background resources:

Rate Adjustment Implementation Presentation - December 15, 2021 (ca.gov)- Check out for history, next steps and your question preparation
Early Start Personnel Manual (ca.gov) - reference
Learn how Early Intervention codes 116 and 805 fit into the planning process.
"Rate Adjustment Implementation" presentation agenda is available from November 2021 meetings here

Rate Study: More Information
AB136: More Information
Rate models- Public Comments, January 2020: More Information

Additional Upcoming Meetings of interest hosted by Department of Developmental Services:

The Regional Center Performance Measures Workgroup, from 1-3:00 pm on Thursday, December 16.
The Developmental Services Task Force, from 10-11:30 am and noon to 1:30 pm on Friday, December 17.

Mark your calendars and register for IDA's 7th Annual Policy update on January 24, 8:30-12:30PM

Get the latest updates on policy issues impacting Early Intervention.

Best wishes for a safe and healthy Holiday season.

Fran Chasen and Annie Cox
IDA Policy Co-chairs

Announcements

IDA Blog

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

Quality Incentive Program (QIP) - Early Intervention Services Directive released

The Department of Developmental Services Directive Here announced that the Quality Incentive Program is offering information on how Early Intervention providers can participate in the QIP measure. The Directive covers Eligibility Click Here and Here, Incentive Payment Processing Click Here, Conditions for a Provider to receive Incentive Payments.

The latest plan recognizes the need to have families/children enrolled in Early Start and is offering a fiscal incentive to programs. The plan HERE is different from information shared in the July, 2023 Presentation to the Interagency Coordinating Council and at the January 2024 ICC Meeting.

Steps to listing a program in the Statewide Provider Directory are not included in this Directive.

The QIP email to ask questions, share comments is [email protected]

ACTION NEEDED: Have you contacted your legislators?

Call to ACTION English Click Here in Spanish Here to let them know you are opposed to having a $1B proposed delay in implementing the rate increase to providers rates? Early Intervention providers have not had a rate adjustment. Thanks to The Arc California for offering this easy platform to communicate with legislators.

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