ARRM's Daily Dispatch

Summer Research Project Updates

Cut-Tracking Baseline Study:  A big thank to the 61 Member Organizations who completed ARRM's Cut-tracking Baseline Survey.  This is a 46% response rate.  The baseline results will be examined against the follow-up survey results to be collected in early November.  The findings will be used in direct lobbying efforts as we work to stave off further cuts to services.

Summer Wage Study:  ARRM conducted a random-sample wage and benefit study this August focusing on both DSPs as well as front line supervisors.  Forty Member Organizations were randomly selected to participate.  At this point we have half of the surveys in.  ARRM is working with members by extending the deadline in order to complete the dataset.  These wage numbers are what we will publish in our Legislative Agenda and fact sheets.  The plan is to provide a preliminary summary of the results in September and to complete a full report of this project in early fall. 

2009 Vulnerable Adult Act Changes

DHS has released Bulletin #09-25-09 dated August 7, 2009 covering the legislative changes to the Vulnerable Adult Act that went in to effect August 1, 2009.  A brief summary of those changes are:

1.  Nursing homes, boarding care homes and hospital swing beds can now report VA issues electronically to the CEP.

2.  Language changed to assure immunity to financial institutions in order to encourage them to report suspected financial exploitation of vulnerable adults.

3.  Changes in the definition of "lead agency" as it relates to investigations of VA reports.

• Dept. of Health for programs licensed by them
• DHS for programs licensed by them and not by the Dept. of Health
• County social service agencies for all other reports including PCA

4.  Change in definition of "functional vulnerable adult"- changed from "need for assistance" to "need for care or services"- meaning care or services for the health, welfare or maintenance of an individual.

5.  Added language to the lead investigation guidelines

6.  Amended language to clarify that agencies and people involved in a VA investigation must cooperate in the coordination of the investigation

7.  Language included to direct the commissioner to seek federal grant money to establish and maintain a centralized common entry point

8.  Amended language to allow a vulnerable adult to collect damages and attorney's fees

9.  Language was added to simplify the data retention periods for data collected in VA investigations that is stored in  statewide data base.

For provider policy purposes, the only change that may be needed in policy is the definition of a vulnerable adult.

Daily Dispatch, August 19, 2009: Leadership Conference registration deadlines approaching

We'd like to remind you that the registration deadline for lodging, meals and meeting expenses at Rutter's is fast approaching: August 28th. Even if you choose to stay somewhere other than Ruttger's, you must still complete the "day attendee" part of the form; those costs cover meeting expenses and lunch.

You'll have to download this PDF and mail or fax it to Ruttger's by the August 28th deadline.

Additionally, ARRM asks that you complete your ARRM registration -- a completely different online registration form -- by September 11th. This ensures that you will have a nametag and packet when you check in at the conference, and helps us with our event planning.

If you have any questions about registering for the Leadership Conference, please call Brenda at the ARRM office at 651.291.1086 or 800.551.2211, or send an email to bcarlson@arrm.org.

Daily Dispatch, August 14, 2009: Disability Matters! town hall forums coming to a town near you this fall

Join us for an empowering and educational Town Hall Forum this fall, where you'll advance the lives of people with disabilities and gain valuable advocacy tools.

In cooperation with ARRM and a variety of statewide disability groups, the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MN-CCD) is sponsoring 13 town hall forums througout the state from September to December. Please help ARRM spread the word about these meetings; we'd like ARRM members to be well-represented and have our voices heard.

As a participant, you will learn how the 2009 legislative session impacts Minnesotans with disabilities; how to help shape future policies that promote innovative, economical, person-centered programs; and you may speak directly to legislators and other elected officials about your challenges and successes.

Dates and meeting locations:

Thursday, September 17 at St. John’s Episcopal Church in St. Cloud
1111 Cooper Ave South, St. Cloud / 6–8 pm

Monday, October 5 in St. Paul
video conference sites, more info at www.mnccd.org / 1:30–3:30 pm

Tuesday, October 13 at Moorhead Public Library in Moorhead
118 South Fifth Street, Moorhead / 4-6 pm

Thursday, October 15 at Bemidji City Hall in Bemidji
317 - 4th Street NW, Bemidji / 6–8 pm

Thursday, October 22 at Goodwill/Easter Seals in St. Paul
553 Fairview Ave North, St. Paul / 6–8 pm

Thursday, October 29 at YMCA in Marshall
200 S a St, Marshall / 6:30 – 8:30 pm

Thursday, November 5 at Buckham Memorial Library in Faribault
11 Division Street East, Faribault / 6-8 pm

Thursday, November 12 at ABC (Ability Building Center) in Rochester
1911 - 14th St NW, Rochester / 6:30-8:30 pm

Thursday, November 12 at Bloomington Civic Plaza-Council Chambers in Bloomington
1800 West Old Shakopee Road, Bloomington / 6:30–8:30 pm

Tuesday, November 17 at Residential Services of NE MN in Duluth
1309 Rice Lake Road, Duluth (next to Sylvan Learning Center) / 1-3 pm

Tuesday, December 1 at Courage St. Croix in Stillwater
1460 Curve Crest Blvd West, Stillwater / 6-8 pm

Thursday, December 3 at Kingsley Commons in North Mpls.
4550 Humboldt Ave North, Minneapolis / 6-8 pm

Thursday, December 10 at Powderhorn Park Recreation Center in South Mpls.
3400 - 15th Ave South, Minneapolis / 6–8 pm

Contact MN-CCD staff Anni Simons at (651) 523-0823, ext. 112 or ASimons@arcmn.org to register. Walk-ins are also welcomed.

ASL interpreters will be available at each event. Find more info. at www.mnccd.org.

Daily Dispatch, August 6, 2009: Spring Conference theme announced

“Oh the places we will go!” is the theme for the 2010 ARRM Conference. The committee began its work on Tuesday, August 4th for the annual training and networking event, scheduled for May 12-14, 2010 at the Crowne Plaza St. Paul Riverfront Hotel in downtown St. Paul.

We will begin soliciting for speakers and topics soon – watch your emails so you can get your proposals in by the October 8th deadline. Did you know you can make your donations for the Ever Popular ARRM auction at any time? And it’s not too early to start thinking about your internal process for nominating your exemplary direct support staff for the prestigious ARRM Cares Award. Criteria and information can be found on the ARRM webpage: www.arrm.org.

Daily Dispatch, August 4, 2009: CFO/Admin/Operations Meeting August 25th at the Radisson Hotel Roseville

ARRM’s Financial Resources Committee organized a full day of the latest financial and policy topics affecting the disabilities industry. The day begins at 9 a.m. (registration is at 8:30) and runs until 3:30 p.m.

Connie Menne, Chair of Financial Resources, will emcee the event. In the morning, Bruce Nelson and Barb Jacobson present the 2009 legislative outcomes in detail, Duane Elg addresses the shelter-needy option as it pertains to disability providers, and Karin Stockwell provides a how-to for funding monitoring technology as an alternative means for overnight supervision.

In the afternoon, Maria Bediako and Steve Jenson from DHS will discuss implications and implementation of the new leave day policy; Bob Hafdahl, Sandy Henry, Bruce Nelson, and Barb Jacobson share progress, goals, and concerns related to DHS’ new payment methodologies and provider enrollment and agreements workgroups; and Veronica Legan moderates a forum of ARRM members Devin Nelson, Karin Stockwell, Denny Theede, and Wendy Waldner to understand choices, options, best practices, and innovations these experienced providers have employed to keep their business afloat during tough economic times.

All members are welcome to join us. If you haven’t registered yet, but you’re interested in this event, we recommend registering soon. We have over 100 registered at this point, with only 30 seats left. The fee is $89 and includes lunch. Registration ends August 18th. Click here to see the agenda and to register.

We look forward to this educational and productive day together. Hope to see you there!

Daily Dispatch, July 31, 2009: DHS Stakeholder Groups Work Begins

DHS has organized stakeholder groups for two important issues.  One group is working on the issue of "Rate Setting Methodologies for Waiver Services" and the other group is working on "Provider Enrollment and Provider Standards Initiative". 

ARRM has strong representation on each of the stakeholder groups.  The first meetings were held in July and there is a great deal of work to be done over the next 12-18 months.

Rate Setting Methodologies -The commissioner shall establish statewide rate-setting methodologies that meet federal waiver requirements for home and community-based waiver services for individuals with disabilities.  The rate-setting methodologies must abide by the principles of transparency and equitability across the state.  The methodologies must involve a uniform process of structuring rates for each service and must promote quality and participant choice.

Provider Enrollment and Provider Standards Initiative - The department is currently planning a transition away from lead agency contracts to a consistent statewide approach to address provider standards and qualifications and participant access to services.  Development of a statewide approach will include enhancing provider agreements, strengthening provider standards, streamlining enrollment and oversight activities between the state and lead agencies, and creating a more efficient and centralized review process.

Therepresentatives of ARRM will be using a variety of methods to gather information from and share information with members.  If you have any questions about the work of either group you can also contact Bruce Nelson or Barb Jacobson at the ARRM office.