ARRM's Daily Dispatch

DHS posts self-monitoring checklists for 245D service providers

DHS has developed self-monitoring checklists for 245D service providers. There are 18 checklists that can be used individually or in their entirety. Some standards are included in more than one checklist when that requirement applies to more than one area.

To access these checklist follow this link.

A link to these checklists will also be available in the Members page on the ARRM website.

Contact Barb Turner at bturner@arrm.org with any questions.

--Barb Turner, COO

Federal Judge rejects Minnesota's reform plan (Olmstead Plan)

On Thursday, Sept. 18, 2014 Judge Donavon Frank issued an unexpected ruling rejecting the reform plan (Olmstead Plan) submitted by Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). The judge ruled that the plan had "significant shortfalls". In general the judge cited a lack of specific actions and measurable goal. DHS has until November 10, 2014 to submit a revised plan.

Federal judge rejects state's disability reform plan

At this time ARRM has not spoken to anyone at DHS about this development.  ARRM will keep members posted as information is received.

Contact Barb Turner at bturner@arrm.org with questions.

--Barb Turner, COO

 

Federal Judge Frank expands court oversight of disability reforms in Minnesota

Yesterday, Sept. 3, 2014, U.S. District Judge Donovan Frank issued a ruling that expands the authority of the court monitor and extends the length of the court monitors involvement through December 6, 2016 on reforms mandated in the 2011 court agreement. This court agreement was aimed at moving people out of institutional settings and reducing the use of physical restraints. 

You can read more about this ruling in a recent Star Tribune article.

Contact Barb Turner with questions at: bturner@arrm.org

--Barb Turner, COO

DHS sends letters with information regarding the recent unionization vote

The Minnesota Department of Human Services sent out information to Fiscal Support Entities and PCA Choice providers regarding the recent unionization vote. The following links will take you to copies of these documents.

How Recent Unionization Vote Affects Fiscal Support Entities

How Recent Unionization Vote Affects PCA Choice Providers

You can contact Barb Turner at bturner@arrm.org with any questions.

--Barb Turner, COO

 

Minnesota PCAs vote to unionize

On August 26, 2014 the results of voting by PCAs in Minnesota were announced at the Minnesota State Fair.  In a vote of 3543 to 2306 the PCAs have voted to unionize.  The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) will represent the PCAs at the bargaining table with the state.

Last Fall ARRM provided a webinar titled "Stay Calm and Carry On: What to Do When the Union Calls".  It provides information on what an employer can and can't do when faced with a union organizing campaign.  ARRM members can access this webinar in our Members section of our website under 'Training Archives'.

You may contact Barb Turner at bturner@arrm.org with questions.

--Barb Turner, COO