ARRM's Daily Dispatch

Positive Supports Rule final language, call-in, & DHS training

Note: this information was also shared with members via email on August 20th.

Final Positive Supports Rule

The posting of the final rule language by the Revisor's office is not anticipated to be completed until sometime in September.  The good news is that ARRM has already obtained a copy of the final version of the Positive Supports Rule.

ARRM Answers Call-In

The primary focus of our ARRM Answers call on Friday, August 21st, will be the Positive Supports Rule. We invite you to join the call at 10:00 am using the following details:

• Phone: 866.740.1260

• Access Code: 2911086

DHS Training Available

DHS sent out a notice of Positive Supports training (Word) available through TrainLink. This is an online course consisting of five different modules and an assessment to be completed at the end of the modules.  Completing this training and assessment will serve as the commissioner’s competency assessment for qualified professionals.  View the training flyer (PDF).

In addition to this training, an overview of the rule will be provided during the Positive Supports Community of Practice Session on September 8th, 2015 (PDF).

Daily Dispatch Blog

We just posted other related information and clarifications around this topic on our members-only Daily Dispatch Blog. A copy of the information in this email will be posted on the blog this afternoon.

Thanks,

-- Barb Turner, COO

Clarification on training requirements for the new Positive Supports Rule

ARRM continues to work with DHS to get clarification on the new Positive Supports Rule.  The issue of training has been the topic generating the most questions at this time.  The following is a clarification on training requirements.

The requirements for core training for staff, a list of items A-M requiring 8 hours of training, can be fulfilled with any previous training that an individual has had that meet those areas.  A provider would need to be able to identify the training and the number of hours of credit for the area.

The requirement for function specific training, the additional 4 hours and 2 hours, can have been completed within the previous 12 months.

The annual refresher training requirements of 4 hours applies to all staff required to have training under the rule. (In other words, it includes the staff who must complete the core and the function specific training).  The areas that must be covered in the 4 hours of training must include all areas that were applicable to the staff person for the initial training.

Contact me via email at bturner@arrm.org with questions.

--Barb Turner, COO

Notification requirements for temporary suspension or termination of services

Effective August 1, 2015 providers of residential services must notify the DHS commissioner in writing when they  issue a notice of temporary service suspension or service termination to an individual.

Notices issued as of August 1, 2015 or later should be sent by FAX to 651-431-7406 (which is a secure FAX line).

DHS Licensing will be updating the forms on the DHS HCBS licensing page to reflect the changes and it will include the FAX number. 

You may contact me at bturner@arrm.org with questions.

--Barb Turner, COO

DHS Safety Net Listening Sessions

The Department of Human Services (DHS), in collaboration with its county partners, is taking an in-depth look at Minnesota’s safety-net for people with mental illnesses, substance use disorders, and disabilities. They are seeking feedback from stakeholders to shape their efforts and inform potential legislative initiatives for 2016 and beyond.

DHS is providing several opportunities for stakeholders to share insights and concerns about the state’s direct care and treatment services. Specifically, they are inviting providers, consumers, administrators, advocates, and others to share which DHS safety net services are working, which are not and what services should be provided that do not currently exist.

Meeting dates include:

Marshall | August 20 | 10:00 am – Noon

Fergus Falls | August 24 | 1:00 pm -3:30

Duluth | August 27 | 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Bemidji | August 28 | 9:30 am - Noon

Rochester | August 31 | 10:00 am - Noon

St. Paul | September 1 | 1:00 -3:00 pm

If you cannot attend a meeting, DHS anticipates additional opportunities for input over the next several months. They have also created an email box, safetynet.dhs@state.mn.us, for you to submit your ideas and feedback about safety net services in Minnesota.

View the full event_flyer for details.

--Barb Turner, COO

DSP Week Proclamation, Resolution & National Advocacy Campaign

The 2015 Direct Support Professionals Week is scheduled for the week of September 13-19th.

As you begin planning ways to honor and celebrate the extraordinary work that your Direct Support Professionals do everyday, keep in mind that ARRM has requested a proclamation from Governor Dayton's office, officially proclaiming the week of September 13-19 Direct Support Professionals Week in Minnesota. As soon as we receive the proclamation we will send a copy out to members. (The U.S. Senate has already introduced a national DSP week resolution that has been co-sponsored by Minnesota's U.S. Senators Al Franken and Amy Klobuchar).

We also wanted to alert you to a resource from our national association, ANCOR. ANCOR has begun a National Advocacy Campaign that is working to "strengthen and support a sustainable direct support workforce." On their site you can find ideas on how to plan your DSP recognition week celebration, find media resources and learn about the 2015 ANCOR DSP Recognition Award recipients.

ARRM would love to share the ways that you are celebrating Director Support Professional week within your own organization. If you have a story to share or questions please contact me at sgrafstrom@arrm.org.

--Sara Grafstrom, Director of Advocacy and Community Relations