Information Technology

Minnesota's Shared Master Index will allow for the efficient exchange of information. By assigning each human services client an individual identification number that is used across multiple service delivery systems, the Shared Master Index (SMI) will allow caseworkers to view and assess the range of services that individual clients and families are receiving, and allow program managers and policy-makers to improve coordination of services and client outcomes.

MinnesotaHelp.com is the state ADRC information network and they have shared a number of resources offering information on their Information and Assistance Datebase. Included in this posting are three presentations: a. An overview of the database b. the ADRC role c. Consumer use of resources. The technology business case summaries the impact of the database system. The technology project management document details the roles and responsibilities of individuals who operate the resources.

Quality Communication #9 represents another in a series of CMS communications to support state efforts to improve the quality of services and supports. The letter announces 4 technical assistance products: Home and Community Based Services: Quality Management Roles & Responsibilities; Discovery Methods for Remediation and Quality Improvement; Software for the Participant Experience Survey (PES & Users’ Guide) –MR/DD Version; Participant Experience Survey & Users’ Guide –Brain Injury version.

Ohio has shared its Requirements Specification for the CART Test Plan (The Comprehensive Assessment and Review Tool project). The document relates to the development of web-based applications for quality data collection. This Test Plan document supports the following objectives: Perform system testing in a stable test environment; Recommended requirements are that functional business units; validate the application continues to meet stated requirements; usage of a testing matrix checklist

The State of South Carolina implemented a state-wide automated monitoring system whose real time data allows for monitoring & verification of the providers delivering services under the state's home and community-based services waivers. The toll-free number allows providers to check-in and check-out as they deliver services in a participant's home, while the database inferfaces with claims data to minimize fraudulent billing. The database has empowered waiver service recipients.

The Forsyth County North Carolina ADRC has shared their advisory council insite. This website is an on line resource for council members. The website was designed to keep the local advisory council updated on meetings and obtain copies of important documentation. The site offers the RFP, the grant application, acronyms, fact sheets, work plans, work group descriptions, meeting minutes and more.

For older adults and individuals with disabilities, some website designs can pose access problems. Users may be unable to use a website’s navigational menu, fill out online forms, or even access content. Addressing accessibility issues is important. This brief addresses the adaptation of standard website construction techniques to meet the needs of the target populations. It includes considerations & strategies for design that are informative, functional and useful for these populations.

This is the second in a series of newsletters produced at the Exchange to provide assistance to our CMS Real Systems Change grantees. This newsletter is produced biannually. Topics include: Connecting the Dots: Maryland; Money Follows the Person: Grantee Meeting in Nevada; Information Technology (IT) Systems Survey for Single Point of Entry; Housing Work Group Established for Real Choice Grantees; Children’s Mental Health Audio Conference.

The WV QA/QI grant designed and developed database as a monitoring tool. This entry includes 5 provider quality monitoring tools: Case Management, Client Home Visit, Homemaker, Personnel Files, Site (Case Management or Homemaker). The database was created by Donna Brewer, Database Administration at the Center for Excellence in Disabilities at WV University for the Quality Assurance & Improvement Project. The Bureau for Medical Services is the lead agency & the grant was funded by WV CMS

Texas QA/QI grantees have shared their Business Case for a Critical Incident System. This document outlines system recommendations, objectives and potential constraints and is a helpful resource for any state trying to present a business case to its budget office. This document provides the background to support an executive management decision to commit resources to conduct an in-depth study to determine scope and cost for the development of a comprehensive critical incident management system.