All States/Territories

Find thirteen examples of state level legislation that improve the wages, collective bargaining rights, or insurance of personal care workers and home health aides. The report also includes graphics illustrating workforce trends and a list of potential best practices that were not passed into law in their respective states.

CMS has available approximately $8 million in funding to continue to support States' efforts to address complex issues in long-term care reform. In addition, CMS was also awarded $5 million for Aging and Disability Resource Center /Area Agencies on Aging grants. Applications are due no later than July 17, 2008. Please see the full solicitation for details. Also included for background is a list of FY2007 grant recipients focused on person-centered planning and state profile tools.

This is the third in a series of reports examining various state systems and processes directed to older adults to realize the goals of the Real Choice Systems Change grants. This report analyzes the results of twenty-four focus groups consisting of 240 participants representing older adults, caregivers to older adults, and HCBS providers. In general, the results indicate Illinois has a plethora of programs and services targeting older adults, but there are disparities between communities.

For states that receive federal funding, the Olmstead decision confirmed the obligation to serve individuals with disabilities in more integrated settings rather than provide supports and services in institutional settings. As states move forward with strategies to support community living for individuals with disabilities and promote the principles of person-centered planning, these tools and strategies provide complimentary opportunities to accelerate the achievement of inclusive outcomes.

In late 2007, the Center for State Health Policy surveyed 23 states that operate Medicaid waivers targeted to individuals with brain injuries. Data was obtained about the cost and number of individuals served by these waivers for the waiver years 2002 through 2006. Three states began waivers for those with brain injuries in 2002 or later, and 3 other states discontinued waivers in 2006. Every state except Arizona has multiple Medicaid 1915(c) home and community-based services (HCBS) waivers.

As an evidence-based practice, supported employment provides people with mental health diagnoses a mainstream job paying at least minimum wage in a setting which provides ongoing support and includes other people who are not disabled. Find a training for professionals embarking on conversion from day treatment to supported employment for persons with mental health issues and baseline calculations by which to begin measuring the effectiveness of this conversion.

The purpose of this compendium is to establish baseline knowledge of the scope of assistive technology and home modification services that states make available to Medicaid-eligible adults. This study provides federal and state policymakers with basic information to inform planning and policy development. It also provides other stakeholders, including consumers, with valuable information about Medicaid State Plan and HCBS waiver.

These trainings focus on the use of person-centered planning and connecting with community partners as a strategy for employment. The trainings were created for persons ages 16-24 with developmental disabilities and their families, transition specialists and other professional staff. Find the "Self-Directed Employment" Presentation and the "Getting a Job" Training, which includes an evaluation, materials list, copy of the presentation and other handouts.

In February 2006, a Round Table Discussion Meeting was held in Oregon to identify and analyze policies and strategies that maintain or increase the availability of supported employment services to persons with developmental disabilities. The meeting focused on how such services may be preserved and expanded in Oregon, but in addition, national perspectives on supported employment were discussed. The discussion report, evaluation and graphic facilitation of the Round Table are included.

This study is intended to describe the nursing facility level of care determination processes in use by the states and to draw general conclusions from the data collected. When read in conjunction with the previous work in this area, this study will aid state staffs, CMS, and other parties interested in understanding how to improve post acute care assessment. The Appendix provide a brief description of data the state collects, the name of the assessment form, plus contact information.