Quality

This AARP Public Policy Institute Issue Paper examines the efforts of South Carolina, Washington and Wisconsin to improve home care quality by using a more person-centered approach. The initiatives described in this report point to the significant ongoing efforts that states are using to ensure quality care and support in the home. The challenge for state officials continues to be the creation of quality assurance systems that place consumer needs and goals for quality of life first.

This MOU is for University of Baltimore to conduct and analyze the Participant Experience Survey (PES). The document outlines the contractor’s specific scope of work and distinguishes between the responsibilities of the department versus those of the University.

This report presents the results of mail surveys of individuals who have had a long-term care needs assessment and of persons who use home care services coordinated through Elder Independence of Maine. The final results provide a useful example of how survey findings can be reported.

This document outlines the methodology for assessing alternatives for meeting the state of Minnesota’s need for a Vulnerable Adult Reporting and Investigation System (VARIS). The report also defines the capabilities of the existing Social Services Information System (SSIS). A description of viable alternatives is included along with an assessment of each, as well as a recommended direction for moving forward.

As part of a 2004 QA/QI grant, New Hampshire developed this procedure that established the required components and reporting expectations by providers regarding sentinel events within the state's E/D waiver. Review the protocol and sample form that support quality assurance activities.

Maryland has developed this policy guide which describes the process, monitoring, reporting and oversight of Reportable Events for the Autism Waiver, Living at Home Waiver and Older Adults Waiver and also includes a flowchart and a Reportable Events Form. The purpose of this policy is to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of participants in the Home and Community-Based Services waivers by formalizing a process to identify, report, and resolve Reportable Events (ie., incidents or complaints).

The Big Sky Bonanza (BSB) quality management strategy was included in the state's CMS waiver application and has recently been approved by CMS. The process will weave together quality assurance and quality improvement strategies using a three-tiered process. Tier I of the process is the individual/provider level. Tier II is the Regional level. Tier III is the State/Division level.

Visit this clearinghouse, training and technical assistance center devoted to moving power and authority over resources directly to individuals with disabilities, families and allies. The website features publications, events, learning opportunities, resources and products including a new guidebook, Guaranteeing the Promise of Freedom. Designed for trainings, this guide addresses individual budget development, ways to re-thinking public dollars, an approach to quality and a budget template.

Ohio is seeking a single organization/individual to assist with development of two ODMR/DD’s Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement projects. The first RFP is for Quality Management strategy, the program and data analysis leading to implementation of the quality information management system and the use of a data for decision-making in a quality cycle. The second RFP is to assist with the development of performance measures. Review the additional information; proposals due March 3, 2006.

Quality Councils: A Crucible for Change: Issue 1, Volume 2 takes a look at quality teams at work in four NCI States (Rhode Island, West Virginia, Massachusetts, Alabama). Councils are charged with various tasks: sharing views on data; identifying trends; suggesting additional outcomes and indicators; recommending targets for service improvements; and monitoring progress on targets over time. Please read on for a glimpse into their workings, achievements, and plans for the future.