Announcement/Press release

CMS has released two important documents that outline essential elements of MLTSS programs that are in line with current best practices. The first document summarizes these essential elements and the second provides guidance for incorporating these essential elements into MLTSS programs operating under section 1115 or 1915(b) authorities. These standards will be used when CMS reviews states’ design, implementation and operation of MLTSS programs for approval and ongoing quality assurance.

SAMHSA has updated its definition of recovery as it pertains to substance use and mental disorders. This working definition and set of guiding principles reflects the increased role peer supports and Peer Specialists have been playing in mental health programming. This document provides a summary of SAMHSA’s new definitions, as well as a checklist for effectively using peer supports in a variety of mental health programs.

CMS will provide individualized technical assistance to the states on managed care program operations, including planning and procurement, benefit design and serving the needs of complex populations, access and quality, and the use of data for program oversight and management. The Medicaid Managed Care Technical Assistance Center is part of CMS's larger efforts to provide comprehensive information and guidance on Medicaid managed care program operations.

This fact sheet describes “Community First Choice Option” – one of the rules that the CMS recently released to expand access to home and community based services (HCBS) for people with disabilities. States that elect the Community First Choice option are eligible for a 6 percentage point increase in their federal medical assistance percentage. Individuals who require an institutional level of care are eligible for the services, which will be offered in community-based settings.

Program provides guidance for a three-year effort to use OSHA outreach & inspections to reduce specific occupational hazards in nursing & residential care facilities. The Department of Labor identified the following hazards: Exposure to blood & other potentially infectious material; Exposure to other communicable diseases; Ergonomic stressors related to lifting patients; Workplace violence; Slips, trips, and falls; Exposure to hazardous chemicals & drugs.

MITA provides a common framework for all Medicaid stakeholders to focus on opportunities to build common and shared services by decoupling legacy systems and processes, and liberating data previously stored and contained in inaccessible silos. The newest version takes into account new legislative requirements outlined in the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act, the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act, and the Affordable Care Act.

On February 22, 2012, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) put on display at the Federal Register a final rule that establishes a process to promote State & Federal transparency for Medicaid & Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) demonstrations. The rule is designed to ensure public input in the development, review, & approval of Medicaid and CHIP demonstration projects under section 1115 of the Social Security Act. The final rule will be effective starting April 27, 2012.

This bulletin provides information that CMS hopes will be helpful to States as they work to implement section 3309 of the Affordable Care Act which eliminates Part D cost-sharing for full benefit dual eligible individuals receiving home and community-based services. The effective date for Section 3309 is January 1, 2012.

This bulletin clarifies earlier guidance the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services provided in a May 31, 2011 Informational Bulletin and accompanying Frequently Asked Questions on section 6501 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). Section 6501 of the ACA amends a section of the Social Security Act and requires State Medicaid agencies to terminate the participation of any individual or entity if terminated under Medicare or any other State Medicaid plan.

Person-centered outcomes underpin all aspects of desired assisted living practices and care. Service planning and operational process focused on person-centeredness is able to deliver core promises of assisted living that maximize privacy, autonomy, and choice; fostering meaningful life, engagement, quality of care, and meaningful access to the surrounding community.