Reports

States increasingly require criminal background checks for home care workers to protect vulnerable adults from harm. While 46 states mandate some type of background check for Medicaid-funded workers, there is no uniform protocol for screening and disqualifying candidates. Developing sound policies and practices is challenging due to costs, database problems & time constraints. The paper offers an up-to-date assessment of practices, policy considerations & research and guidance on moving forward.

The second in a series, this report explores the cross-payer effects of providing Medicaid long-term supports and services on Medicare acute care resource use. Patterns of Medicaid eligibility, as well as resource use under both Medicare and Medicaid, are examined primarily within the context of service use-based groups that can be used to set rates for Medicaid capitation payments for managed long-term care.

This updated resource provides a state-by-state look at wages and wage trends for PHCAs, the second fastest growing occupation in the country, and a key job title within the direct-care workforce. Review wages over a 9-year period. Prepared as a resource guide on wages for advocates and policymakers concerned with the direct-care workforce, the data underscore the problem of low and declining real wages for PHCAs, factors which contribute to workforce.

The Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law issues this call to action to inform advocates, policymakers and the public about the vital role the Supreme Court’s landmark decision plays in enabling people with mental illnesses to benefit from community life. The Olmstead decision is now 10 years old. According to the report, many people with mental illnesses remain segregated in board-and-care homes, nursing facilities and other institutions even though supportive community living is cost-effective.

The ODEP has released a brochure addressing employer concerns from a survey of 3,797 businesses across 12 industry sectors and various company sizes. Respondents reported on their beliefs about and strategies for recruiting, hiring, retaining and advancing employees with disabilities. Concerns addressed in the brochure include issues with supervision, accommodations, worker’s compensation. Additionally, the brochure and technical report includes tools and resources for employers.

RTI is preparing a series of reports to document outcomes from the Systems Change grants. Divided into six parts, the first four provide an overview of the enduring improvements, continuing challenges, lessons learned, and recommendations of the 48 Research & Demonstration Grantees, organized by the four types of grants: CPASS, MFP, IP, & QA/QI. Part 5 provides summaries of the FTF Grants. Part 6 reviews the Respite for Adults and Children and Community-Based Treatment Alternatives for Children.

In September 2004 CMS provided $3.6 million to fund MHST grants to encourage states to develop mental health systems infrastructure to implement and sustain evidence-based and recovery-oriented practices. Grants were awarded to 12 states under the Systems Change grants program. This report describes the initiatives with a focus on implementation issues and challenges and how they addressed them. Four Grantees focused solely on evidence-based practices, six on recovery practices, and two on both.

The first in a series on a system change, this report is a collaborative with state developmental disability agencies. In each various location, the goal has been consistent, to create person centered systems that support person directed services. What follows is a brief overview of central ideas including: learning what is and is not working, using value-based skills to drive change, improve quality of life with skills, quality management and organizational development tools.

This second report in a series focuses on how state variation in level of experience and infrastructure to undertake large-scale transition programs can affect implementation. The authors describe differences in strategies to 1) expand transition coordination capacity 2) locate appropriate housing 3) enhance long-term supports & services 4) change Medicaid HCBS programs/policies to ensure that those who transition can remain in the community after the MFP eligibility period ends.

The Institute for Disability Studies (IDS) conducted three focus groups in the Central Mississippi Planning & Development District/AAA service area. The groups gathered information from individuals with disabilities and older individuals concerning the status of HCBS programs and independent living related services. Discussion was facilitated by IDS and focused on AoA factors impacting successful ADRC implementation: visibility and trust, ease of access, responsiveness, and effectiveness.