Reports

On March 31, 2006, HHS Secretary Michael Leavitt outlined new flexibilities available to states under the Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) of 2005 (Pub.L. No. 109-171). Find out how the new DRA provisions may link with other options available under Medicaid to transform long-term care to person-centered care and to expand coverage for individuals with disabilities, increase access to community supports, and promote personal responsibility, independence, and choice.

This report focuses on the current system for critical incident reporting and tracking within long-term care waiver programs. It also includes recommendations from stakeholders on a definition of critical incident and emergency backup, policy recommendations for new mechanisms that would more appropriately address the needs of consumers, and outlines an implementation plan for new critical incident management mechanisms and statewide emergency backup infrastructure.

The Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing contracted with an independent consultant to organize and facilitate six focus groups with consumers of Medicaid waiver services, family members or representatives, and consumer-directed program participants. The focus groups discussed consumer experiences with existing emergency backup and critical incident management systems and identified strengths and potential weaknesses. This report provides results from the focus groups.

Recommendations for a Research Agenda on Asset Development for People with Disabilities-Previous work indicates that people with disabilities have significantly fewer assets than people without disabilities. Research suggests that individuals in lower income tiers are able to save and that holding assets has a positive relationship with personal well being, economic security and community involvement. This paper recommends four significant areas in developing a research agenda.

This paper outlines some of the factors program managers may need to consider in identifying strategies for integrating information to support their quality improvement activities. The focus of this paper primarily is on synthesizing information from different data sources and integrating two or more files. For the more technically minded, the Appendix provides examples of states system integration efforts.

This paper walks through different types of HCBS waiver reports and includes steps for thinking through the purpose, content and format, while tailoring report presentation to meet the needs of specific audiences. Wherever possible, state examples are provided and supplemented by sample reports that combine promising features. Seven types of reports are highlighted that guide program management, inform policy development, measure program outcomes and identify areas for quality improvement.

Presenting numbers and patterns is a critical component of data analysis. Once analyses have been completed, the next step involves sharing key findings with staff and stakeholders and using findings as a basis for decision-making. There are a number of ways to present data and the challenge is in constructing an effective visual. This paper provides an overview of the most frequently used formats and includes tips on how to select among the different types.

What do program managers need informed about with data quality management? Many rely on technical staff to actually conduct the technical aspects of data import, cleaning and analysis. Nevertheless, it is important for a program manager to understand the process and to provide the time and resources necessary to produce reliable and accurate data. This paper focuses on ways to assure the accuracy, discusses tools for analyzing trends and patterns and provides tips on interpreting results.

What applications can states use to measure home and community based services? The purpose of this report is to outline the key components of performance measurement and to discuss their relevance and potential use in HCBS.The paper also offers practical approaches for states to gradually build a HCBS performance measurement set to serve as the foundation for their quality management activities and CMS required reporting.

This monograph discusses program design considerations to assist as states move toward greater individuality and flexibility in the provision of services and supports. The paper outlines topics to consider when expanding opportunities for participants to choose and direct individual who provide assistance, including the risks/benefits arrangements, provider qualifications, training, person-centered planning, the case manager role, and safeguards to prevent abuse, neglect and exploitation.