NYSACRA

Open Your Eyes! Watch it Now!

NYSACRA 2008 ANNUAL CONFERENCE IS ON ITS WAY!

BENEFIT ENROLLMENT PROJECT PROCEEDS

RN SUPERVISION IN FREESTANDING RESPITE

Preparations for NYSACRA's Annual Conference, "E's on Down the Road - Energize, Explore, Enlighten, Empower," are moving fast and furiously as we approach April 15th. Our keynote speakers and workshop presenters are working hard to bring you the kind of information you are seeking and need. Our Annual Excellence Award winners are excited about being honored and our artists are patiently waiting to share their unbridled talents with us. As always, we have a few surprises in store for you as well! We urge you to get you registration in NOW for our full conference which begins on April 16th and separate registration for our Pre-conference session, "Quality Begins with YOU," on Tuesday, April 15. If you need a registration form check the NYSACRA website on the left side or contact NYSACRA at 518-449-7551..

he project to enroll everyone who is eligible for Medicaid, the HCBS waiver, and now, Medicare, is making progress. At a recent workgroup meeting, OMRDD reported that the initial goal of saving $2.5 million for 2007-2008 has not only been met, it was exceeded, with a total savings to the state of $3.3 million. The effort must continue, however, because savings goals increase in future years. Providers should look at the 10/22/07 policy clarification on new enrollments, available on OMRDD's website http://www.omr.state.ny.us/hp_gpc_index.jsp Full state funding for new enrollments in ICFs, day treatment, res hab, day hab, pre-voc, and other services will not be available except in very limited circumstances. The policy will extend to additional services over the course of the year. New OMRDD regulations on personal financial liability for services are in draft now. Following approval of those regulations, OMR will issue a New Enrollment Process that will include their Private Pay Rules, which could result in retroactive recoupment of State-funded services from those who have personal resources but refuse to comply with Medicaid/waiver enrollment. Social Security and Medicare enrollment is the next big step, and will begin with agencies collecting information from families. Agencies should expect a letter from OMRDD to Executive Directors soon, explaining the project and asking that a liaison be assigned. For further information, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

This week, OMRDD distributed an administrative memo giving guidance on the appropriate level of RN supervision to be provided to staff in Freestanding Respite IRAs. The effective date of the guideline is September 15, 2008. Providers should review it with the appropriate staff. If your agency has not received it yet it can be obtained from the OMRDD website http://www.omr.state .ny.us. You will find it under Information for Providers, click on publications and then go to Adm.