The Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Senior & Disabilities Services (SDS) is requesting comment from recipients, waiver service providers, and other stakeholders on amendments to Alaska’s five 1915(c) home and community-based services waivers before the amendments are submitted to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). These waiver amendments align with proposed changes to regulations.
There are two proposed amendments to all five waivers:
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Adds the requirement for service providers to report to care coordinators on recipient progress towards goals; and
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Adds a requirement for restrictive intervention training for all direct service workers.
There are two additional proposed amendments that affect only the Children with Complex Medical Conditions waiver:
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Removes the requirement that all recipients receive medication management through the Nursing Oversight and Care Management waiver service;
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Adds clarifying language regarding the health and safety of the recipient.
The proposed waiver amendments can be viewed at http://dhss.alaska.gov/dsds/Pages/AK-HCBS-waivers.aspx. Copies of the proposed waiver amendments will also be available for viewing at SDS offices in Anchorage (550 W. 8th Ave.), Juneau (240 Main St., Suite 601) and Fairbanks (400 Gambell St., Suite 303).
SDS will accept public comment on the proposed waiver amendments until 5:00 pm, November 15, 2018. Please send written comments to Jetta Whittaker, PO Box 110680, Juneau AK 99811, or jetta.whittaker@alaska.gov.