DEPARTMENT DIRECTIVE ON REQUIREMENTS WAIVED DUE TO COVID-19 AND ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE

MAR 18, 2020 | Health & Human Services Agency - DDS | LETTER

Primary Audience: REGIONAL CENTER EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

This supersedes the March 18, 2020, correspondence on this subject.

Pursuant to Governor Gavin Newsom’s Proclamation of a State of Emergency dated March 4, 2020, and Governor Newsom’s Executive Order N-25-20 issued on March 12, 2020, the Director of the Department of Developmental Services (Department) issues this Directive to regional centers waiving certain requirements of the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act (Lanterman Act) and/or certain provisions of Title 17, Division 2 of the California Code of Regulations (Title 17). The Department recognizes that to ensure the health, welfare and safety of regional center consumers and the general population, there may be instances where consumers, regional centers, and service providers will need flexibility to receive and provide services and supports.

The intent of this Directive is to provide regional centers and service providers the greatest flexibility to support consumers and their families. Services to individuals are a priority and regional centers and service providers are working with their consumers and community to identify alternative approaches to support those in greatest need during this unprecedented time.

Read the ENTIRE Letter HERE

CCLD has released PIN 20-06-CCLD CANCELLATION OF COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING MEETINGS

MAR 18, 2020 | Ca. Dept. of Social Services - CCLD | PIN 20-06-CCLD

Primary Audience:

• ALL COMMUNITY CARE PROVIDERS
• ALL CCLD STAFF

Summary:
PIN 20-06-CCLD provides information to all Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD) program staff regarding cancellations of all public meetings due to the spread of COVID-19.

If you have any questions regarding this PIN, please contact your local Regional Office.

The Master Plan for Aging Update

MAR 18, 2020 | Ca. Dept of Aging - Master Plan for Aging

Greetings!

In light of the COVID19 developments, the California Department of Aging (CDA) is temporarily pausing its Master Plan for Aging (MPA) activities through the remainder of the month of March. This will allow for efforts and resources to focus on protecting California’s older adults, people with disabilities, families, caregivers, and providers from COVID19. CDA will provide further updates on the MPA process in due course. Please note that the following upcoming activities are postponed (future dates TBD):

• March 19 Research Subcommittee Meeting
• March 18 & March 25 Webinar Wednesdays (Topics: Civic & Social Engagement and Geriatric Medicine Workforce)
• Submission of the final Long-Term Services and Supports Stakeholder Report to the Administration

We are grateful for your understanding and continued engagement in the MPA. Please keep yourselves and your community safe and healthy by following the COVID19 guidance issued by the California Department of Public Health. You may also visit CDA’s homepage for regularly updated links for information specific to those most at risk, including those with access and functional needs, older adults, and people with disabilities.

For additional information, please contact MPA Project Director Amanda Lawrence, Amanda.lawrence@aging.ca.gov

The MPA Team

Frequently Asked Questions - #2 Guidance for the Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP) for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

MAR 17, 2020 | Ca. Dept. for Aging - MSSP | MSSP FAQ #2

PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE Frequently Asked Questions - #2 HERE

REQUEST FOR SECTION 1135 WAIVER FLEXIBILITIES RELATED TO NOVEL CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19) NATIONAL EMERGENCY/PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY

MAR 16, 2020 | Dept. of Health Care Services (DHCS) | Letter to CMS

The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) writes to request approval for the below detailed flexibilities under Section 1135 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. § 1320b-5) as related to the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). As you know, the COVID-19 outbreak was declared a national emergency on March 13, 2020, and was previously declared a nationwide public health emergency on January 31, 2020 (retroactive to January 27, 2020).

Read the ENTIRE LETTER HERE

1135 Waiver At A Glance

And in related news, as of MAR 17, 2020: CMS Approves First State Request for 1135 Medicaid Waiver in Florida

PREVENTION, CONTAINMENT, MITIGATION MEASURES, AND STATEWIDE WAIVER FOR CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID19)

MAR 13, 2020 | Ca. Dept. of Social Services (CDSS) | PIN 20-07-ASC

While the situation surrounding the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to rapidly change, this PIN provides general recommendations for prevention, containment, and mitigation of COVID-19 for ASC facilities and guidance regarding a statewide waiver for certain licensing requirements.

Note: At the time of this PIN’s release, the State of California is implementing mitigation measures. Please see Scenario Three (3) below.

Always follow any guidance or instructions from health care providers, the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), and local health departments.

Read the entire PIN 20-07-ASC HERE

California Employment Development Department Issues New Coronavirus Guidance

MAR 13, 2020 | JDSupra | FULL ARTICLE with Links

Topics covered include:

• Workers:
• Sick or Quarantined
• Caregiving
• Reduced Work Hours


• Employers:
• Workplace Health and Safety
• Reduced Work Hours
• Potential Closure or Layoffs
• Tax Assistance

COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION E-MAIL ADDRESS FOR CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19)-RELATED QUESTIONS

MAR 11, 2020 | Ca. Dept. of Health and Human Services (CHHS-CCLD)
PIN 20-05-CCLD

CCLD has released a new Provider Information Notice: PIN 20-05-CCLD (COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION E-MAIL ADDRESS FOR CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19)-RELATED QUESTIONS).

Primary Audience:
ALL COMMUNITY CARE FACILITY PROVIDERS AND LICENSEES
Summary:
PIN 20-05-CCLD announces a dedicated Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD) Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) e-mail address available to all licensees, providers, and the public to use in asking questions related to COVID-19.

An electronic copy of PIN 20-05-CCLD (COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION E-MAIL ADDRESS FOR CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19)-RELATED QUESTIONS) is available for viewing/downloading by clicking on the following link:
PIN 20-05-CCLD (COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION E-MAIL ADDRESS FOR CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19)-RELATED QUESTIONS)

Previous PINs are available at the CCLD website

If you have any questions regarding this PIN, please contact your local Regional Office.

GOVERNOR'S PROCLAMATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY TO ADDRESS NOVEL CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19)

MAR 6, 2020 | Ca. Dept. of Health and Human Services (CHHS-CCLD)
PIN 20-04-CCLD

On March 4, 2020, Governor Newsom issued a Proclamation of a State of Emergency (“Proclamation”) for California in response to a rising number of cases of COVID-19 in California. The Proclamation permits the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) to address the needs of community care facilities, child day care facilities, and residential care facilities for the elderly, within its jurisdiction, allowing for waivers of any provisions of the Health and Safety Code or Welfare and Institutions Code, accompanying regulations, interim licensing standards, or other written policies or procedures with respect to the use, licensing, or approval of licensed facilities.

For purposes of the emergency waiver authority, licensed or approved facilities include: child day care facilities, children’s residential facilities, residential care facilities for the elderly, residential care facilities for the chronically ill, adult care facilities, the administrator certification training program, home care services, and the trustline program.

Waivers requested pursuant to the Proclamation will be considered on a case-bycase basis, and if granted, will be posted on the Department's website.

CDSS may permit waivers related to COVID-19 as it deems necessary. For example, waivers may pertain to:

• late payment of fees;
• Rebuilding and grounds requirements;
• personnel requirements;
• restricting visitors;
• limitations on the license, including limiting admission or capacity during a time period following virus exposure;
• administrator certification training vendor requirements;
• alternate programs, services, procedures, equipment or space; and
• provisions necessary to ensure the ability to continue providing services with a conditional or provisional license.

A request for a waiver should be in writing and include sufficient information to support your request. The request should explain how the health and safety of persons in care will be maintained with the requested waiver. If you would like to request a waiver pursuant to the Proclamation of a State of Emergency, please contact your local Regional Office or other designated CDSS program contact:

• Adult and Senior Care Regional Offices

PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE PIN 20-04-CCLD FOR ALL OF THE DETAILS

CAADS Alert: Coronavirus

MAR 6, 2020 | California Association for Adult Day Services

Member Alert now available

GUIDANCE ON 2019 NOVEL CORONAVIRUS OR COVID-19

MAR 5, 2020 | Ca. Dept. of Social Services (CDSS) | PIN 20-04-ASC

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a novel virus that has been spreading worldwide. Community-acquired cases have now been confirmed in California. We are gaining more understanding of COVID-19’s epidemiology, clinical course, immunogenicity, and other factors as time progresses, and the situation is changing daily. The CDPH is in the process of monitoring COVID-19, conducting testing with local and federal partners, and providing guidance and resources to prevent, detect and respond to the occurrence of COVID-19 cases in California.

At this time, community transmission of COVID-19 has occurred in California. Facilities should prepare for possible impacts of COVID-19 and take precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 as well as other infectious diseases, including influenza and gastroenteritis.

This PIN includes the following topics:

• Illness Severity
• Reporting an Outbreak
• Prevent the introduction of respiratory germs INTO your facility
• Prevent the spread of respiratory germs WITHIN your facility
• Steps to take with a suspect or possible case of COVID-19 in your facility
• Additional Resources

PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE PIN 20-04-ASC FOR ALL OF THE DETAILS

COVID-19 Screening and Testing

MAR 5, 2020 | California Insurance Commissioner | BULLETIN

As the State of California responds to COVID-19, the California Department of Insurance (CDI) wants to ensure that cost does not create a barrier for consumers receiving medically necessary screening and testing for COVID-19.

Waiver of Cost-Sharing Amounts

The Department directs all insurers providing commercial health insurance coverage to do the following: CLICK HERE TO REVIEW THE ENTIRE BULLETIN

APL-20-006 COVID-19 Screening and Testing

MAR 5, 2020 | Ca. Dept. of Managed Health Care |  APL-20-006

TO: All Full-Service Commercial and Medi-Cal Health Care Service Plans

As the State of California responds to COVID-19, the Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) is taking action to ensure that cost does not inhibit enrollees’ access to medically necessary screening and testing for COVID-19.

This APL covers the following topics:

• Waiver of Cost-Sharing Amounts
• Ensuring Enrollees Have Timely Access to Care
• Proactive Steps

PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE APL-20-006 FOR ALL OF THE DETAILS

Update on Master Plan for Aging Public Comments/Recommendations

MAR 5, 2020 | Ca. Dept. of Aging (CDA)

Together We EngAGE is grateful to have received so many thoughtful comments and recommendations on how the Master Plan for Aging (MPA) should be designed and executed. Your voices are critical to this process and your ideas are helping to build a more equitable, age-friendly, and disability-friendly California for all.

The MPA’s Stakeholder Advisory Committee (SAC) is currently working on their recommendations for MPA Goal Areas 2 (Livable Communities & Purpose), 3 (Health & Well-Being), and 4 (Economic Security & Safety). These recommendations will be formally presented in May. To ensure that your input is heard during this important phase of the MPA planning process, we strongly encourage you to submit your comments and policy recommendations by March 19 through the Together We EngAGE website.

The state will continue to welcome public and stakeholder comments and recommendations after March 19 through the website and the SAC meetings (either in-person or via phone). All of the MPA meetings are public, so please view the EngageCA calendar for more information. You are also invited to join us for our Webinar Wednesday events and submit your comments in the webinar’s chat box. We will continue to host a webinar on a new topic every Wednesday from 9:30 am – 11:00 am through April 22.

Thank you for your interest and participation in this exciting process. We couldn’t do it without you! Please save the date of June 17 for the Together We Engage capstone event that will be live streamed from Sacramento. Details on how you can participate are forthcoming.

Guidance for Healthcare Facilities on Preparing for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

MAR 3, 2020 | Ca. Dept. of Public Health (CDPH) | AFL 20-17

CDC Guidance for Healthcare Facilities Community transmission has been confirmed in California, although the extent of transmission remains unknown. California healthcare facilities should follow the CDC’s Interim Guidance for Healthcare Facilities: Preparing for Community Transmission of COVID-19 in the United States

Click HERE to read the complete AFL 20-17

Your Donations Help!

Three (3) great opportunities to further support Adult Day Services:

• CAADS | State Advocacy Fund
• ALE | Nina M. Nolcox Scholarship Fund

Learn more and DONATE today -- thank you!

California Association for Adult Day Services, a 501 (c) 6 non-profit grassroots-driven organization, advocates for the growth and development of adult day services in California and nationally. Centers in membership with CAADS provide innovative day programs that support individuals with physical or mental disabilities and older adults with Alzheimer's disease and their families.
Learn more about CAADS

The Alliance for Leadership and Education (A.L.E.) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) public benefit arm of CAADS. Its mission is to advance innovation and quality in Adult Day Service through research and analysis, education and training, and leadership for the benefit of consumers and their caregivers.

Lydia Missaelides, MHA
Executive Director of the Alliance for Leadership and Education

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NATIONAL ADULT DAY SERVICES ASSOCIATION (NADSA)

CAADS is a proud member of the National Adult Day Services Association.

California representatives currently serving on the NADSA Board of Directors:

Corinne Jan, RN, PHN (NADSA Chair)
CEO, Family Bridges
Oakland, CA

Kathleen Kolenda (NADSA Treasurer)
Vice President, Adult Day Services Easterseals Southern California
Irvine, CA

Amanda Sillars, MSW, LCSW
CEO, Total ADHC Solutions, Inc.
Thousand Oaks

CARING FOR A VETERAN?

For help, call the VA Caregiver Support Line (toll-free):

1-855-260-3274

For more Information and Resources visit their WEBSITE

Mon - Fri 8 AM - 11 PM (EST) || Sat 10:30 AM - 6 PM (EST)

TO REPORT FRAUD AND ABUSE

Call DHCS Medi-Cal Fraud Hotline:

1-800-822-6222

The call is free and you can remain anonymous.

TO FILE A COMPLAINT AGAINST A HEALTH CARE FACILITY LICENSED BY THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH

Use the California Department of Public Health's Cal Health Find website
or
call, write, fax the Center for Health Care Quality,
Licensing and Certification District Office nearest you.

FREE FRAUD PREVENTION EDUCATION

The California Senior Medicare Patrol offers free fraud prevention education throughout the state.
To schedule a presentation, call 855-613-7080

See the SMP/Medicare fraud section at www.cahealthadvocates.org, for more information on ways to protect yourself from healthcare fraud and how to detect it.

If you come across any suspicious activity,

PLEASE REPORT IT AT

855-613-7080

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California Association for Adult Day Services
1107 9th Street, Suite 701 || Sacramento, CA 95814–3610
T: (916) 552-7400 || F: (866) 725-3123
E: caads@caads.org