SEPTEMBER 24, 2020 | COMMUNICATION BULLETIN ISSUE 19 IN THIS ISSUE: Q&A Webinar for Vaya Health Network Providers | Updates: Appendix K Flexibilities | Update: Innovations Services for School-Age Participants | SlowCOVIDNC App | WNC COVID-19 Regional Report | Microenterprise Opportunity | Public Comment: Recommendations for the Occupational Regulation of Peer Support in NC | ACEs Aware Provider Toolkit | Waiver of Rules Related to Experience to Become a Qualified Professional | Online Training: Permanent Supportive Housing
Q&A Webinar for Vaya Health Network Providers Oct. 2, 2020, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Q&A Webinars for Vaya Network Providers take place every two weeks and are an important source of the most up-to-date information for providers. Registration is not required. All Vaya network providers are encouraged to join.
Q&A WEBINAR FOR VAYA NETWORK PROVIDERS
Update: Appendix K Flexibilities Effective Sept. 28, 2020, requests for retroactive authorization review of Appendix K flexibilities must be received no later than 90 calendar days after the requested start date. Service authorization requests that fall outside of this timeframe will be administratively denied. As a reminder, service requests for Appendix K flexibilities also require the submission of the Appendix K Reporting Form . Claims must be filed within 90 days from the date of service or they will deny for timely filing. A retroactive authorization does not waive the timely claims filing requirement set forth in provider contracts, unless it is based on retroactive Medicaid eligibility.
Update: Innovations Services for School-Age Participants NC Medicaid recently issued additional guidance about the delivery of N.C. Innovations services for school-age participants during the school year. A waiver from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will allow respite to be utilized during school hours for sickness, injury, or when a student is suspended/expelled, as well as for school hours during a public health emergency that necessitate remote learning. Respite services may be used in this manner effective Aug. 17, 2020,
through March 13, 2021. The new guidance is expected to be posted soon on the N.C. DHHS Joint Communication Bulletins webpage. Questions or concerns should be directed to Vaya’s Utilization Management Department at IDDUM@vayahealth.com or at 1-800-893-6246, ext. 1513.
COVID-19 NEWS AND UPDATES SlowCOVIDNC App DHHS has launched a COVID-19 exposure notification app called SlowCOVIDNC. The app will help North Carolinians slow the spread of the virus by alerting them when they may have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Users remain anonymous, and the app does not collect, store or share personal information or location data. It is available in English and Spanish. Visit the DHHS website to learn more about SlowCOVIDNC and download the app.
WNC COVID-19 Regional Report Vaya is proud to be a key partner in the weekly WNC COVID-19 Regional Report from the Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC) in conjunction with eight other WNC health and social services organizations. Together, we’re committed to providing WNC’s medical community with timely information on COVID-19 through weekly updates on regional trends, needs, resources and training opportunities. Read more: WNC COVID-19 Regional Report (Sept. 18, 2020)
Microenterprise Opportunity Vaya is developing a project to educate individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD), and their support networks, about microenterprise opportunities. A microenterprise is a small business that usually employs fewer than 10 people and is started with a small amount of capital advanced from a bank or other organization. Most microenterprises specialize in providing goods or services for their local areas. Microenterprises have many benefits for people with IDD, including empowerment, self-determination and the potential to earn money from something they enjoy. To learn about supporting members with IDD in creating a microenterprise, please contact Vaya Olmstead Care Manager Michelle Cates at 828-225-2785, ext. 5092, or at michelle.cates@vayahealth.com.
Public Comment: Recommendations for the Occupational Regulation of Peer Support in NC The N.C. Peer Support Expert Commission is holding a public comment period regarding recommendations for the occupational regulation of peer support in North Carolina (for example, similar to the occupational regulations for licensed clinicians). To review the recommendations and participate in the public comment, visit the commission’s webpage by tomorrow, Sept. 25, 2020.
ACEs Aware Provider Toolkit
The Office of the California Surgeon General and California Department of Health Care Services have developed a toolkit to help screen adolescents and adults for adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and respond with evidence-based, trauma-informed care. The ACEs Aware Provider Toolkit includes tools to respond to the signs and potential consequences of trauma, recommended clinical workflows for screening and more. Learn more: Provider Toolkit: Screening and Responding to the Impact of ACEs and Toxic Stress
Waiver of Rules Related to Experience to Become a Qualified Professional On Aug. 27, 2020, the N.C. Commission for Mental Health voted to approve the request for a waiver of Rules 10A NCAC 27G .0104 (Staff Definitions) and 10A NCAC 28A .0102 (Definitions) pertaining to the definition of a Qualified Professional. These rules require that all years of full-time MH/DD/SUD experience required for credentialing as a Qualified Professional be earned after the individual obtains the required educational degree. The waiver permits this experience to be obtained before or after obtaining the required degree. The waiver is retroactive to Dec. 10, 2019, through Dec. 31, 2021. The commission anticipates this will permit time for the rule changes mandated by S.L. 2017-32 to be implemented via permanent rule action.
TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES Online Training: Permanent Supportive Housing Oct. 6, 7, 13 and 14, 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. This four-day training will support CST providers by improving their understanding and practice of the Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) model. Registration is required. For more information, contact Vaya Training Coordinator Melissa Ledbetter at 828-225-2785, ext. 3320, or melissa.ledbetter@vayhealth.com. Register online: Permanent Supportive Housing
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