OCT. 20, 2022 | COMMUNICATION BULLETIN 2022-23 ISSUE 21 IN THIS ISSUE: Provider Touchpoint | Sunsetting of a Vaya-Specific COVID-19 Flexibility for Required Signatures on Documents | Appendix K Update | Resources in Response to the Raleigh Mass Shooting | Services to Support Members Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing | Child and Family Team Training: A Cross-System Training from the Family’s Perspective | Alternatives for Families: A Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Provider Touchpoint Tomorrow, Oct. 21, 2022, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Provider Touchpoint is your source for the latest information on topics that affect Vaya Health network providers. We encourage all network providers to attend. Registration is not required. The link to each webinar is published both the week prior to and the week of the event in the Provider Communication Bulletin.
PROVIDER TOUCHPOINT – OCT. 21, 2022
Sunsetting of a Vaya-Specific COVID-19 Flexibility for Required Signatures on Documents In March 2020, Vaya implemented COVID-19 flexibilities to help providers get signatures on required documents. As part of the flexibilities, Vaya staff and providers were able to obtain verbal consent from the member/recipient or legally responsible person (LRP) to allow the provider or Vaya representative to sign documents on their behalf. This flexibility will sunset on Nov. 19, 2022. In its place, members/recipients, LRPs, and providers will begin using DocuSign to review, complete, and sign some key documents electronically. These documents include Vaya’s Release of Information (ROI) form, the NC Innovations Waiver Service Authorization Request (SAR)/Signature Page, and all Transition and Housing department forms requiring signatures. When Vaya staff need to get signatures on the documents specified above, Vaya will send the member/recipient, LRP, or provider a link via email, which will allow them to add their signatures using DocuSign. The emails will be sent using the DocuSign system from an “@docusign.net” email address. It is essential to watch for and open DocuSign email messages when they arrive. For technical
assistance, please contact the Vaya Service Desk at 1-800-893-6246, ext. 1500.
COVID-19 NEWS AND UPDATES Appendix K Update On April 6, 2020, the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved the initial Appendix K Emergency Preparedness and Response Waiver Request submitted by NCDHHS in response to the COVID-19 State of Emergency. Appendix K allows specific flexibilities in how Medicaid beneficiaries receive home and community-based services through the Community Alternatives Programs for Children and Disabled Adults (CAP/C and CAP/DA) and the NC Innovations and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) waivers. Appendix K flexibilities for CAP/C, CAP/DA, and the Innovations and TBI waivers include an anticipated end date of “through six months following the end of the Public Health Emergency.” As a result of the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently renewed the Jan. 31, 2020 determination that a public health emergency (PHE) has existed since Jan. 27, 2020, nationwide. The renewal determination was effective Oct. 13, 2022, and runs through Jan. 11, 2023, unless terminated earlier by the HHS Secretary. Accordingly, the current Appendix K flexibilities will now be extended from Jan. 16, 2023, to July 10, 2023. This extension applies to all previously approved Appendix K flexibilities for CAP/C, CAP/DA, and the Innovations and TBI waivers. Extended flexibilities will require submission of the updated COVID-19 Appendix K Reporting Form. To report the use of a new flexibility or an extension of a previously reported one, providers should complete the Appendix K Reporting Form available on Vaya’s COVID-19 Provider Information webpage. Providers who wish to receive a copy of the submitted form should select the option to “Print or get PDF of answers” after submitting the form. Please be aware that Innovations Waiver participants under age 22 are subject to limits on sets of services during the school year. Under Appendix K, Respite is the only service allowed during the school day, with specific parameters around its use. Please review NCDHHS LME/MCO Joint Communication Bulletin #375 for details. The requested effective start date for Appendix K-related changes can be no earlier than 90 days before the request, and the requested effective end date for changes can be no later than July 10, 2023.
Resources in Response to the Raleigh Mass Shooting The recent mass shooting in Raleigh has evoked a range of emotions and concerns about safety across the United States. In response to this event, the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) has developed resources to help children, families, and communities navigate what they are seeing and hearing, acknowledge their feelings, and find ways to cope together. Coping After Mass Violence (nctsn.org) For Teens: Coping After Mass Violence (nctsn.org) (En Español ) Parent Guidelines for Helping Youth After Mass Violence (nctsn.org) Talking to Children about Mass Violence (nctsn.org) Talking to Children When Scary Things Happen (nctsn.org) (En Español ) Creating Supportive Environments When Scary Things Happen (nctsn.org) Psychological Impact of Mass Violence (nctsn.org) Helping Teens with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Caregivers (nctsn.org) (En Español ) Helping School-Age Children with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Caregivers (nctsn.org) (En Español ) Helping Young Children with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Caregivers (nctsn.org) (En Español ) Helping Youth after Community Trauma: Tips for Educators (nctsn.org) (En Español ) After a Crisis: Helping Young Children Heal (nctsn.org) (En Español )
Age-Related Reactions to a Traumatic Event (nctsn.org) (En Español ) Once I Was Very Very Scared | Piplo Productions (book for young children) Pause-Reset-Nourish to Promote Wellbeing: Use as Needed to Care for Your Wellness! (nctsn.org) (En Español ) (for responders) Psychological First Aid The NCTSN also has resources for responders in the Psychological First Aid (PFA) Field Operations Guide: 2nd Edition (En Español ). PFA is an early intervention to support children, adolescents, adults, and families impacted by traumatic events. PFA Mobile and the PFA Wallet Card (En Español ) provide a quick reminder of the core actions. The PFA online training course is also available on the NCTSN Learning Center. PFA Handouts include: Parent Tips for Helping Infants and Toddlers (En Español ) Parent Tips for Helping Preschoolers (En Español ) Parent Tips for Helping School-Age Children (En Español ) Parent Tips for Helping Adolescents (En Español ) Tips for Adults (En Español ) From the National Mass Violence and Victimization Resource Center Transcend (mobile app to assist with recovery after mass violence) Rebuild Your Community: Resources for Community Leaders Media Guidelines for Homicide Family Survivors Timeline of Activities to Promote Mental Health Recovery Self-Help: Resources for Survivors E-learning Courses: Trainings for Clinicians Resources for Victim Assistance Professionals From the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress at the Uniformed Services University Grief Leadership: Leadership in the Wake of Tragedy Leadership Communication: Anticipating and Responding to Stressful Events Coping with Stress Following a Mass Shooting Disaster Helpline The federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers a Disaster Distress Helpline. Call or text 1-800-985-5990 (for Spanish, select “2”) to be connected to a trained counselor 24/7/365.
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES Services to Support Members Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing Tomorrow, Oct. 21, 2022, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Vaya is partnering with the NC Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DSDHH) to share information about services available for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. This virtual presentation will include information on what providers can request, what is reimbursable, and other ways to support providers, individuals, and families. The event aims to help improve NC Medicaid beneficiary and companion access to communication in health care settings. Registration is not required. Join using Microsoft Teams: Meeting ID: 252 730 284 46 Passcode: kFYY8g
Child and Family Team Training: A Cross-System Training from the Family’s Perspective
Dec. 7 and 8, 2022, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. This course provides 11 contact hours of training related to System of Care and the Child and Family Team (CFT) process. This free training gives parents, caregivers, and professionals an overview of CFT meetings from the family’s perspective and teaches strategies and facilitation skills to support children, youth, and families. Registrants will receive a link to the training a few days before the event. To receive credit for the training, participants must attend both full days and fully engage. Participants are required to have their camera on and audio capability for this training. Preference will be given to members/recipients and providers within the Vaya region. Registration is limited to three people from each provider agency. Register today. If you have any questions, contact provider.training@vayahealth.com.
Alternatives for Families: A Cognitive Behavioral Therapy The Mountain Child Advocacy Center will host a training program in Alternatives for Families: A Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (AF-CBT), a trauma-informed, evidence-based treatment designed to improve the relationships between children and caregivers in families involved in arguments or conflict; physical force, discipline, or aggression; child physical abuse; or child behavior problems. Ashley Fiore, MSW, LCSW, will teach two sessions of a “learning community”-style program in 2023 to equip licensed mental health professionals in North Carolina to provide AF-CBT to the families they serve. Each session will consist of a two-hour fundamentals call, 12 hours of virtual training, monthly group calls, two booster Zoom sessions, and feedback on two recordings submitted by participants to ensure fidelity. SESSION 1 (registration closes Dec. 16, 2022): Jan. 17, 2023, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Jan. 30 and 31, 2023, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Feb. 6 and 7, 2023, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. SESSION 2: Sept. 5, 2023, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Sept. 11 and 12, 2023, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Sept. 18 and 19, 2023, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Cost: $1,500; includes manual/treatment workbook, fidelity review of two audio recordings, and laminated desk card references. Continuing Education: Participants who complete the entire program will receive a certificate of 16 contact hours (no partial credit available). For more information or to register, contact Miranda Bingham, MSSW, at mbingham@mtncac.org or call 828-674-4759.
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