This ACL refers only to the existing IHSS Case Management, Information and Payrolling System (CMIPS) system. CMIPS II becomes effective November 1, 2009, with the exception of the enrollment requirements for existing providers. Existing providers have until June 30, 2010 to complete all of the new enrollment requirements. This ACL does not address policy issues or procedures. [Download]

The letter provides counties with instructions and information regarding the court injunction in V.L. et al., v. JOHN A. WAGNER. Prior to the court’s injunction, the Case Management, Information and Payrolling System (CMIPS) had been modified to implementABX4 4. Those changes to CMIPS must be reversed as soon as possible and, if possible, prior to November 1, 2009. EDS wanted 5 weeks to do the changes, so…

Counties must manually rescind the terminations and restore reduced hours; and
CDSS will notify recipients that their services will continue uninterrupted and at the same authorized hours. One little problem: the new CMIPS program PROHIBITED entering certain information (such as domestic services for Functional Index cases below 4). So, CDSS is fed ex’ing packets to counties to identify the cases and follow the procedures that are used when a reassessment is done.

Ready for the fun part? The TRO enjoined mailing the NOA terminating or reducing services; fixing the case will generate a notice that the benefits that were “erroneously” cut/terminated are being restored, BUT the counties are not to send the notice.

The STATE notice will tell folks that their services will continue uninterrupted. The notifications will be printed in English, Spanish, Armenian, Chinese, Vietnamese and Russian. Additionally, CDSS will include the Notice of Language Services (GEN 1365) that advises recipients in seventeen languages that if they do not understand the notification to call their county worker to have interpreter services provided to them at no cost.

Those DENIED must have their denials rescinded. Cases approved after 10/8/09 must be reviewed to make sure all the domestic and related services are provided.

Provises copies of informational documents that CDSS will send to all current IHSS recipients and providers to inform them of expanded provider enrollment requirements being implemented to meet the mandates ABX4-4. These requirements are fingerprinting, provider orientation, home visits, and criminal background checks. Includes the provider enrollment form. [Download]

Reviews the new rules, and provides a new form, re: IHSS provider obligations (fingerprints, criminal background check, orientation, verification of valid SSN, and more). Includes a flow chart, notices to recipients re: existing and new providers. New providers are not eligible for retroactive payments – they can get paid only after they have completed all the new requirements. Counties must use the new form as of 11/2/09. Providers must report any changes within 10 days, but in any case, the provider form is valid for only one year. There is an appeal process for provider applicants who disagree with the county’s decision to deny the enrollment of a provider for failure to meet the mandated requirements. (So far, just a paper review, but further information on the appeals process will be coming.) [Download]

This letter provides instructions on the Functional Index (“FI”)-based cuts to IHSS. It contains an explanation of the FI ranking and weighted score. Applicants/Recipients must have an FI Score of 2.00 or higher before IHSS services may be authorized. There are 2 (remaining) categories of individuals that would be exempted from any service reductions due to the new threshold level for service eligibility: (1) individuals authorized to receive protective supervision, (2) individuals authorized to receive paramedical services. Terminations will be effective 11/1/09, and instructions for existing recipients and new applicants are listed.

In addition, ABX 4-4 also established a threshold of need that must be met before Domestic and Related Services may be assessed or authorized. In addition to having an FI Score of 2.00 or above to be authorized IHSS, an individual must have a “Substantial Need for human assistance” to receive Domestic or any Related Services. Substantial Need is defined as an FI Rank of 4 or above. The same exemptions, effective date and instructions for existing and new folks apply. [Download]

A “county thing”: Information on a change in the process for reimbursing a missed payment of Medi-Cal Recognized Expenses (the Buyout Program). [Download]