Alright – so, in full disclusure, I like Jamie so I may be a little bias. Why would I ever like anyone in the current DHS? Well – Jamie has been here for a long time. She is down to earth, humble, approachable and did I say approachable – that is the opposite of so many in the current EIDBI team.
Anyway, what the heck is revalidation? she explained to put it simply – simple. What DHS and simple, am I drunk. No, I do not drink. Not yet, kidding – I am not allowed to drink.
Jamie said revalidating is making sure the information the state has is correct, and is required by the Obama care (42 CFR Part 455). It is simply to revalidate the agency to ensure we are all following the rules as required by law. I am all for this. The ultimate goal should always be the health and safety of children with autism and their families. So what happens in this revalidation?
- This happens every five years, this includes EIDBI.
- The agency pays the same initial application fee
- The agency re-enters the information for all of their staff and provide documentation.
- Site visit happens by DHS and it can be different than the original site visits since there are now records and more documentation for at least five years.
- The agency is sent a revalidation letter that it needs to comply by in 30 days.
- If the agency fails to respond within 30 days, DHS gives additional 30 days.
- If the agency does not respond after the 2nd 30 days, then DHS a termination letter is sent and the agency has to re-enroll again.
- Jamie said no agency has ever failed the revalidation process. DHS has no desire to stop agencies to provide therapy to children and families. She is soooo good and preaches right! DHS not threatening us – I am confused, it is not the norm from the current EIDBI trainings.
- Jamie said no agency has ever submitted everything accurately. Only one agency ever submitted their revalidation with one minor issue. Wow, I guess we are all confused.
- If the agency has questions, call the provider call center and they will open a case for the agency with a number. DHS has 3-5 days to call the agency and help them with their questions and/or concerns. She is sooooo good in how humble she trains and talks. Yum yum.
- Jamie said agencies must have documentation to support every claim they did.
- Jamie said DHS’ SIRS can do off-cycle site visits outside of the revalidation timeframe. I like this part because this ensures agencies are doing what they are supposed to do for children with autism and their families.
- We need training on MPSE – Jamie said MPSE is not friendly until it is. Ugh, it is soooo unfriendly now. I am confused by it. Maybe with practice, people will get it. Adult learners have a harder time learning – preach girl! who said we age like fine wine, more like a car – depreciate.
- Jamie gave people time to ask questions and time for her to answer them!
- And, Jamie thanked people. What now? she did not make us feel like she was doing us a favor. Sooooo refreshing and different from previous EIDBI trainings.
- Once the revalidation is completed and approved by DHS.
She also said if DHS does not audit or do what is supposed to do – they get audited by the office legislative auditor and/or PERM. Jamie said DHS can have consequences from these audits if it fails something. What now? DHS is held accountable, really? Ok, I am kidding – DHS is audited but usually it is not much off their bone. They don’t even feel it.
The above words do not reflect any candidate, agency, or committee.
Idil – Somali Autism Mom & Retired Advocate