From: Director Jeff Davis <jeff.davis@dodd.ohio.gov>
Sent: Monday, February 18, 2019 4:15 PM
To: Anita Allen <AAllen@opra.org>
Subject: A Message from DODD Director Jeff Davis

 

 

 

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                         February 18, 2019

 

 

Preparing for Changes to Waiver Daily Billing Unit (DBU)/Daily Rate Application (DRA)

 

As many of you know, the department made changes to the Daily Billing Unit (DBU) rule in December 2018 with the intent of simplifying the billing process for both providers and county boards. To fully succeed, we must do our best to prepare all of the providers and county board staff affected by these changes.

 

In addition to continual informational and educational outreach, realization of the hoped for simplification will best be accomplished by the adherence of all responsible professionals to a truly collaborative planning and cost projection process. The department will be convening an ongoing work group of affected stakeholders to assist in all ways beneficial to achieving the desired outcomes state-wide. Jessica Mcgonigle of the department’s Division of Medicaid Development and Administration will be leading this effort, and will have the full resources of the department available to best ensure success.

 

Making Lives Better

 

I have come across an initiative started by Director John Martin called Making Lives Better. This initiative focuses on improving the health of those we serve by decreasing unscheduled hospitalizations and reducing preventable illness. As part of this effort, the department has reviewed the medical claims and MUIs of people served in a residential setting both through waivers and in ICFs. The initial data review suggests we can do more to improve the mental and physical health of those we serve. 

 

Some of this will require multi-system collaboration on a larger scale, with a concurrent ability to identify and focus collaborative efforts at the individual level. We are beginning discussions in the department on how we might begin to roll this out. Consistent with our message, this initiative will attempt to put structured, systemic supports behind DSPs and case managers in their efforts to improve lives.  

 

Governor DeWine to Attend DD Awareness and Advocacy Day on March 5

 

Governor Mike DeWine has confirmed his attendance at this year’s DD Awareness and Advocacy Day at the Statehouse on March 5, the very same day as his first State of the State address. We are very appreciative of his desire to be with us, and look quite forward to his presence.

 

Interesting Quote

 

I came across an interesting quote this weekend from business guru Jim Collins (author, Good to Great and Built to Last):

 

“Life conspires to complexity so I fight valiantly for some semblance of simplicity.”

 

Seems apt to our goals.

 

 

Legislative Report

Last week saw the beginning of committee meetings in the Ohio General Assembly, additional Senate committee assignments, and the introduction of legislation.

 

The Ohio Senate introduced over 50 bills last week, the first 10 of which were named priority legislation by Senate President Larry Obhof. The Cleveland Plain Dealer had a quick breakdown of those priorities that you can read here.

 

The Ohio House had over 50 bills introduced as well, but the top 15 which will be priority of House Speaker Larry Householder have yet to be rolled out.

 

In committee announcements, the Senate made the following announcements that are of interest to our community.

 

Finance Committee

·     Republicans - Chairman Dolan, Vice Chairman Burke, Eklund, Hottinger, Kunze, Lehner, McColley, Schuring, Terhar, Wilson

·     Democrats – Ranking Minority Member Sykes, V., Antonio, O’Brien

 

Finance Health and Medicaid Subcommittee

·     Republicans – Chairman Hackett, Vice Chairman Huffman S., Burke, Coley, Hottinger, Roegner

·     Democrats – Ranking Minority Member Thomas, Antonio

 

Health, Human Services and Medicaid Committee

·     Republicans – Chairman Burke, Vice Chairman Huffman S., Gavarone, Hackett, Hottinger, Kunze, Lehner, Rogner, Schuring

·     Democrats – Ranking Minority Member Antonio, Maharath, Thomas

 

 

Edward Carr Named DODD Chief Information Officer

DODD Director Jeff Davis is pleased to announce that Edward Carr has been appointed to lead the department's IT division. 

 

"I am appreciative that Edward has accepted his new role as Chief Information Officer (CIO) at DODD. The work of the IT division impacts many Ohioans, and I am confident Edward is going to do an excellent job of simplifying these systems, and prioritizing responsive and caring customer service for the people who depend on them," Davis said.

 

Carr has worked for the State of Ohio for more than 25 years, serving nearly 20 of those years in information technology. As CIO for the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO), Carr worked to promote business-IT alignment through effective governance, strategic focus, and open, honest, and consistent communication.

 

"I am honored and grateful that Director Davis has selected me to serve as CIO for the Department of Developmental Disabilities," Carr said. "I very much look forward to working with the leadership of the department to better understand the core mission and the needs of the customers we serve." 

 

 

 

 

Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities | 30 East Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43215