Good Afternoon,

 

Thank you to everyone who joined us on our call this morning! We had a record-breaking call with over 240 phones dialing in.

 

After the call ended, we had an additional conversation with DODD staff on the possibility of loosening some requirements on providing remote supports as another tool to support the system’s preparation for COVID 19. DODD is working with all of our certified tech vendors on the possibility of expediting the installation of technology in waiver settings where technology is appropriate to meet the needs of the individual(s).

 

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the structure of remote supports, here is a high-level overview. Remote support vendors help supply technology solutions (such as cameras, door and bed sensors, or other two-way communication devices), routine monitoring of the technology and provide a level of virtual non-emergency supports. Remote supports vendors can then contract with HPC providers to have back up DSPs “on call” that can be deployed to support someone in emergency situations. You can read about it more here. It allows for more individuals to be supported by fewer DSPs. In many, but not all cases, remote supports are used during sleeping hours.

 

Internally, we anticipate that this option would work best in three scenarios:

  1. where you already provide backup supports to people using remote supports and are willing to take on more individuals
  2. you are providing HPC to people who could be successful with remote supports for the duration of the outbreak and already know their needs
  3. you provide day services and are willing to repurpose staff for the duration of the outbreak

 

Based on our conversations with DODD, we believe remote support vendors have the capacity to support a quick expansion of the physical technology solutions but are unsure about the interest in this possibility. DODD needs to get a feel if providers have any interest in this option before moving forward with the plan. We have created a three-question survey to gauge general interest in this option. We and DODD recognize the obstacles in taking on new clients and changing service delivery in such quick manner. We know we do not have all the answers on implementation right now and appreciate that those details could change your answer.

 

Please let me know if you have any questions!

 

Thank you,

 

Christine

 

Christine Touvelle

Ohio Provider Resource Association

Policy Analyst

(614) 224-6772 x 117

ctouvelle@opra.org