DSRIP Weekly Update-March 31, 2015
There was some interesting Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment (DSRIP) program developments this week with the announcement of some delayed timeframes, and more details available on regulatory waiver requests.
Regulatory Waiver Requests
The Department of Health (DOH) provided Performing Provider Systems (PPSs) with responses to their regulatory waiver requests, which can be viewed here. DOH provided a webinar on the waivers; click here for the recording and here for the slides. DOH also provided information on "licensure thresholds" as they relate to project 3.a.i and the integration of services.
Key highlights for members from the webinar include:
- DOH has not yet made determinations regarding the request of waivers for expansion of service areas for Certified Home Health Agencies (CHHAs) and Hospices. This has been deemed a policy issue that requires further consideration.
- DOH has not approved waivers of construction and establishment regulation as they relate to patient safety.
- DOH has developed an expedited administrative process to allow nursing homes to increase beds. The process will provide transparency, but will not require the full Certificate of Need Review.
- DOH is willing to waive the requirement for a PRI to be conducted for admission to a nursing home, given that the provider gives DOH an acceptable alternative screening tool. They are not, however, able to waive the requirement to conduct a SCREEN.
We are pleased to see that some of our member priorities and concerns are reflected above. It should be noted that DOH is open to continued input on these issues, particularly the "policy issues" noted above. In addition, the waivers are specific to the PPSs that requested the waiver. While the opportunity for other DSRIP PPSs to request a similar waiver exists, this flexibility is not made available to the general provider community.
DSRIP Timelines Change
DOH decided to push back some dates in the DSRIP timeline. The delays relate to budget negotiations, which could impact the valuation, as well as pending Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) approval for the proposed valuation. Thus, DOH is postponing the release of the final valuation until after the budget is finalized and CMS approval is provided. DOH is also extending the deadline for submitting Implementation Plans to Fri., May 1, 2015, to enable the incorporation of any valuation results.
Project Planning Grants Summary Available
DOH provided a summary of the DSRIP Project Design Grant planning payments, which were made in February. The State awarded $69 million in Design Grants to support emerging PPSs to conduct needs assessments and develop comprehensive project plans. Click here to review the summary.
Contact: Diane Darbyshire, ddarbyshire@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8828