Community-Integrated Personal Assistance Services and Supports

NEBRASKA

Grant Information


Name of Grantee

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services

Title of Grant

Quality Assurance and Improvement Application

Type of Grant

Community-Integrated Personal Assistance Services and Supports

Amount of Grant

$600,000

Year Original Funding Received

2003

Expected Completion Date

September 2007

Contact Information


Mary Jo Iwan
Deputy Administrator
402-471-9345
maryjo.iwan@hhss.ne.gov

Sharon J. Johnson, Systems Change Grants Coordinator
Aging and Disability Services
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
301 Centennial Mall South, 5th Floor
PO Box 95044
Lincoln, NE 68509
-5026
402-471-1764
sharon.j.johnson@hhss.ne.gov

Subcontractor(s)

University of Nebraska Medical Center
Munroe-Meyer Institute
4242 Farnam
Omaha, NE 68131
402-559-5765

Target Population(s)


Consumers from the aging population and adults and children with developmental disabilities, behavioral health needs, physical disabilities, and complex medical needs.

Goals


  • Improve the delivery system for personal assistance services (PAS) directed by trained consumers in the management of their personal assistance needs, utilizing the self-direction philosophy.
  • Enhance the capabilities of Adult Protective Services (APS) staff, law enforcement agents, and the judicial system in the delivery of services to vulnerable adults who are abused and neglected.

Activities


  • Develop/purchase materials for consumers on managing PAS providers using the self-direction philosophy.
  • Develop/purchase materials for PAS providers on the philosophy of self-direction and its application in working with consumers.
  • Conduct 2-day conferences for Medicaid eligibility staff, APS staff, and Aged and Disabled waiver staff to strengthen staff ability to assess PAS needs, understand the self-direction approach, evaluate quality providers, and support the consumer.
  • Conduct training with providers to (1) strengthen skills needed in assessing client capability, and recognizing medical needs/neglect, and (2) enhance the clients' awareness of available support services and their ability to participate in community networking.

Abstract


The original intent for our CPASS grant was to modify our current PAS delivery system by developing an Agency with Choice model. Nebraska top administration is in a time of transition, which has impacted the focus of service provision. With the approval of CMS, we have regrouped our efforts to improve the existing PAS delivery system even though we are unable to complete the original design. From activities thus far, we believe the PAS service system will be more significantly enhanced by training consumers, providers, and related staff on the philosophy of self-directed, in-home services.

It is Nebraska's intent to

  • ensure that workers with disabilities utilize the PAS program to its fullest potential;
  • increase knowledge of the availability of PAS to support individuals in their home, community, and workplace; and
  • instill the philosophy of client direction and responsibility in the delivery of PAS.

Medicaid eligibility workers, PAS clients, providers, and Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver staff will be trained to accomplish these goals. Because APS workers are often called in to investigate cases of individuals with disabilities living independently, we have included them in this awareness and philosophical training to enhance their understanding of freedom of choice in self-direction for consumers.