Tag: Developmental Disabilities

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Department News

DBHDD announces staged rollout for Administrative Services Organization

DBHDD, in partnership with Beacon Health Options (formerly ValueOptions), has been diligently working to bring to life the vision that began with the procurement of the Administrative Services Organization (ASO). Following a procurement process, DBHDD awarded the contract to the winning vendor on September 16, 2014. The project is now called the “Georgia Collaborative ASO.” A press release regarding the bid award can be found on the DBHDD website.

The Georgia Collaborative ASO will consolidate the functions of several DBHDD contracts into a single, integrated system which supports both behavioral health and developmental disability services. This new and innovative approach will aid DBHDD and our provider network as we strive to provide easy access to high-quality care for the people we serve.

Initially, DBHDD anticipated a go-live date of April 1, 2015 for this new system. As the work has progressed, DBHDD and Beacon Health Options have evaluated and adjusted our strategy with the goal of ensuring that the vision of the ASO is fully realized through a carefully staged execution that supports the DBHDD provider network throughout implementation.

On July 1, 2015, the new quality improvement initiatives, including quality reviews for providers of behavioral health and intellectual and developmental disability services, will be implemented. Also on July 1, 2015, the CONNECTS system, a Beacon Health Options platform will replace the APS Healthcare system (Care Connection/MICP). The implementation of the Adult Needs and Strength Assessment and Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths Assessment will take effect on July 1, 2015 in concert with new authorization process supported by the Georgia Collaborative ASO.

The development of the case management Information System for intellectual and developmental disability services is underway with a rollout targeted for the fall of 2015. Columbus will continue to support DBHDD through the Columbus Information System during this transition.

DBHDD and the Georgia Collaborative ASO will be hosting a series of introductory webinars for DBHDD staff and providers in February with additional training and information sessions to be held in the coming months. Information and updates will be provided on the Georgia Collaborative ASO page on the DBHDD website.

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Department News Events

Public invited to comment and suggest improvements to Medicaid waiver programs

In collaboration with the Georgia Department of Community Health, DBHDD’s Division of Developmental Disabilities will host six public forums next month to collect comments and suggestions for the Medicaid waiver programs.

The opportunity to gather feedback is part of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ application process to continue operating the Comprehensive Supports Waiver Program (COMP) for another five years. The public is also invited to comment on the New Options Waiver (NOW). Both programs offer home- and community-based services for people with developmental or intellectual disabilities.

“We would like to reach out to individuals and families who use the services and to advocates and other interested parties to determine what programs are doing well and what could be improved,” said Catherine Ivy, director of community services for the division. She will be presenting the latest information on the NOW and COMP waivers at each of the forums.

Anyone who receives, provides or manages the NOW and COMP waivers is encouraged to attend one of the six statewide forums. Attendees will also participate in a focused discussion with other advocates and can record suggestions for improvements to services.

For locations and to RSVP, please visit http://dbhdd.georgia.gov/nowcomp-community-forums.

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Department News

New leadership for Georgia Collaborative ASO

DBHDD’s new administrative services organization, the “Georgia Collaborative ASO,” will bring measurable improvements to coordination and efficiency across the behavioral health and developmental disability service network in Georgia. The initiative will be implemented through a partnership with ValueOptions, a national health care improvement firm, and several subcontractors.

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Anna McLaughlin

The project represents DBHDD’s ongoing commitment to improve outcomes for the people we serve. “This is a great opportunity for Georgia to build an integrated service system,” said Anna McLaughlin, DBHDD’s new director of ASO coordination. McLaughlin, who previously served as the department’s Region 3 transition coordinator, will spearhead DBHDD’s efforts in the initiative. Prior to joining DBHDD in 2013, McLaughlin spent 20 years in the nonprofit mental health field. She holds a master’s in conflict management, and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification.

Jason Bearden Headshot
Jason Bearden

Working alongside McLaughlin is longtime partner of DBHDD Jason Bearden, who was chosen by ValueOptions as the CEO of the Georgia Collaborative. Bearden most recently served as CEO of Highland Rivers Health, one of DBHDD’s community service boards. Prior to his tenure at Highland Rivers, Bearden worked in the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget under the health and human services division.

“The new Georgia Collaborative ASO will serve as a key strategy to help accomplish DBHDD’s mission to provide easy access to high-quality care for individuals throughout Georgia receiving behavioral health and developmental disability services,” Bearden said. “It’s an honor to be a part of this new initiative that will reduce unnecessary administrative burdens for providers while facilitating system transparency through information-sharing among individuals, providers and policy makers. I look forward to continuing to work with DBHDD to promote an outcomes-driven and recovery-oriented system of care for Georgia’s behavioral health and developmental disability communities.”

McLaughlin and Bearden bring a host of expertise and enthusiasm that will drive the Georgia Collaborative to be an effective instrument for increasing coordination and efficiencies throughout DBHDD’s service system while adding new deliverables and accountability measures, all leading to better care delivery. “I really get excited when I have the opportunity to help bring about change that will make a positive impact on people’s lives,” McLaughlin said.

The collaborative will meet with providers and stakeholders to discuss the transition and implementation beginning early next year. Look for updates and new information as this exciting project moves forward.

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Department News

Announcement from Dan Howell, division director for developmental disabilities

DBHDD is looking for interested stakeholders to become members of the DD Advisory Council.

The council advises the Division of Developmental Disabilities and DBHDD on matters relating to care and service for people with developmental disabilities. Specifically, the council:

  • Assists the division in assuring that the department’s services and programs for people with developmental disabilities reflect adherence to the standard of “best practice” while providing quality services in a cost-effective manner
  • Recommends improvements to existing programs, as well as the development and implementation of additional programs for people with developmental disabilities in Georgia
  • Reviews DBHDD’s policies and policy revisions, and makes recommendations regarding the adherence to the department’s mission and the cost of proposed policies and amendments
  • Facilitates communication among department staff, providers, service recipients, parents, guardians and advocates of people with developmental disabilities, and other public and private entities involved in delivering services to  people with developmental disabilities

DD Advisory Council members serve a period of two years. Meetings are held in person at least six times a year, with subcommittee workgroups meeting at least four times a year. Conference calls and GoToMeetings may be an additional six times a year.

If you are interested in applying to become a member, please fill out the application form on the DBHDD website. Applications will be accepted until January 2, 2015.