Legislative Agenda
Establish Clarity & Due Process in Program Integrity Operations
With the recent uptick in scrutiny of DHS’ ability to investigate and prosecute fraud in the Medical Assistance (MA) program, RPAMN and its members have had to navigate numerous new initiatives launched in the name of fraud prevention. Since August, RPAMN leadership has worked to support members as they navigate temporary immediate payment withholds, the implementation of pre-payment review processes and subsequent payment delays, and now a system-wide revalidation processes. RPAMN will continue to promote increased stakeholder engagement in the development of program integrity initiatives, improved agency/provider communication and training, and changes to law to ensure due process and continuity of care for programs and clients navigating the program integrity process.
Protect Providers and Clients in Relation to Local Government
Following an increased use of rental license revocations by cities to shut down congregate care facilities, RPAMN passed legislation preempting the use of rental license for small facilities serving six or fewer individuals. Cities have responded with legislative efforts to repeal that law and impose geographic limitations on new license settings. RPAMN will be working with stakeholders to address concerns with those proposals and work towards collaboration with local governments.
Codification of the Integrated Community Supports (ICS) Program (H.F. 1767 / S.F. 813)
In recent years, DHS actively encouraged small assisted living providers to transition to the Integrated Community Supports (ICS) program. However, the program’s implementation has been chaotic, and providers face obstacles in making the transition or navigating the new program as an ICS provider. RPAMN proposes the codification of the program into statute.
The ICS program is a creation of DHS and providers struggle to navigate the program requirements because there are no statutory guidelines. Codifying the program in statute would create transparency about the program’s functionality and its processes. It will also allow for provider input in the program so that improvements can be made during future legislative sessions and add various reporting requirements as to setting utilization, capacity, and approval timelines to ensure greater transparency.
Small Assisted Living Relocation Clarification
During the 2024 legislative session, the Legislature created a path to allow small assisted living facilities to relocate under certain circumstances while maintaining their grandfathered status to serve individuals accessing disability waivers under the age of 55. However, the limitations on where providers are allowed to move has turned out to be unintentionally stringent which is creating barriers for MDH in approving provider relocations. RPAMN proposes clarifying changes to allow more flexibility in where providers are allowed to move.
Greater Access to Housing Support for People with Disabilities
While Medicaid waiver programs fund the cost of services, these dollars cannot be used to support the cost of room and board, even when a client is receiving services in a provider-controlled setting like ICS. Many RPAMN clients struggle to stay current with their housing-related expenses. RPAMN seeks a legislative change that would ensure providers can contract with counties so that residents eligible for Housing Support can use it toward their room and board costs. This will ensure the financial stability of both the residents and providers.
Small Assisted Living Licensure Stakeholder Engagement
Since its implementation, the assisted living license has created countless issues for small assisted living providers who serve people with disabilities in large part because these providers were not included in the design of the license. The license requirements are much more relevant to large assisted living facilities who serve older adults. RPAMN proposes that the Legislature provide MDH resources needed to facilitate MDH’s stakeholder engagement process and provide recommendations to the legislature as to how to create a new assisted living license category for small providers.
Shareholder, Recruiting Chair at Larkin Hoffman
Government Relations Specialist at Larkin Hoffman Public Affairs