Georgia Association of Homes and Services for Children   

Level of Care Implementation Taskforce

March 2, 2004   10:00 am

GAHSC Conference Room 

Introductions  - Introductions were made.  Over 30 participants were present.  Sarah Brownlee and Roger Smith represented DHR on the taskforce.  Sally Buchanan and Normer Adams represented the providers on the Taskforce.  Each participant introduced themselves to the taskforce. 

Of the 125 agencies that are eligible for providing Level of Care Services, 120 agencies have signed contracts.  Nine Contracts are outstanding.   

Agenda Development – Agenda was set. 

ORS Monitoring – The following issues were decided: 

• When DFCS policy conflicts with ORS standards, then work must be done with DFCS on the clarification of the policy or standards.  ORS Regulations are set by code and board policy. 
• An ORS / LOC checklist is being developed and will be shared with providers when completed. 
• In terms of ORS Regulations, it does not matter what level a child is.  What matters is that the child’s needs are being met.
• ORS will send to DFCS and DJJ its monitoring report. 

Appeals Process for the Leveling process

• Step 1 – Providers will confer with Treatment Services.
• Step 2 – Request a formal review.
• Step 3 – Panel of five will make decision on Level.  The five will include the provider, the leveler, the leveler supervisor, unit manager, and a provider designee.

Role of FP/BP – Referred to Services Committee for review and processing. 

County Awareness of LOC – County awareness will be a continuing educational process.  Questions should be referred to Amy Hale or to the DHR website.  The Leveling tool will be a standardized tool called Calogus.  http://www.aacap.org/clinical/CALOCUS/ 

Leveling Process -   

• Assessment levels will be given to children who have no level.  The Assessment level is based on a level three service need.
• Role of Rev. Max – Children are appearing to be releveled based on funding rather than needs of the child under rev max.  This is referred to the Services committee to review dual diagnosis children and medically fragile children.
• Children will be paid at the level that they are assessed.  There are no retroactive leveling at a higher rates.  Questions about children in level five placements and clothing reimbursement were also raised.  These issues were referred to the Finance Committee.

Payment Process – The regional process for payment will most probably be delayed to June 30, 2004.  Until that time, the counties will honor the old and new invoices.  The service level should be clearly indicated on the invoice.   

Bridge Funding - Two dozen agencies applied for bridge funding.  Not all agencies that applied will get bridge funding.  Only those agencies that could demonstrate clear need.  The number of foster children coming into care is increasing.  The foster care budget is showing a deficit because of this increase need.  Providers should expect intensified efforts to move children to lower levels of services without jeopardizing the care of the child.  The approval letters for bridge funding are at the Governor’s office for approval.   

Parental Custody Children – The Division of Mental Health is looking at developing a system for caring for children in the Division of Mental Health.  GAHSC requested to be party to these discussions.  Georgia should have a single system for caring for Georgia’s troubled children.   

Medicaid Cards – Information about the Medicaid cards are in the works.   

Next Meetings –  

• Mar 16, LOC Contract Review, Hephzibah, Macon, 10-2
• Mar 18, Finance Meeting, LOC, Location and time tba
• Apr 13, LOC Implementation Taskforce, GAHSC, 10:00 am