Provider News
BCAL Rolls Out New Licensing Renewal Model Statewide
The Bureau of Children and Adult Licensing (BCAL) is implementing a new licensing renewal method for all adult foster care (AFC) and home for the aged (HFA) licensees effective October 1, 2012. This statewide rollout follows a one-year pilot of the new "Observation and Interview" renewal process that included some AFC licensees and all HFA licensees. To be prepared for the new Observation and Interview model, licensees must understand the following prior to their next renewal:
- There are no new licensing rules. Licensees must continue to be in full compliance with all of the existing rules.
- BCAL has extracted "key indicators" of quality from the existing licensing rules. They are used as the primary focal point of the new renewal inspection and can be found on the MALA website.*
- The new renewal process emphasizes observation and interview of residents, staff, supplemental caregivers and visitors.
- AFC licensees will be given 24-hour notice of the renewal inspection. HFA renewal inspections will continue to be unannounced.
- Upon arrival, BCAL staff will explain how the renewal will be conducted and will offer an exit interview upon completion.
- While the new renewal process remains extremely comprehensive, it will likely include a particular emphasis on:
- incident reports, corrective action plans and rule citations from the past;
- the recording, giving, taking and storage of medication including observation of a medication pass;
- assessment plans and crisis interventions;
- cleanliness, safety of the environment, use of assistive devices and water temperatures;
- observation of a meal being prepared or served;
- fire safety practices and equipment.
- When warranted, the licensing official may expand the renewal process to examine more information in a manner resembling the former renewal process. This is likely if no residents are home at the time of a small group home renewal or if there are concerns about overall compliance.
- Licensees are provided an opportunity to complete a questionnaire about the renewal experience anonymously.
- According to BCAL, the pilot period reflects favorable ratings from licensees. 89% of the licensees indicated that they prefer this new method. 98% indicated that it was completed in an appropriate amount of time. 86% agreed that it was meaningful, accurate and balanced.
- MALA urges members to share their experiences and concerns with us. MALA will continue to meet with BCAL regarding the implementation of this new renewal process. In addition to obtaining copies of the key indicators, MALA urges licensees to also obtain a copy of the BCAL Policy M265 entitled "Conducting On-Site Inspections." It will better prepare licensees and staff for the new licensing renewal process. It can be found on our website.*
*MALA website: www.miassistedliving.org. Click on Information for Providers, then Resources, and then New License Renewal Inspection.
MDCH Announces Regions for Integrated Care Plan
The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) announced on January 17, 2013 that four regions have been selected for the integrated care plan for persons who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. The four regions are the entire Upper Peninsula; Wayne as a single county region; Macomb as a single county region; and a region in the Southwest part of the state. The Southwest region consists of the following counties: Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph and Van Buren. The demonstration will initially operate for three years on a regional basis as opposed to statewide implementation.
MDCH is currently negotiating a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to outline state and federal responsibilities for the demonstration. The tentative start date for the program is January 2014 pending approval from CMS. Outreach, education and enrollment are planned to start in October 2013.