EDITOR'S NOTE
We at Twogether Consulting want to wish you the best for the New Year!
A report from the CDC says that autism rates are on the rise again. According to the report, 1 in every 44 children show up on the autism scale. Read about it HERE.
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2022 Mileage Rates are Here!
New mileage rates announced by the IRS
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Mileage rates for travel are now set for 2022. The standard business mileage rate increases by 2.5 cents to 58.5 cents per mile. The medical and moving mileage rates also increases by 2 cents to 18 cents per mile. Charitable mileage rates remain unchanged at 14 cents per mile.
2022 New Mileage Rates
Here are the 2021 mileage rates for your reference.
2021 Mileage Rates
Remember to properly document your mileage to receive full credit for your miles driven.
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Editor's Note
I received a note from Bankrate, a leading financial advisor. It brought up something that I feel could be a very common problem for people with special needs, and I think it should be looked at. Here is the note, and links.
About 1 in 4 adults in America have a physical or mental disability, which can result in financial instability and difficulty working. Our experts at Bankrate created a guide that informs readers on how to accumulate savings for people with disabilities. It includes:
- How to save money without impacting benefit asset limits
- Ways to ensure a financially secure future
- Savings accounts for individuals with disabilities
Here is the link:
https://www.bankrate.com/banking/saving-money-for-people-with-disabilities/
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© Therap Services 2003 - 2021. All Rights Reserved.
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Free Webinar Series: “1099 Contractor Concerns” Presented by ADP Payroll & HR @ Free WebinarJan 27 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Twogether Consulting is happy to have ADP Payroll & HR Services again as a resource for IDD providers in our free webinar series for the month of January 2022!
Free Webinar Series Hosted By: Twogether Consulting
Pre-Registration is required, click on the “Registration” button below to attend this free webinar!!
or Visit our website: www.twogetherconsulting.com and click on the Free Webinar calendar
Guest Presenter: Stevi Laas
Enterprise Sales Executive For WorldMarket
Sale
Additional Presenter: Yusuf Sterling
Small Business Consultant
Feel free to see the handout and Youtube video below that will give you some insight into WorldMarket and what they can help you with as a business.
Workplace at a glance:
WorldMarket Platform
Youtube video
Topics For Discussion During The Resource Webinar
- What’s happening with today’s independent contractor workforce and how companies are tapping into this talent.
- How technology can help you efficiently and compliantly organize, manage and pay your 1099 workers
- Electronic onboarding of new contractors
- How to keep track of certification and training expirations, background checks, etc
- Managing assignment workflow and keeping up with contractors’ work hrs/time on jobs
- Compliantly paying workers through convenient and flexible pay arrangements
- Compliance for tax and year-end reporting
- For More Info, Click HERE
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WEBINARS
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“Nursing Documentation & Billable Services” (HCS/TxHmL) @ Webinar
Jan 10 @ 9:30 am – 12:00 pm
“Nursing Documentation & Billable Services”
(HCS/TxHmL)
(Short Version 2.5 hrs)
Date: January 10th, 2021
Time: 9:30 AM-12:00 PM
Cost: $55 per person
Presenter: Julie Blacklock/IDD Waiver Consultant & Guest RN
: For: Nurses, Medical Appt. Scheduler’s, Program Administrators, Program Directors, & other Medical Staff Applicable Programs: HCS & TXHmL
Topics:
-Billing Definitions
-Billable Units in the CARE system
-Tracking My Billable Nursing Units (Utilization Monitoring: Do I have enough? Do I have too much?)
-What’s Billable
-What’s Not Billable
-What Do I Document? (Health Status Changes, F/U to medical appts., incidents, hospitalizations, illnesses, med. errors, behavioral events, etc…)
**What Are Surveyors looking For vs. What Are Billing Auditors Looking For?
-Sample Narratives or Nursing Service Delivery Logs
You will also receive a variety of Sample Forms you may need to utilize for Nursing/Medical in your program. Whether you are a brand new nurse, a seasoned HCS nurse, a Program Director, etc… there is something for everyone who attends! *All attendees will receive a manual with handouts, recommended forms, and resources.
For More Info, Click HERE
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Direct Support Staff Documentation: Service Delivery Logs, Behavioral Progress, Incidents/Injuries, Med Errors, & More (HCS/TxHmL) @ WebinarJan 25 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Direct Support Staff Documentation:
Service Delivery Logs, Behavioral Progress, Incidents/Injuries, Med Errors, & More
(HCS/TxHmL)
Date: Jan. 25th, 2022
Time: 10 am – Noon
Cost: $55/person
For: Direct Support Staff in the Group Home (RSS/SL Services), HH/CC (Host Home/Companion Care) Providers, CFC (Community First Choice) Providers, DH (Day Habilitation) staff, and more…..
Presenter: Julie Blacklock/IDD Waiver Consultant
You will receive a confirmation email and handout as well as a link to register with “Gotowebinar” to attend the session, once we receive payment. Please click on your registration link right away to receive reminders for the session!
Please join us for this wonderful training session on important documentation required by your direct support staff. We hope you and your staff will find it very informative and beneficial. We highly recommend this for new hires and/or as a refresher. We do have discounted rates for groups over 5 persons. Please ask Meghan Jones about our options when you register. This session will be recorded and you will receive a registration link to view the recording in the future. You should receive the copy within 48hrs after the session on 1/25/21 via email.
Topics:
-Why Is My Documentation Important?
– Who Sees My Documentation?
-What is The Service Delivery Log and How Do I Complete This Documentation?
–Behavioral Support Plan Documentation- Objs. Data Tracking, Progress/Lack of Progress & Documenting Behavioral Events
– Training & Service Objectives-Data Tracking & Progress/Lack of Progress
-Incidents/Injuries: What Is an “Incident”? How & What Do I Document? Who Do I Contact? Importance of Follow-Up.
–What Qualifies As A Med Error? How & What Do I Document? Who Do I Contact? Importance of Follow-Up.
– Communication Logs and More….For More, Click HERE
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Julie's Updates
(As seen on the Updates tab on twogetherconsulting.com)
https://twogetherconsulting.com/updates/
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Dec 17, 2021
December 17th, 2021 The link doesn't inform providers about current information but will provide future information about ARPA funds, and will be available on the newly created HHSC Grants webpage. Press Release: Governor Abbott, HHSC Announce $128 Million To Support Staffing Needs At Rural Hospitals, Nursing Facilities | Office of the Texas Governor | Greg Abbott HHSC Grants Webpage: COVID-19 in Healthcare Relief Grants | Texas Health and Human Services According to the HHSC Provider Finance...
read more
Dec 17, 2021
Please go to www.twogetherconsulting.com for more information and registration. Click on "the calendar" of the Webinar you want to attend. ********We also have pre-recorded webinars you can purchase for use at your facility. Please contact Meghan Jones at: meghanjones.tx@gmail.com for more information, registration, and payment. December 2021 Expectations of The Nurse in HCS/TxHmL- Part II (Updated Version) HCS New Provider Training: Now I Got My Contract, What Do I Do-Part...
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Dec 17, 2021
Our free webinar session recordings previously recorded are currently posted on our "Gotostage" page. https://www.gotostage.com/channel/3b0bd3b1a47c4e80be974f4bcfa54d7b Free Webinars!! January 2021 Free Webinar “1099 Contractor Concerns” Presented by ADP Payroll & HR" Twogether Consulting is happy to have ADP Payroll & HR Services again as a resource for IDD providers in our free webinar series for the month of January 2022! Free Webinar Series Hosted By: Twogether Consulting...
read more
Dec 14, 2021
December 14th, 2021 Message from HHSC to the IDD SRAC Day Habilitation/Employment Services Subcommittee "We wanted to make all of you aware of some guidance released by HHSC Long-Term Care Regulatory (LTCR) on Friday, December 10th regarding the new Individualized Skills and Socialization service that will be replacing day habilitation. As you may know, the 87th Legislature approved HHSC moving forward with recommendations contained in the Rider 21 report, Transition of Day Habilitation...
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Dec 14, 2021
December 14th, 2021 Very Important News! The due dates for the SB 809 Monthly COVID-19 Reports have changed. Previously the reports were due on the 15th of the month following the month which the report covered. They are now due on the 1st of the second following month. Example: The report covering November is now due January 1, 2022 rather than December 15, 2021. See updated message on HHSC's webpage below. The initial report located here includes funding and cost data covering the period...
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Dec 12, 2021
December 12th, 2021 ISS (Individualized Skills and Socialization) Changes to Day Habilitation (DH) programs are coming for HCS/TxHmL! The link below contains a discussion concerning the implementation of a recommendation in the Rider 21 Report (General Appropriations Act for FY 2020-2021, 86th Session) related to the monitoring of DH programs which will transition to the provision of ISS. To view, the report go to: ...
read more
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Webinar: Embedding Dignity of Risk in the Transition Planning Process
January 11, 2022 3:00 pm ET
Presented by:
Jennifer Bumble, PhD, Kansas University
Christopher Worth, MEd, Kansas University
Dignity of risk is essential to developing self-determination skills and improving the postschool outcomes of young people with disabilities across employment, continued education, and community participation. In this webinar, we present a model for assessing dignity of risk in transition programming, share the importance of dignity of risk in the transition process (from the perspective of an individual with lived experience), and identify practical strategies to begin discussing risk with families, young adults, and other stakeholders.
Mentorship in a Minute: The Power of Habit
January 13, 2022 4:00 pm ET
Presented by:
Colleen A. Thoma, PhD, FAAIDD, Virginia Commonwealth University
Dr. Thoma will discuss how professional habits can affect success in the workplace, and how to determine which practices are and are not useful habits.
Webinar: Psychopharmacology: Person Centered Considerations in IDD
January 27, 2022 4:00 pm ET
Presented by,
Melissa Cheplic, MPH, Rutgers University
Tony Thomas, MSW, Welcome House, Inc.
People with Intellectual and Developmental disabilities (IDD) are at risk for mental health conditions and may take many medications. Medications are often prescribed and then changed frequently due to incomplete diagnostic information. Communication challenges can affect a person’s ability to report their effectiveness. This webinar will review considerations for the use of psychotropic medication, including the role of the support team in advocating for a person with co-occurring disorders during prescribing, planning, treatment, and recovery. A symptom tracking tool to support person-centered prescribing practices will also be introduced and discussed.
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We are pleased to announce Yusaf Sterling as the newest contact at ADP here to provide assistance for the specific needs of IDD Providers (HCS,TxHmL, ICF, etc...)
Don't forget to mention us (Twogether Consulting) if you are interested in receiving services from ADP Payroll & HR Services, as there are discounts available!
For instance, Initial 2-3 months free!
ADP has also provided Twogether Consulting and our clients some new information that many of you may be interested in hearing about, regarding the
Summary of the Executive Order from President Biden and what it means to employers.
Below is the ADP link that discusses how they are helping companies track all of what they are expected to put in place, based on the new vaccine mandate
https://mediacenter.adp.com/2021-09-13-ADP-Bolsters-Return-to-Workplace-Mobile-Solution-with-COVID-19-Test-Result-Tracking
Here is the link to PDF Handout as well: ADP's Informational Handout About the Vaccine Mandate From President Biden.
For more information contact
Yusuf Sterling/ Assistant Regional Director-Central Texas at: 919-308-7521
or
Katie DeMayo/Comprehensive Services Consultant-Central Texas at: 724-205-4716
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UNIQUE CHALLENGES ENSURING MEDICATION COMPLIANCE IN THE I/DD SETTING
For people with I/DD, taking medications as prescribed is essential to managing chronic conditions, minimizing adverse effects, and improving their overall health. Many often have a tough time with medication adherence whether it is one prescription or more, which is most often the case. In fact, 80% of individuals with I/DD are prescribed five or more medications; more than 60% have 10 or more1. Juggling numerous medications can be problematic for these individuals, many of whom have trouble performing even the basic activities of daily living and face cognitive, physical, and communication challenges. While the residents rely on direct support professionals, nurses, medication technicians and other employees for medication help, staff who serve them often face challenges ensuring compliance on a daily basis. This complication, coupled with the fact that residents have varying levels of functionality and medication needs, adds to the complexity, stress and demands of the job. These are just a few factors that have created a staff retention problem. Additional key challenges include:
• Staff Training: Constant turnover can hinder an organization’s ability to properly train staff. While every ICF and supported living provider understands that well-educated staff members make fewer mistakes, most cannot afford to offer training to new employees on an ongoing basis. If the organization is not engaged with an LTC pharmacy that provides this training, they often have to outsource it, which can be expensive.
• Poor Pharmacy Support & Communication: I/DD organizations have unique needs that should involve constant interaction and industry expertise from a pharmacy partner. This level of commitment requires 24/7 pharmacy support and communication. Without it, members of the I/DD staff can be left in situations where they feel overwhelmed and uncertain of the right decision. Sadly, too many organizations experience insufficient assistance from their pharmacy, with some not knowing the appropriate pharmacy contact for every situation, including the best person to answer daily questions and provide after-hours and emergency services.
• Lack of Access to Newer Technologies: Technology can play a tremendous role in the accuracy and efficiency of medication management, but with so many program options in the market, organizations may have a hard time researching and understanding which systems are best to meet their immediate and future needs. Additionally, many are still using paper MARs, increasing the workload of the organization’s staff and the risk of human transcription error.
CHOOSE A PHARMACY WITH EXPERIENCE & COMPASSION
If you work with a pharmacy that specializes in medication compliance, you can minimize medication errors and billing complaints, leading to greater individual and staff happiness. Selecting the LTC pharmacy partner that shares the same level of enthusiasm and empathy you have for the residents you serve is equally as important. Build a relationship with a pharmacy that views meeting the needs of individuals with I/DD the same way you do – as a privilege and source of pride.
With Guardian Pharmacy Texas, you get the best of both worlds – Experience and Compassion.
If you have any questions, please see contact information below.
Contact Kevin Kirkpatrick
Office: 817-633-6688 | Cell: 972-742-3003
email: Kevin.kirkpatrick@guardianpharmacy.net
Guardian Pharmacy Texas
**If you sign up for services with Guardian and mention "Twogether Consulting" to Kevin Kirkpatrick, you could receive up to 6 months of "paper" MARS (Medication Administration Review Sheets) for FREE!
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Thank You & Happy Holidays!
Happy holidays from all of us at The Arc of Texas! As we come to the end of the year, and reflect back on what we have accomplished together, we are beyond thankful for your loyal support and partnership. Thanks to the generosity of our recurring monthly donors and those who have supported us this year, we have been able to continue to work alongside individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families to identify barriers and solutions to inclusive education, competitive integrated employment, community-based services and supports, and access to civil rights and justice.
But the year is not quite over yet, and neither is our effort to continue to grow our impact. Thanks to the generosity of Central Market and their $5,000 contribution, your donation has the potential to make twice the impact. With only a few days left before the new year, we need your help to complete the challenge of matching this gift. Donate today to help us reach our goal of matching Central Market's gift and supporting our mission.
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Donate today and ring in the new year with a gift from The Arc of Texas
We have been hard at collaborating with local artists and vendors on merchandise to show our appreciation to generous supporters like you. As part of our end of the year campaign, all donations made in the month of December, no matter the amount, will be recognized in the new year with a gift from The Arc of Texas.
Additionally, all current and new recurring donors, depending on your level of donation, are eligible to receive gifts that range from an enamel pin designed by a Texas-based artist with IDD to a Yeti tumbler with our logo. We are so grateful for your continued support and are thrilled to have the opportunity to recognize your contributions with a gift.
There are many ways you can support The Arc of Texas throughout the giving season
The year is almost over, but it is not too late to partner with The Arc of Texas! Donate today to help us reach our end of year matching goal, and explore the many other ways that you can continue to be an ally of The Arc of Texas this year and beyond.
We can't wait for what the year ahead holds for us as an organization, and we look forward to the progress and potential that is possible with your loyal support and generosity!
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