Update on the First LHCSA Statistical Report Workgroup Meeting
The Department of Health (DOH), Division of Home and Community Based Services convened the first of many meetings with the Licensed Home Care Services Agency (LHCSA) Statistical Report workgroup. As we previously reported, the goal of the workgroup is to redesign and restructure the report to increase the timely and accurate submission of information by identifying areas of reporting that can be streamlined to increase compliance and accuracy in data reporting. The meeting started with a brief overview by Richard Thomas of the DOH Legal Department on the background of the Exploited Workers Taskforce. He stated that their focus on home care will be similar to the Taskforce's focus on the nail salon industry. They are concerned with the lack of compliance with the statistical reports, especially as it relates to wages and hours worked, wage parity, and areas for improvements with the reports.
DOH reviewed a compliance summary of submission of forms broken down by a statewide, upstate, and downstate compliance rate, which led into a discussion of enforcement steps. Of the 1,347 LHCSAs, 614 did not submit all of the forms, and enforcements have been initiated against 350. The workgroup suggested ways to improve the data collection to ensure better compliance; however, some suggestions were impractical based on the platform that is used for the statistical report. There were several themes during the meeting: issues with the quality of the data; characteristics of the survey; how the data is used; and what data issues to be considered, such as whether the right data is being collected. DOH suggested adding to the report by including more workforce issues, such as the number of workers' compensation cases, access to care, number of active aides in the county, reasons for not being able to accept a case, and transportation issues.
DOH shared with the group that the draft LHCSA Medicaid cost report for providers should be available in July. Many providers suggested streamlining the reports by merging the cost report and statistical report into one report. DOH stated that LHCSAs who provide only private pay might not be inclined to complete a Medicaid report. Providers suggested ways to incorporate all of the information across the different LHCSA models.
DOH asked LeadingAge NY and other associations and stakeholders to identify problem areas, submit language on how questions can be clearer, if the questions are in the right order, and what questions should be added before the next meeting on June 7th.
Contact: Cheryl Udell, cudell@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8871 or Diane Darbyshire, ddarbyshire@leadingageny.org, 518-867- 8828