Family Voices Indiana

EMSC Has Helped Meet the Unique Needs of Pediatric Patients for 30 Years Nearly 26 Million Children and Adolescents Require Emergency Care Annually
Washington, DC- Today U.S. Senators Orrin Hatch (R-UT and Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that their bill to reauthorize the Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) program has passed the Senate. The legislation has made great strides to make sure that the entire spectrum of emergency medical services (EMS) can be provided to children and adolescents no matter where they live, attend school, or travel. The program is in its 30th year and is the only Federal program dedicated to improving emergency medical care for children.
“Children present unique medical challenges and require specialized care, and the EMSC program continues to give medical personnel many of the tools they need to treat some of our country’s most vulnerable patients,” Senator Hatch said. “I’ve been proud to support the EMSC program over the past 30 years and work with Sen…

To: Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services Stakeholders
From: Nicole Norvell, Director
Re: Medicaid Wavier Ombudsman
Date: September 12, 2014

The Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services (DDRS) is pleased to announce that Matt
Rodway will be fulfilling the role of the Statewide Waiver Ombudsman in accordance with
Indiana Code 12-11-13, effective September 15, 2014. Matt has been with DDRS for 12 years in
the Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services (BDDS) having served as a Service
Coordinator, a District Manager, Field Services Director and most recently Director of Client
Services.

Prior to joining BDDS Matt worked for varying BDDS providers giving supports to Medicaid
waiver clients as well as Supported Group Living clients. Matt’s past experience and expertise
will provide invaluable support to all of the DDRS clients and families.

Matt can be reached toll free at 1-800-622-4484 or at 317-503-1217.

Many parents-to-be read What to Expect when You’re Expecting in the months leading up to their baby’s birth. But for some, they receive the unexpected. Their baby is born months too early, or with a cleft palate, or with cerebral palsy. These parents aren’t sure how they are going to pay the mounting bills; they aren't sure where to turn for help; they feel all alone, like no one understands….
That’s when Family Voices Indiana can help. The family to family health information center is staffed with families who have walked this path; families who have children with similar needs; families who are trained to help other families who need resources and support.
Your tax-deductible donation to Family Voices Indiana can help us reach the approximately 300,000 children with special health care needs in our state. You can make a difference in the life of a family who is embracing the unexpected and is creating the best possible life for their child.
You can learn more about Family Voices In…

September 9, 2014
Dear Fellow Hoosiers:
This week is Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week. I would like to recognize and  thank all of the Direct Support Professionals who support individuals with intellectual and  developmental disabilities throughout the State of Indiana. These Hoosiers have a heart for  service and come alongside those with disabilities in our communities every day. Thanks to  their dedication and commitment, people with disabilities in Indiana receive the support and  services they so deserve.
As many of you know and appreciate, Direct Support Professionals play several roles in  supporting the individuals served by the Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services.  Direct Support Professionals are mentors, confidantes, teachers, motivators, facilitators, and  advocates who empower individuals with disabilities to live successfully in the communities  they choose. 
So this week and every week, we thank all of the Direct Support Professionals who do…

In the 2013-2014 legislative session, 21 states passed or considered legislation or appropriations related to Mental Health First Aid. These included appropriations to support Mental Health First Aid activities, teacher training requirements, and more. In addition to standard legislative efforts, states and community advocates have collaborated to find creative approaches to implement Mental Health First Aid, including applying for federal and private grants and finding new partners (such as religious leaders, public safety entities, social service agencies, librarians, veteran’s organizations, and college health services). The National Council updated the Mental Health First Aid State Policy Toolkit for 2014 to help you learn about actions you can take in your state to get the attention of policymakers and other community stakeholders. Advocates and policymakers can use the toolkit to help support state-level efforts to enact Mental Health First Aid policies. Download the toolkit to …

POLICY UPDATE: Medicaid Coverage Of Autism Treatment Services by Lynda Honberg, Brooke Lehmann and Janis Guerney
The On July 7, 2014, the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services (CMSC) issued an Informational Bulletin titled "Clarification of Medicaid Coverage of Services to Children with Autism," (http://medicaid.gov/Federal-Policy-Guidance/Downloads/CIB-07-07-14.pdf).  It is estimated that about one-third of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are covered by Medicaid or CHIP and CMSC was responding to increased questions regarding services for these children.

Medically necessary treatment required.  The Bulletin clarifies that state Medicaid programs must provide treatment services to children with ASD.  Although it does not specifically require that any particular treatment type, such as Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) be covered, the directive could result in such coverage if the State decides to include it under its State Medicaid plan.

The agency based its clari…