PPL 20-031: Random Moment Time Survey (RMTS) Participant Equivalency Process
On Friday, July 31, 2020, California DHCS released PPL No. 20-031 outlining the process and requirements for its RMTS Time Survey Participant (TSP) List Equivalency Request for LEA Billing purposes. This is good news for LEAs with providers who perform direct medical services as a primary job function but do not have a job title that matches the approved RMTS classification list.
DHCS is…
PPL 20-023: Submitting Quarterly Random Moment Time Survey (RMTS) Percentage Results to the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS)
On Tuesday, July 7, 2020, DHCS published Policy & Procedure Letter 20-023, titled “Submitting Quarterly Random Time Moment Survey (RMTS) Percentage Results to the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS)”. This PPL supersedes PPL 19-004R which was released in June, 2019 (click here for more on PPL 19-004R). The purpose of PPL 20-023 is to provide instructions on the submission of final…
PPL 20-022: Notification of Random Moment Time Survey Requirement for the Local Educational Agency Medi-Cal Billing Option program
On Thursday, June 25, 2020, DHCS published Policy & Procedure Letter 20-022, titled "Notification of Random Moment Time Survey Requirement (RMTS) for the Local Educational Agency Medi-Cal Billing Option Program.” The information shared in this PPL 20-022 is specific to the changes that will take place due to the RMTS integration with the CRCS, most of which has been anticipated for quite some…
State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Releases Guidance Document on Safe Reopening of California’s Public Schools
On Monday, June 8, 2020, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond announced that CDE has released a guidance document titled “Stronger Together: A Guidebook for the Safer Opening of California’s Public School’s”. The guidebook is comprehensive and offers considerations and examples of solutions, covering health and safety practices; instructional programs including for special…
A turning point: California education leaders speak out about racism and police brutality
“…We feel that silence is complicity: We must put an end to these incidents now. No matter how difficult, we must individually and collectively reflect on the lives lost unnecessarily, and address head on the systemic problems and challenges we all face as a society. And we must do so – unified – with a sense of urgency and unwavering commitment to end these unnecessary race-based killings and…
PPL 20-014: CA Telehealth Policy Relative to the 2019 – Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
On Monday, May 11, 2020, DHCS released PPL 20-014, titled “Telehealth Policy Relative to the 2019 -Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). The PPL specifies that during this national emergency, all LEA providers may bill for covered direct medical services provided via telehealth under the LEA Billing program, with exception of services that preclude a telehealth modality, such as specialized medical…
Can California schools put safety measures in place in time to open early? Many district leaders skeptical
After Governor Newsom shared his four-phases to returning to normal life, with phase two including the re-opening of schools as early as late July or early August, many school officials and parents have been left skeptical, with more questions and even more concerns.
“There is not going to be any sort of opening of schools before things are safe.” said Alex Caputo-Pearl, president of United…
CMS Has Approved California State Plan Amendment 15-021
On April 28, 2020, CMS released an approval document written to DHCS confirming their approval of State Plan Amendment (SPA) 15-021 with an effective date of July 15, 2020. DHCS has yet to issue a formal announcement to LEAs, however the assumption is that implementation is still on track for July 1, 2020.
A copy of the SPA package and approval letter can be found here:
CMS Approval…
Governor Newsom Outlines Six Key Indicators the State Will Consider Before Modifying the Stay-at-Home Order
On April 14, 2020, Governor Newsom unveiled six key indicators that would be considered before modifying the state’s stay-at-home order, one of which is the ability for businesses, schools, and child care facilities to support physical distancing. Although he indicated no timeline for modifying the stay-at-home order, the Governor stated that the six indicators will serve as the framework for…
Disability rights groups, school administrators spar over possible changes to special education laws
“Times of crisis are not the time to roll back civil rights. It’s actually time to roll up our sleeves and do it right,” said Wendy Tucker, senior policy director of the National Center for Special Education in Charter Schools, a national advocacy group based in New York. “When you roll back civil rights protections, it’s very hard to bring them back.”
Tucker’s group is among the dozens that…