Session Update: Here We Go Again! - Week 1
The Indiana General Assembly reconvened on Tuesday, January 4 to begin the legislative session.  2022 will be a short session and must end by March 14.  Being a non-budget session, there are a lot of issues on the table as a result of the pandemic, current workforce shortages across industries, education reform, and healthcare reform.  Watch for issues to move quickly in order to meet early deadlines.

INARF’s legislative agenda includes two main topics:

• Codifying Telemedicine services for certain Medicaid waiver services, including Case Management
• Adding a seat to the 211 Advisory Committee for INARF to represent providers of I/DD services

In addition, despite the fact that managed care is not currently on the horizon for individuals with I/DD, INARF is reiterating our opposition to a managed care service model for individuals our members serve.  While INARF is not currently seeking legislative action on this issue, we continue to reaffirm the Association’s opposition to a managed care model to legislators and regulators.

Watch for weekly Session updates in the ON-LINE newsletter. Please email Katy Stafford-Cunningham with any questions on Session activities.

Introducing the INARF Leadership Academy - Class of 2022
We are pleased to announce the individuals selected to make up the Leadership Academy - Class of 2022. Last month, the INARF Leadership Skill-Building Workgroup reviewed applications. The applicant’s name and organization were redacted. Class participants were selected based on the quality and thoroughness of their essay, applicant’s position, and industry experience to ensure the continuance of a class rich in diverse experiences to enhance the peer-to-peer learning experience. The Class of 2022 will begin the first of the four 2-day classes on March 3 at the Embassy Suites Noblesville Conference Center and is made possible by the generous sponsors recognized below.

Congratulations to the Class of 2022 and thank you for your commitment to the future of our industry!
Andrea Arthur, IPMG, Inc.
Carissa Bickel, Corvilla, Inc.
Krystal Coleman, Southern IN Resource Solutions, Inc.
Ronald dela Cruz, Stone Belt Arc, Inc.
Buffy Fredriksz, Noble
Jacob Goldstein, Meridian Health Services
Kristyn Greenawald, Easterseals Crossroads
Amy Jones, New Horizons Rehabilitation, Inc.
Gregory Jones, Meridian Health Services
Robin Love, LEL Home Services, LLC
Elizabeth Malaterre, insights
Jodi Neighbors, The Arc of Southwest Indiana
Jaela Nichelson, ResCare, Inc.
Victoria Parrett, Cardinal Services, Inc.
Michelle Ringstrom, IPMG, Inc.
Kayle Sexton Leonard, LOGAN Community Resources, Inc.
Michael Shepherd, ResCare, Inc.
Crystal Slabaugh, ADEC, Inc.
Rachel Stevenson, Putnam County Comprehensive Services
Stacey Thomas, Marshall-Starke Development Center, Inc.
Tim White, Janus Developmental Services, Inc.

Thank you to the generous sponsors!

INARF Welcomes New Associate Member – Molina Healthcare
INARF is pleased to welcome our newest INARF Associate member, Molina Healthcare. Molina Healthcare contracts with state governments and serves as a health plan, providing a wide range of quality health care services to families and individuals who qualify for government-sponsored programs, including Medicaid. We invite you to contact Brooke Fry, Manager, Business Development, to learn more or visit their website – www.molinahealthcare.com today!

Information/Opportunities of Interest 
INARF Updates
- INARF COVID-19 Updates
- Federal Vaccine Mandate Update
- OSHA Vaccine Mandate Update
- Member Forum Recording & Materials Available | Topics Included: Innovation in the Industry / 2022 INARF Legislative Agenda / General Assembly Session Preview / Industry Update
- EVV Updates: Affected Claims Estimate & 24 Hour Congregate Care Settings
- CIH and FS Waiver Amendments Approved by CMS

Federal Updates
- The Senate Returns to Capitol Hill and Resumes Work on the Build Back Better Act
- CMS Issues Guidance Reinstating Enforcement Timeline for COVID Vaccine Rule in States Not Covered by Preliminary Injunctions
- OSHA Allows Healthcare ETS to Expire; OSHA Vaccination ETS Remains in Effect Pending Supreme Court Decision
- HRSA Releases Additional Provider Relief Funds
- Department of Labor Offers Virtual Seminar to Assist Federal Contractors to Comply with Minimum Wage Executive Order
- Pfizer Announces Additional Trial for COVID-19 Vaccines for Children Under 5
- New Funding Opportunity for Switzer Research Fellowships Program

State Updates
- Waiver Amendment and 1915 (b)(4) Application Update
- November Indiana County, City & MSA Employment Report
- OBRA Day Service Sustainability Grant Applications are Now Open
- IHCP Update: Published Jan. 4; Dec. 28; Dec. 21; Dec. 16; Dec. 14
- Submit Theme Ideas for the 12th Annual Autism Art Expo

INARF Events
January 20 - INARF Community Supports (10 AM-Noon) / Employment Supports (12:30-2:30 PM) Professional Interest Section Meetings

January 28 - INARF Member Forum and Board of Directors Meeting

February 10 - INARF Financial Management (10 AM-Noon) / Human Resources (12:30-2:30 PM) Professional Interest Section Meetings

View the full list of upcoming INARF events. 

Partner Events 
January 12 - U.S. Access Board Webinar: Equity in Healthcare for People with Disabilities

January 12 - DLTSS Training: CMS Supports HCBS through Successful TA to States: Case Studies in Successful TA to Help States Continue to Enhance their HCBS

January 12 - First Steps Interagency Coordinating Council Meeting

January 13 -  Bureau of Quality Improvement Services Training on Honoring Rights

January 19 - ASA Webinar: Dementia in the Community: Intergenerational Programming Aimed at Engaging Children, Youth and People Living with Dementia

January 20 - Bureau of Quality Improvement Services Training on Honoring Rights

April 11-13 - 2022 ANCOR Annual Conference

June 9-10 - Indiana's Early Intervention Conference

Around the State
Congratulations to Rick Thompson, President/CEO of Marshall-Starke Development Center, Inc., for his two-year appointment to the Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services Advisory Council.

Deaf Community Services at Easterseals Crossroads realized the tremendous need for ASL test options at the Indiana BMV for individuals who are deaf. Online testing is now available with ASL videos to make the questions more accessible. Learn more.

New Hope of Indiana received a $10,000 grant from Glick Philanthropies to support its new Success Coach Program. Learn more.

Members of the Bloomington and Monroe County 100+ Women Who Care recently presented Stone Belt Arc, Inc. with a check for $13,150. 

Pathfinder Services, Inc. to end subminimum wage for workers with disabilities. Learn more.

Contact Heather de Jong at heather@inarf.org to share news from your organization.

 
Member Careers  
View Listings>>
Submit Your Own>>

 
Industry Events  
View Listings>>
Submit Your Own>>