The state of Connecticut Social Services Department has recently launched a new fund to provide financial support to Home Health Agencies and Access Agencies that are enhancing in-home staff safety. This article provides an overview of the program and fund, key dates, and application process, and tips to help your organization successfully secure funding.
Overview
On May 24th, 2024, the State of Connecticut approved Public Act No. 24-19, titled “An Act Concerning the Health and Safety of Connecticut Residents,” which mandates that home health care and home health aide agencies collect and provide comprehensive safety information about clients and service locations to their employees. The act also requires these agencies to adopt and implement health and safety programs for their staff, conduct monthly safety assessments, and report workplace violence incidents promptly. The goal of the act is to enhance the safety and well-being of both home care workers and the clients they serve.
In alignment with Public Act No. 24-19, Connecticut has introduced a funding initiative to support in-home staff safety enhancements. This program, backed by $6 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), is available to Medicaid-enrolled Home Health Agencies (HHA) and Access Agencies (AA). Eligible providers can apply for this one-time, limited-availability funding through the Department of Social Services (DSS). This initiative underscores the state’s commitment to ensuring a safer working environment for home care workers who deliver essential services to Medicaid members.
Use of Funds
The In-Home Safety Enhancement Funding can be utilized for a variety of critical safety measures aimed at protecting home care workers. These include:
- Training Programs: Funds can be allocated for training in self-defense, situational awareness, de-escalation techniques, and overall safety awareness to better prepare staff for potential risks.
- Emergency Response Devices: Agencies can invest in emergency response buttons or devices to ensure immediate assistance is available in case of an emergency.
- Non-Medicaid Funded “Buddy” or “Escort” Services: This allows for the provision of a companion or escort for staff during visits to potentially unsafe locations.
- GPS and Tracking Devices: Funding can be used to purchase GPS devices and tracking systems, including home-based tracking, to monitor the location and safety of staff in real-time.
- Electronic Health Record Enhancements: Agencies can enhance electronic health records to include risk factors and risk scores, providing better information for staff about potential hazards.
- Safety Consultants: Hiring safety consultants to conduct comprehensive safety evaluations, provide results, and recommend improvements is another eligible use of the funds.
- Dedicated Phone Line: Establishing a dedicated phone line for staff to call if they are distressed or in need of assistance while out in the field.
Key Dates
The funding program for in-home staff safety enhancements follows a structured timeline to ensure timely application and distribution of funds. Here are the key dates to keep in mind:
- August 7, 2024: The first round of applications opens for Home Health Agencies (HHAs) and Access Agencies (AAs).
- August 29, 2024, 11:59 PM: Deadline for submitting completed applications to the Department of Social Services (DSS).
- September 25, 2024: Deadline for returning the completed attestation and cost report to DSS.
- October 31, 2024: Funding will be issued to first round applicants.
- November 4, 2024: The second round of applications opens, subject to the availability of remaining funds.
- June 30, 2025: All funded activities must be completed by this date.
- August 15, 2025: Unused funds must be returned to DSS
Funding Application Process & Tips
To apply for the time-limited, one-time funding, Home Health Agencies (HHAs) and Access Agencies (AAs) must complete the online application using the link provided here. Only one application per organization will be accepted, and the Department of Social Services (DSS) will review all submissions.
To maximize the likelihood of receiving funding, be sure to pay special attention to the following:
- Ensure you submit your In-home safety application, attestation form, and cost report prior to their respective submission deadlines.
- Ensure all information is accurate before submitting your application, as modifications are not allowed once submitted and errors may negatively impact funding decisions.
- Include all relevant Federal and State Tax ID numbers, Unique Entity IDs (UEI), National Provider Identifiers (NPI), and Automated Voice Response System (AVRS) ID numbers for all members served by your organization.
- Funds will cover allowable items (listed above in the Use of Funds section) purchased from October 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025, and cannot be used for prior purchases.
- To be eligible for this funding, agencies must comply with all applicable state and federal laws, regulations, and guidance - This includes documenting proposed budget plans and actual expenditures in a cost report, providing invoices, receipts, and an actuals report on the funds spent.
For More Information
The full Public Act No. 24-19, “An Act Concerning the Health and Safety of Connecticut Residents”, can be found here.
For more information on the In-home Safety Enhancements program and funding support, visit the State of Connecticut website here.
About SolusGuard
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