3/17/20
RE: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
Good Afternoon,
At L.A.D.D., Inc., we believe that communication is a critical factor as the situation with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to change rapidly, and information comes in from multiple agencies, including updated Executive orders from Governor Whitmer. We are continually reevaluating the best way to maintain a safe and healthy environment for all, while also supporting our employees.
As a CARF accredited agency, LADD has a Pandemic Plan that we have implemented. We have checked into additional resources such as the Disaster Preparedness Tool Kit located at Medicaid.com. We are currently evaluating all locations daily to ensure we have adequate staffing, food, P.P.E., and cleaning supplies for extended periods. As you are aware, there was already a shortage of Direct Care Workers in the State of Michigan and across the United States before COVID-19. Staffing is always a challenge, and we continue to be proactive in our efforts. The President of the United States declared the COVID- 19 outbreak to be a national emergency, which allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to waive or modify rules governing hospitals and health care providers as well as other Medicaid and Medicare programs through the 1135 Waiver.
In reviewing the COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for State Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Agencies, we have noted on page 9, the section on Workforce Flexibilities and the ability to tap into family members and live-in caregivers in case of shortages of healthcare workers because of COVID-19.
Currently, LADD is looking at all locations to determine what is the minimum staffing we could safely run if our staffing pool gets to a critical level, and there are limited healthy staff available to work. We are also looking at which locations could temporarily close down and where people can move to temporarily so that we can most effectively utilize available staffing supports. We are looking at changing shifts to potentially 12-hour shifts so that less staff are coming and going from the programs. We are identifying staff who can stay overnight for extended periods as a live-in caregiver if necessary. We are exploring all options in case this national emergency continues to progress, and we get into a staffing crisis; we will have multiple options available to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the people we support and our employees. We are having conversations with families who are actively involved in the lives of their love one’s to see the possibility of people staying with family members during this national emergency if necessary. We have had families contact us and request to take their love one’s home for an extended period and have supported families in their decision.
We have identified LADD locations that can be used for isolation for people supported, and staffing supports if isolation becomes necessary outside of a hospital environment. We are ensuring these locations have adequate supplies on hand in anticipation of the potential need for this type of environment. We will work closely with the local Health Departments and medical professionals throughout this national emergency, following their direction while also keeping all of your agencies informed throughout this process.
I am sure that you are all aware that services are focused on health and safety during this time. Although we have been informed that many of the CMH employees are working remotely we appreciate that you continually prioritize processing of claims to ensure prompt payment through this challenging time. It is important we have a positive cash flow to meet our increased expenses during this crisis. Thank you for your continued support. We will continue to meet daily and update our plans as necessary. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. 517-795-4010.
Thank you, Julia Jeffreys Julia Jeffreys LBSW Executive Director LADD Inc.
