THE HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE ELDERLY AND VETERANS SERVICES DIVISION RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE ABOVE ACTIONS.
These actions support the Commission's Value of, "Approaching human services collaboratively and compassionately, with special emphasis on persons and families experiencing homelessness," and the Goal to "Effectively advocate for and seek local, state and federal funder support that adequately addresses the health and human services needs of the entire community, through a truly coordinated system of care."
This Agreement facilitates the provision of case management services to Broward County veterans in order to prevent premature institutionalization. The effective date is retroactive to October 1, 2016 due to the State of Florida Department of Veterans Affairs' significant delay in executing its grant Agreement with the Areawide Council on Aging of Broward County, Inc. (d/b/a Aging and Disability Resource Center of Broward County (ADRC).
EVSD is the lead Broward County provider for veteran benefits acquisition services, working with veterans and veteran-dependents of all ages to coordinate their financial and health care entitlements.
Referral Agreement No. VB116-15-2017 sets forth the principles for cooperation and consultation between the ADRC and Broward County to implement the Veteran Directed Home and Community Based Services Program (VD-HCBS). Through this initiative, EVSD is responsible for accepting referrals of eligible and interested veterans, providing case management, developing care plans, and authorizing in-home services to maintain the veteran in the least restrictive community setting. EVSD will be reimbursed for those services according to rates established in the Agreement.
In accordance with this Agreement, EVSD shall serve veterans designated as high-risk for nursing home placement and decrease nursing home utilization through supporting veterans in a consumer-directed care arrangement. The Agreement requires EVSD to comply with the following performance standards:
- Initial phone contact to set appointment for assessment within two business days of receipt of referral;
- Initial assessment and care plan development within three business days, following initial phone contact;
- Assessment updated and care plan reviewed at least every six months;
- Complete annual assessment, re-assessment and care-plan by the end of the same calendar month in which it was completed the prior year.
- Enrollment of veteran into VD-HCBS Program within 30 business days following care plan development; and
- Monthly monitoring of time sheets within 15 days after end of the month.
All performance standards have been, and are currently being, met.
This Agreement does not require EVSD to serve a specific number of veterans or to achieve any intervention outcomes. Instead, this Agreement establishes EVSD as a project partner conducting this initiative in Broward County and reporting on effectiveness and efficiency. The ADRC is acting on behalf of the State of Florida; this Agreement is in the State and ADRC’s contract format and has been reviewed and approved as to form by the Office of the County Attorney. The ADRC, as an agent of the State, will sign last, following approval by the Board of County Commissioners.
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