Waivers are Medicaid Plans that are enhancements or additions to Medicaid State plan coverage for certain populations. There are specific eligibility criteria to be considered for a waiver plan.

Habilitation Supports Waiver (HSW) - To be eligible for HSW one must have a developmental disability (as defined by Michigan law); Be Medicaid-eligible; Be residing in a community setting; If not for HSW services, require intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities ICF/IID level of care service; Choose to participate in the HSW in lieu of ICF/IID service; and Receive at least one HSW service per month.

Children Waiver Program - A Medicaid Benefit plan that provides services that are enhancements or additions to Medicaid state plan services for children under the age 18 with developmental disabilities who have challenging behaviors and/or complex medical needs and meet criteria for admission to an ICF/IDD.

CMHA-CEI has two Quality Advisors, in the Quality, Customer Services and Recipient Rights Department who are responsible for conducting annual provider site reviews to ensure compliance with regulatory and quality standards.

They use 3 tools; the State Office of Recipient Rights site-review, MSHN's HCBS site-visit tool, and CMHA-CEI's Quality & Compliance tool. Additionally, the Quality Advisors participate in several agency-wide work-groups inclusive of clinical and contracts staff, charged with insuring quality, communication, training, and support of internal and contract staff who provide residential, community living supports (CLS), and respite services to our consumers. Providers receive an orientation from clinical staff at the beginning of a contract, and have on-going support and direction from clinical staff and the Quality Advisors. Providers receive a quarterly newsletter from CMHA-CEI and Providers Meetings are held at least two times a year to provide additional support and direction.

Additionally, as concerns are brought our attention, additional checks and reviews are conducted (for fraud issues, Medicaid event verification, audit findings, etc.) through the compliance team.

Staff are required to complete Recipient Rights Orientation, First Aid Blood Borne Pathogens/Infection Control, HIPAA Privacy & Security, Person Centered Planning, Corporate Compliance, Limited English Proficiency, Cultural Competency, Environmental Safety, and De-Escalation Skills.

Additionally, staff who provide residential services are required to take CPR, Culture of Gentleness, and Basic Health and Medications. Staff are trained specifically to each consumer's individual plan of service, and may require additional training based on the consumer's needs.