AASD and DSD eList announcement

Date: May 20, 2020
To: Moving Home Minnesota (MHM) transition coordinators and lead agency staff who work with MHM
From: Moving Home Minnesota policy staff
Purpose: To provide guidance for MHM transition coordinators and lead agencies when transitions are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic
Effective: Immediately
Contact: MovingHomeMN.MFP@state.mn.us

COVID-19 guidance for Moving Home Minnesota transition coordinators and lead agencies

To help during the COVID-19 peacetime emergency, DHS has modified Moving Home Minnesota (MHM) practices and procedures to make sure that people who use MHM experience minimum disruptions or delays.

Note: These changes only apply to Moving Home Minnesota.

Policy changes during COVID-19

MHM transition coordinators and lead agencies in Minnesota continue to provide services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to facility, state and federal restrictions and guidelines, however, it may be challenging to meet all program and service requirements. Therefore, DHS announces the following changes:

Written signatures

MHM transition coordinators and lead agencies must document the person’s consent when the person (or their guardian) is not able to sign in-person or use technology to sign. In these cases:

· Document and date the person’s approval and consent on the respective form

· Include the name of the person who obtained the consent on the document

· Obtain a written signature before the person transitions to the community

· Remain responsible to coordinate services.

Face-to-face contact

MHM transition coordinators and MHM case managers may use phone or video communication to meet service requirements, when necessary, to support the person and provide continuity of care. When conducting the visit via phone or video, document the method of communication in the provider’s case notes.

180 days of MHM transition coordination

If affected by COVID-19 barriers, the lead agency can extend MHM transition coordination beyond the current 180-day limit. To do so, the MHM transition coordinator must use the Moving Home Minnesota Communication Form (DHS-6759H) to request an extension. In the request, include:

· The reason for the extension

· Progress toward community transition

· Anticipated time and/or units necessary to support the transition.

DHS will notify the lead agency if it approves the extension.

Additional information

If you have questions or need help, email MovingHomeMN.MFP@state.mn.us.

Previous eList announcements

AASD LEAD AGENCY ARCHIVE | DSD LEAD AGENCY ARCHIVE | DSD STAKEHOLDER ARCHIVE