WSR 23-12-013
DEPARTMENT OF
SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES
[Filed May 25, 2023, 9:48 a.m.]
NOTICE
Subject: COPES (WA.0049) and Residential Support (WA.1086) Waiver Renewals.
Effective Date: January 1, 2024.
Description: The aging and long-term support administration (ALTSA) intends to submit applications for renewal of the community options program entry system (COPES) waiver, WA.0049, and residential support waiver (RSW), WA.1086. The renewal application, once approved, will allow the state to continue to provide COPES waiver and RSW services to eligible persons.
COPES: The COPES waiver has been operating since 1982, and during the waiver year 2023-2024 it is authorized to serve up to 56,644 persons. COPES waiver services provide an alternative to nursing facility care for aged, blind, or disabled adults who live in their own homes or residential settings. Participants must meet financial and functional eligibility requirements. Services in this waiver include environmental modifications, specialized medical equipment and supplies, nonmedical transportation, home-delivered meals, client training and wellness education, adult day health, adult day care, community choice guiding, community support: Goods and services and skilled nursing.
The state is proposing the following changes in the COPES renewal application:
| |
| • | Changes to performance measures in the following sections of the application: |
| |
| o | Appendix B: Participant Access and Eligibility. |
| |
| o | Appendix D: Participant-Centered Planning and Service Delivery. |
| |
| o | Appendix G: Health and Welfare. |
| |
| o | Appendix I: Financial Accountability. |
| |
| • | For the client training and wellness education service: |
| |
| o | Add a new provider type "Assistive Technology Specialist." |
| |
| • | Update the maximum number of participants authorized to be served in the waiver each year. |
RSW: The RSW has been in effect since August 1, 2014, and during the waiver year 2023-2024 it is authorized to serve up to 4,026 persons. An important element of the state's commitment to provide alternatives to nursing facility care, this waiver provides community-based residential services and supports to adults who are ready to relocate from a state or community psychiatric hospital to a community setting and/or need additional support to address complex behaviors. Services in this waiver include enhanced residential services, expanded community services, specialized medical equipment and supplies, client training and wellness education, adult day health, skilled nursing, nurse delegation, and adult family homes specialized behavior support services.
The state is proposing the following changes in the RSW renewal application:
| |
| • | Changes to performance measures in the following sections of the application: |
| |
| o | Appendix B: Participant Access and Eligibility. |
| |
| o | Appendix C: Participant Services. |
| |
| o | Appendix D: Participant-Centered Planning and Service Delivery. |
| |
| o | Appendix G: Health and Welfare. |
| |
| o | Appendix I: Financial Accountability. |
| |
| • | For the client training and wellness education service: |
| |
| o | Add a new provider type "Assistive Technology Specialist." |
| |
| • | Update the maximum number of participants authorized to be served in the waiver each year. |
The department of social and health services would appreciate any input or concerns regarding the waiver renewals. To request copies or submit comments, please contact the person named below (please note that all comments are subject to public review and disclosure, as are the names of those who comment).
CONTACT: Anne Moua, Waiver Program Manager, 4450 10th Avenue S.E. Lacey, WA 98503, phone 509-590-3909, TTY 711, email anne.moua@dshs.wa.gov.