Specifications include, but are not limited to: Task 1: Develop Work Plan for Study This task requires a meeting with key STATE staff, to refine the proposed work plan and timeline relative to: 1. All tasks and sub-tasks and their interdependent relationships. 2. The timing of task and sub-task completion to ensure the project continues on schedule. 3. Dates by which deliverables will be submitted. 4. Individuals who will be responsible for each task and those who will need to be directly or peripherally involved. A draft of the work plan will be made available within 10 working days after the official project start date. The final version of the work plan, including any necessary revisions to the timeline included in the proposal, will be submitted to STATE no later than 15 working days after the official project start date. Before work on remaining tasks may continue, the work plan and timeline will require final approval by STATE. Task 2: Stakeholder Meetings This task requires stakeholder meetings with key STATE staff and other identified stakeholders to: Facilitate meetings with key STATE staff to gain an understanding of the rate setting for both BCAP and adult residential services, the licensure process, and any other items to gain an understanding of the current processes surrounding Basic Care and Assisted Living, and North Dakota supported housing and HCBS continuums. Facilitate at least two in-person and two virtual public stakeholder meetings to gain an understanding of the landscape and challenges facing current providers. Solicit input from a sampling of households who currently reside in basic care facilities or who are likely to reside in basic care facilities to gain an understanding of the challenges and opportunities they face in obtaining and maintaining affordable, appropriate housing with needed supports. Task 3: Prepare and deliver Final Report to STATE by April 30, 2024 Prepare and deliver a final report, to include recommendations and analysis related to: State licensing requirements for basic care and assisted living. Present day Basic Care Rate setting, including policy considerations for: Changes to the property component in basic care rate setting. An occupancy incentive in basic care rate setting. An alternative to the current operating margin and annual inflation process in basic care rate setting. Structuring payments to provide an incentive for providers to serve individuals with behavioral health needs. Establishing rates for specialized basic care services for individuals with Alzheimer’s dementia, memory loss, or care for individuals with traumatic brain injury. Opportunities for delivery of basic-care type supports in integrated settings, including impacts associated with classifying and compensating basic care as permanent supported housing rather than as a long-term-care-type facility. Issues of noncompliance with the HCBS settings rule and the potential impact to provider rates and BCAP. Basic care eligibility, and the types of services that are necessary to meet the needs of individuals likely to be served in basic care facilities. Actions to address the gaps in residential service options for adults with serious mental illness who have historically been served in nursing facility geropsych units. The role of Basic Care in the North Dakota continuum of services for lower income adults with disabilities. The role of Assisted Living in the North Dakota continuum of services for older adults. A final report must be submitted to STATE by April 30, 2024. Successful offeror must be available for presentation in front of interim legislative committee at a date to be determined by North Dakota Legislative Council.
