|
EVV is a federal mandate passed by Congress in 2016 via the 21st Century Cures Act that requires states to implement technology-based systems to verify personal care and home health care services provided during home visits. For purposes of the intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) system, this will specifically impact Personal Support Worker (PSW) services.
EVV requires real-time data entry. Because of the nature of live-in caregiving, and the often-immediate needs of the individual requiring support, real-time entry will be nearly impossible in many circumstances. Ultimately, families will face the need to edit EVV entries repeatedly throughout the day to comply with requirements. If shift entries are edited to reflect accuracy, that shift would be an “exception” and would not be EVV compliant. Additionally, continually having to edit shifts would be considered “burdensome” and certainly would impede the way care is delivered.
Several states have chosen to implement a live-in caregiver exemption. By electing to use a live-in caregiver exemption, Illinois would be engaging in best practice.
The Arc of Illinois is strongly advocating for a live-in caregiver exemption. This will alleviate the unnecessary burden of family members repeatedly clocking in and out at their own home when they are providing PSW services for an individual who also lives in their home.
Illinois is in the process of determining whether the live-in caregiver exemption will be implemented for this population. We understand that compromise may be necessary to find a solution that will be mutually beneficial for families and the state. The Arc of Illinois respectfully requests the opportunity to formally engage in discussions related to the policy for live-in exemption.
| 
