Submitted by Lee Dobson, Area Director, NC Government Affairs (GAO)

While lawmakers are out of session, work continues on the regulatory front with two initiatives: Medicaid Reform and Licensure Rules Rewrites.  First, Secretary Mandy Cohen has been hosting stakeholder meetings and making the rounds with lawmakers garnering support for her Medicaid Reform Bill.  The Department is attempting to align physical health and behavioral health services by creating Special Needs Plans.  BAYADA has been invited to work with Medicaid and other stakeholders on this matter.  We will ensure level of services and provider adequacy remains central in the program design and waiver application.  Second, the Division of Health Service Regulations (DHSR) has published for public comment their proposed changes to the Home Care Licensure Rules.  The Government Affairs Office (GAO) has convened a review team of BAYADA experts to draft our formal comments, due August 15.

On the advocacy front, our Hearts for Home Care Ambassadors will commence their summer outreach efforts with lawmakers.