RSM-25 Q&A Final.docx

Remote Supports and Monitoring Questions and Answers

BD-24-1023-1023C-1023L-100622

Bidders Conference April 12, 2024, at 3:00 pm

1. Currently, agencies are required to pay for tablets out of the revenue we make. There was a conversation about tablets going to be moved to the equipment line item. Is that being looked at?

More information will be provided to awardees once contracts are finalized for a July 1 start date.

2. Our vendor charges 3 hours per day as it covers their ability to have staff cover the call center 24/7. Would that make everyone a B rate?

Rates will be established and stated in 101 CMR 424.00: Rates for Certain Developmental and Support Services. Rates will be based on tiers that take into consideration the number of hours of RSM required per week.

Level A- This level provides up to 15 hours per week of scheduled, on-demand, or individual-initiated remote supports.

Level B- This level provides 16-25 hours per week of scheduled, on-demand, or individual-initiated remote supports.

Level C- This level provides 26 or more hours per week of scheduled, on-demand, or individual-initiated remote supports.

3. There was discussion around an onboarding rate as it takes a great deal of time to do all the work needed. Will this be revisited at any time?

Contract management questions will be discussed with providers once awards are made and contracts finalized for a July 1 start date.

4. RFR states "This service is not available to individuals currently receiving twenty-four-hour residential services." However, the ALTR and Shared Living contracts allow for Remote Services, could you provide clarification on this and whether Remote Service providers will be able to participate in residential or will this be a different contract arrangement later?

At the current time, RSM is not provided to individuals receiving 24/7 residential services. The language in the other contracts is placeholder language in the event the 1915c waivers are amended and approved by CMS to allow both simultaneously in the future.

5. Under 3.5 it states the photo must be updated annually. Other DDS contracts allow every 5 years.

As outlined in the RFR, photos must be updated at least annually.

6. Pg 9 “6. A paid in-person backup support staff must be identified before services are rendered. A.) A natural support cannot be a paid in-person backup support.” This seems to contradict the Power point just now; can you go into more detail what is required for agencies to meet the backup requirement of Remote Services?

A paid in-person back up support must be identified. A natural support, like a family member or friend, can supplement the back up support structure but cannot be the paid back up.

7. Under 4.1 It states that medical appointments, current treatments, etc. must be maintained. Why is RSM being asked to track these?

Please see section 4.1 in the restated version of the RFR.

8. Could you detail the rules around safety plans and fire drills? Is this in specific or unique situations or for all placements?

Providers should be aware of existing safety plans and fire drills for individuals.

9. Section 3.0, ongoing assessments were indicated, will there be something like a remote services HCSIS assessment?

Awarded Bidders must use HCSIS for reportable events and will have access to the system. Currently, assessments are not required. Any changes in assessment procedures will be communicated to Awarded Bidders.

10. Where do Action plans get submitted to?

This will be clarified with Awarded Bidders after contracts are finalized and based on the region where the individual lives.

11. Is the reference to Monitoring Center/Base Staff assumed to be the RSM Provider (rather than the partner/vendor) in Section 3.4?

Section 3.4 has been updated. Please see restated version of the RFR.

12. What is the expectation of RFR if many people have prolonged power outage? Is the expectation that everyone has access during an extended outage, even those currently living with family?

The Bidder is to develop a procedure to maintain connection with prolonged outages. It is part of the technical requirement and system readiness for the center. Awarded Bidders should be aware of an existing safety plan or create a safety place if individual has prolonged power outage or connection issues.

13. Specialized equipment must be recommended by an AT evaluation that demonstrates it is necessary for the individual to participate in RSM. What is the process going to be if someone already is live and needs more - more monitoring, more devices, or both? Would this require a re-assessment for AT?

Awarded Bidders are to work with their Area Office or designated DDS contact to review and determine changes based on needs and will be completed on a case-by-case basis.