On Tuesday, May 1, 2018, Stephen Komninos’ Law in New Jersey went into effect, which we mentioned here last month. The New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) has released the following additional information:
Stephen Komninos’ Law Employee Training Now Available Through CDS
Stephen Komninos’ Law ensures the health and safety of New Jersey adults with developmental disabilities.
As you know, the Stephen Komninos’ Law, which strengthens protections for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, went into effect May 1, 2018. Because this new law directly impacts direct support professionals in New Jersey, it is important for them to have a firm understanding of the rules and requirements associated with it. The Department of Human Services has developed a Komninos’ Law employee training and competency assessment that are now available through the College of Direct Support (CDS).
- PROVIDER AGENCIES must ensure that provider agency staff, support coordination agency staff and self-directed employees complete the Komninos’ Law employee training and competency assessment through CDS within 60 days of this Division notification. New staff complete the training and competency assessment through CDS as part of the routine on-boarding process and prior to working with individuals.
- SUPPORT COORDINATORS/SUPPORT COORDINATION SUPERVISORS currently employed by a Support Coordination (SC) Agency must complete the Komninos’ Law employee training and competency assessment through CDS within 60 days of this Division notification. New SCs/SCSs must complete the training and competency assessment through CDS as part of the routine on-boarding process and prior to working with individuals.
- SELF-DIRECTED EMPLOYEES currently providing Division-funded services must complete the Komninos’ Law employee training and competency assessment within 60 days of this Division notification. New self-directed employees must complete the training and competency assessment within six months of hire, as with other Division-mandated CDS training modules.
The new Stephen Komninos law aims to ensure the health and safety of New Jersey adults with developmental disabilities.
Questions regarding the Stephen Komninos’ Law and employee training can be forwarded to the Stephen Komninos’ Law Helpdesk, administered by the DHS Office of Program Integrity and Accountability (OPIA): DHS-SKLaw.Opia@dhs.state.nj.us.
All other questions can be forwarded to the Division’s Fee-for-Service help desk: DDD.FeeForService@dhs.state.nj.us.
New Webinar: Mandatory DSP Drug Testing Under the Stephen Komninos’ Law
This webinar, released June 6, is geared toward provider agencies and it is strongly recommended they attend. The webinar discusses mandatory drug testing of all direct support professionals under the Stephen Komninos’ Law, including the newly-established drug testing process and time frames. The webinar can be viewed by registering here.
Change in Support Coordination Oversight/Management
Please note that, effective June 1, 2018, oversight and management of the Division’s Support Coordination Unit will transfer from Jennifer Joyce, Director, Supports Program and Employment Services, to Mariana Pietrunti, Director, Community Care Program and Family Support Services.
Mariana has been with the Division since 1994 and has served in a number of capacities. Her current direct involvement with statewide case management operations, and with the transition of individuals enrolled in the Community Care Program to fee-for-service, will ensure continuity as we continue to move forward with transitioning all served individuals into Support Coordination.
Jennifer Joyce will continue in her role as Director of the Supports Program and Employment Services.
New Video for CSOC Providers
PerformCare is pleased to announce the release of a new informational video designed to help introduce new stakeholders to the New Jersey Children’s System of Care.
The 3-minute animated video is aimed at families who may be unfamiliar with the services that CSOC offers and how PerformCare helps them to access these services. The video was produced as a collaborative effort by PerformCare and CSOC, along with input from the PerformCare Family Leaders Group.
You can watch the video on the PerformCare website here.
We encourage providers to share the video with anyone who would like to know more about CSOC and PerformCare.
If you have any questions or comments about the CSOC/PerformCare video, please email communications@performcarenj.org, and the information will be forwarded to the appropriate personnel.
