Jerry Edwards

Utah's Rural Health Transformation Plan is a multi-faceted initiative designed to build resilient, sustainable rural health systems for the state. It is guided by four strategic pillars: Making Rural Utahns Healthy, Workforce Development, Innovation and Access, and Technology Innovation. The plan introduces seven integrated initiatives (PATH, RISE, SHIFT, FAST, LIFT, SUPPORT, and LINCS) to achieve improved health outcomes, expanded healthcare access, enhanced quality of care, and strengthened workforce stability, thereby supporting healthy lifestyles and financially sustainable health systems for rural Utahns across their lifespan.

The call served as an opportunity to share departmental updates and address provider questions, hosted by the director of the division of continuous quality and improvement. Key discussion points included updates on the department's strategic plan and scorecard revisions. The continuous quality and improvement division announced the initiation of quarterly technical assistance calls tailored for new providers. Contract amendments were discussed, specifically concerning the removal of requirements for additional insured endorsements and claims made insurance, and the addition of terms related to artificial intelligence, non-discrimination, and DHHS approval for publicizing contracts. Updates were provided that the family-based amendment for professional parent services and small group homes are now live. The Division of Services for People with Disabilities (DSPD) noted the go-live of a new support coordination external contract replacing an older one. Furthermore, significant discussion centered on the recent federal legislation (the 'big, beautiful bill'), where initial indications suggest limited direct implications for programs serving individuals with disabilities and aged populations, noting specific changes to retroactive eligibility timeframes. Questions regarding insurance requirements for specific contracts (e.g., 91172) and the process for switching support coordinators (ISO process) were also addressed.

The quarterly provider call included housekeeping items such as availability of closed captions and recording of the meeting, with subsequent posting online. Key updates were provided by the Executive Director, Tracy Gruber, emphasizing the department's commitment to partnership with providers and ongoing efforts to review and simplify administrative rules. Significant discussion centered on the recent award of a large, five-year federal grant for rural health transformation, totaling $195.7 million for the first year, which will be distributed primarily through Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and Requests for Grant Applications (RFGs) within the next six months. The executive director also highlighted components of the Governor's budget proposal related to various divisions, including funding requests for adoptions of hard-to-place children, the Baby Watch program, correctional health services, juvenile justice initiatives, and services for youth aging out of care with disabilities. Operational updates included introducing a new Lead Analyst for Division of Licensing and Background Checks focusing on DSPD and contracted human services providers, and announcing a virtual training session for the background check process scheduled for February 19th. The Division of Child and Family Services provided an update requesting licensees serving behavioral youth to contact specific personnel regarding procurement. The meeting concluded with a dedicated Question and Answer session addressing topics such as securing grant information and inquiring about future meeting schedules, including a CQI technical assistance call on March 3rd. A question regarding measles outbreak recommendations for congregate care shelters was also raised.

The quarterly call for contracted providers included general housekeeping items and updates from various operational units within the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Key discussion points included the announcement of a public fee hearing scheduled for October 16th to address agency fees, and updates on upcoming quarterly new provider virtual meetings scheduled for December 2nd. Updates from the Office of Substance Use and Mental Health noted the retirement of its director and the interim appointment. The Division of Services for People with Disabilities (DSPD) reported on the initiation of a change management contract focused on mitigating abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and highlighted a collaborative safety webinar. The Division of Licensing and Background Checks discussed a proposal to raise 13 licensing fees to meet statutory requirements for covering licensing activity costs and detailed the implementation of a formal Technical Assistance (TA) process for low or moderate-risk, first-time non-compliances. Pre-submitted questions addressed the need for better guidance and a designated contact for new providers, and DHHS affirmed the continued use of encrypted email for client information due to numerous applicable privacy laws. DSPD addressed provider concerns regarding the lack of Invitation to Submit Offers (ISOs) for specific counties and the quality of ISO formatting.

This toolkit supports State Medicaid and CHIP agencies in ensuring children and youth receive necessary behavioral health care. It outlines strategies across four key areas: developing a comprehensive behavioral health care delivery system; promoting early intervention; improving access through service coordination and integration; and increasing workforce capacity. The aim is to foster healthy development, reduce risks, prevent serious behavioral health conditions, and enhance access to high-quality, integrated care.