EXPANDING USE OF UNIVERSAL ASSESSMENTS FOR LONG TERM SUPPORTS AND SERVICES: CHALLENGES AND BENEFITS

摘要

Many countries are now recognizing the need for uniform assessment instruments across populations, settings and programs. Motivated by federal recommendations as well as by knowledge of global best practices and trends, several states in the United States are adopting a uniform assessment instrument for their publicly funded long term support and services, particularly Medicaid waiver programs. A universal, standardized assessment is a critical tool for streamlining access to care for people seeking services. A well-designed assessment instrument can be used to determine eligibility for public programs, care planning, data collection, rate setting, and quality assurance. A universal assessment can also: promote choice for customers when the assessment determines eligibility for multiple programs; reduce administrative burdens by using one assessment for multiple purposes; promote equity by using the same assessment criteria for all individuals in need of services; and capture standardized data to help policymakers do longitudinal analysis of client outcomes and program effectiveness.Participants will overview key factors that informed selection of a base instrument in their states and outline key policy decisions regarding implementation, including level of care determinations and how outcome measures can be used to improve quality of care. Participants will also demonstrate how standardized data can be used to compare populations across states and countries, and thus inform key LTSS policy decisions. Strategies for overcoming challenges in implementing uniform assessments, which could help other states as well as international entities considering adopting universal assessment instruments, will be detailed.