Provider Notice issued 08/10/2023

The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) has contracted with partner Maximus to conduct independent, conflict-free Dementia Reviews to facilitate HFS compliance with Colbert Consent Decree requirements. Scheduled to launch on August 14, 2023, this new service will help to:

· Identify persons residing in Cook County Nursing Facilities who may no longer require community transition services due to severe dementia (i.e., major neurocognitive disorder) that is unlikely to improve.

· Support the long-term resolution of the Colbert Consent Decree through the implementation of this new process.

These document-based Dementia Reviews will include an electronic notice from Maximus requiring Cook County Nursing Facilities to securely upload requested documentation and complete a brief questionnaire. Cook County Nursing Facilities must respond to notice requests within 14 calendar days according to the procedures outlined in the notice. Once Maximus has completed the document-based Dementia Review, an outcome letter will be sent to the Cook County Nursing Facility, the person who received the review, and their guardian (as applicable).

In the provider notice dated February 22, 2018, nursing facilities were notified that pursuant to Illinois Department of Public Health regulations, they are mandated to allow state-authorized personnel, including Maximus, access to documents pertaining to health care options, medical needs and placement decisions. Failure to allow such access to documents may result in penalties.

To prepare for compliance with this new requirement, review the on-demand training materials linked below for step-by-step guidance on new Dementia Review-related processes and take note of the Help Desk account at ILDementiaReview@maximus.com, created specifically to support this service. This notice should be shared with all relevant staff in Cook County Nursing Facilities, including anyone who may be involved in responding to the electronic notice from Maximus, to ensure your facility is fully prepared to comply with this new requirement. 

In the coming weeks, Maximus will provide additional communications with important tips, reminders, and resource guides to ensure your facility is fully prepared to comply with this new requirement. We appreciate your ongoing partnership in the upcoming launch of this new process designed to provide greater stability for the at-risk populations we serve together.

·VIEW: Dementia Review Training | Video – 2:57 mins (register to view)

·DOWNLOAD: Dementia Review Training | Presentation

Kelly Cunningham, Administrator
Division of Medical Programs