HJAR Jul/Aug 2024

40 JUL / AUG 2024 I  HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF ARKANSAS MEDICAID COLUMN MEDICAID ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY (A-State) is receiving funding from theArkansas Depart- ment of Human Services (DHS) to partner on several key initiatives aimed at strengthen- ing Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) for Medicaid beneficiaries. These new initiatives at A-State will be administered through The HOWL RESTORE Hub, which is led by executive director Kristin Johnson, PhD. (Note: HOWL stands for Helping Our Wolves Learn, and RESTORE stands for Re- search, Education, Service, Transition and Outreach through Reflective Engagement.) A-State will direct several initiatives that contribute to building out the care continuum in Medicaid. From future workforce devel- opment to researching and implementing initiatives that contribute to a wider array of programs that stabilize people in the commu- nity, this collaborative partnership between DHS and A-State will allow researchers to take a deeper dive into improving Medicaid HCBS programming. “Dr. Johnson is assembling a comprehen- sive and collaborative team that will have real and meaningful social impact onArkan- sans,”CalvinWhite, Jr., PhD, A-State provost and executive vice chancellor, said. “Their combined knowledge and expertise will shed light on areas that are deeply complex and expansive and represent everythingA-State is working to accomplish by expanding our research enterprise in service to the state.” “These initiatives are crucial for expand- ing the capacity of providers, addressing the burgeoning demand for HCBS, and bolstering access to these essential services for Med- icaid recipients,” said DHS Secretary Kristi Putnam. The initiatives align with Gov. Sarah Huck- abee Sanders’workforce cabinet, comprised of six state agencies including DHS and the Department of Commerce, which is focused on optimizing workforce development and career education. “While our unemployment rate remains at low levels, we know there are still some Ar- kansans who are able to work but who have not yet opted to seek new opportunities such as this in the job market,” said Commerce Secretary Hugh McDonald. “These initia- tives offer a path for these Arkansans to de- velop skills that will help them return to the workforce in the growing sector of Home and Community Based Services. As part of the Governor’s Workforce Cabinet, the De- partment of Commerce is proud to support this effort and others like it as we continue to focus on strengtheningArkansas’ economy.” Johnson called the initiatives “deeply personal.” “I have spent my career, like so many of my teammembers, advocating for others, re- searching best practices, providing services, and serving on boards,” she said. “It is also personal because this is for all the children, families, and clients I have served and for all future children, families, clients, and fel- low practitioners. We strive for a brighter, healthier Arkansas.” Two of A-State’s four initiatives are part of promoting future workforce development and focus on delivering HCBS provider train- ing in order to enhance the capability and sustainability of the provider network. These initiatives represent DHS’ second infusion into the HCBS workforce — more than $115 million in American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act funds were previously distributed in 2023 to HCBS providers for workforce stabiliza- tion efforts and direct service professional incentives. A-State’s work ahead will build on those efforts, understanding the essential role that education plays in strengthening and ensuring a sustainable Medicaid system. A-State will be responsible for developing and delivering on-demand, high-impact, and high-value training related to service delivery and business and financial acumen that will lay a foundation for a stronger system. This dedicated education will increase provider capacity by offering targeted tools and ways to address the challenges and gaps facing community-based providers and organiza- tions dedicated to working with and on behalf of specialty Medicaid populations. A third A-State initiative centers on pro- viding assessment and recommendations for Community Reintegration & Qualified Residential Treatment Programs (QRTPs). This work aims at resolving current barriers to the expansion of HCBS community rein- tegration (CR) and determining how it can fit with the current QRTPmodel for children in foster care. Currently, there is only one CR program for youth in Arkansas. “These young Arkansans represent an important constituency that deserves the Arkansas State University & DHS Partner on Medicaid Initiatives