People choosing to self-direct their care make important decisions when choosing the people who will support them. Once they select a caregiver, they will partner with a Fiscal Intermediary for the payroll and billing for their employees. And, in 2020 they will be required to comply with the 20th century CURES Act and use an EVV solution in order to maintain compliance with government regulations. Then, once they do find help, they have to partner with a Fiscal Intermediary for the billing and payroll of their employees. And, in 2020, they will also be responsible to use an EVV solution in order to protect their right to government aid. If you’re a Fiscal Intermediary (also referred to as a Fiscal Agent), you’re likely vetting possible solutions or working to implement or adopt one you’ve already selected. In this process, it’s important to remember the unique challenges participants and employers face.
Why are Fiscal Intermediaries struggling to find EVV solutions?
People who choose self-directed care place a higher value on choice and independence. They don’t want to be told what technology they will use to manage their care; however, requirements for EVV may do just that. Many EVV solutions restrict how and where a person receives services. Some continuously track a person’s location, even when it’s not necessary for EVV, which can feel like an invasion of privacy for the person receiving services.
What to Look for when Selecting an EVV Solution:
Here is what Fiscal Intermediaries should be looking for in an EVV solution:Participant Friendly – Participants should be able to control, monitor, edit, and approve their workers’ hours. This should include automated notifications to participants, employers, and workers. Flexible – Participants should avoid EVV systems that restrict time entry. What if you had planned to visit the zoo but it starts raining? Does that mean you can’t log time? If your EVV only lets employees work times or locations that were already outlined in an approved schedule, it’s time for an upgrade. Portable – Employees should be able to log in from locations throughout the community without predefined limits. Smart – Does your EVV solution allow you to log time if you are employed by two different people who use the same FI? For example, the system needs to be smart enough to know that an employee can work 30 hours with John and 30 hours with Sally and not go into overtime because those are two separate employers.Accommodating – A time and attendance solution should allow for multiple pay rates for one service or for different services. It should also know to pay employees differently based on their relationship to the participant.Intuitive – The system should be intuitive and user-friendly. This means minimal clicks to accomplish a task, minimal free text entry, and visual cues that prompt users through a workflow.
Are you a Fiscal Intermediary looking for an EVV solution?
The relationship between workers, employers, and a Fiscal Intermediary is unique and not accommodated by most time and attendance systems. This is especially true when EVV is a required component. FI’s should be looking for a solution that is designed to meet the unique needs of this dynamic. DCI understands and we want to help. Visit dcisoftware.com or call (480) 295-3307 to set up a demo.
