Subject: CLS’ MCPN contract extended once again
Good Afternoon:
The Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority has just passed a resolution to extend our MCPN contract with them until May 31, 2019. This is the second extension as our original contract was to expire on May 31, 2018 and was extended until December 31, 2018. CLS is the only MCPN continuing to operate as the original DWMHA Transition Plan approved in June of 2018 called for the discontinuance of the MCPN system as part of the plan by March 31, 2019. In August, two MCPNs, CareLink and ConsumerLink declined to extend their contracts past September 30th into the spring of 2019.
This means that CLS will continue to operate as BOTH an MCPN and as a PROVIDER as has been the case since 2001 when the MCPNs were developed. CLS already a provider at that time, had been contracting for 10 years with the former Detroit-Wayne County Community Mental Health Agency for the management of provider network supports coordination, development of housing, vocational and clinical services and other responsibilities. That management of a network of providers became the responsibility of at first six MCPNs with three for developmental disabilities and three for the mental illness side of the Agency. Eventually, two of the three MCPNs on the mental illness side were dropped leaving only one and still three MCPNs for people with developmental disabilities. This imbalance was part of the reason for discontinuing the role of the MCPN system.
Prior to the decision to extend our MCPN status in August until December 31, 2018, we had been having meetings with the Authority to discuss the continuance of the role of CLS as a PROVIDER past the period of the MCPN era. In public announcements and written statements, DWMHA indicated that CLS would remain a PROVIDER under the new Transformation Plan. During these discussions and in public meetings, it was indicated that CLS was a significant and major provider that would continue to contract with DWMHA after our MCPN contract expired.
When ConsumerLink and CareLink declined to extend their MCPN contracts, the DWMHA had to immediately and unexpectedly proceed with assuming management of the provider networks of these two MCPNs. That is still in process and is a major undertaking as it involves services to about 65,000 people. CLS’ conversations with DWMHA regarding future PROVIDER responsibilities were temporarily put on hold as our MCPN contract extension covered all of the same MCPN and PROVIDER responsibilities we have had since 2001. This NEW contract extension for another 6 months is due primarily to DWMHA’s need for us to continue all of our responsibilities as they value our work and they need to continue to assume the former MCPNs responsibilities. Beyond whatever date our MCPN status ends, we will still contract with DWMHA as a PROVIDER.
It is significant as many of you know that CLS was assigned an additional 360 people on October 1, 2018 who were receiving Self-determination arrangements through the former MCPN, ICA/Synergy. This assignment was due to DWMHA’s recognition of CLS’ experience and excellence with Self-determination. It would appear that Self-determination will continue as part of our future PROVIDER responsibilities beyond our eventual MCPN transformation role.
I want to make it clear once again the distinction between CLS’ role as an MCPN and as a continued PROVIDER past our MCPN status. That provider role will once again resume in discussions. However, as an MCPN (the last remaining one), there is no change to our responsibilities as we have carried out since the MCPN system creation in 2001, 10 years prior to that as a provider with network management responsibilities for the Detroit-Wayne County Mental Health Agency and approximately 10 years prior to that as a State of Michigan Mental Health Agency.
This action taken by the DWMHA Board of Directors as recommended by staff is due to the recognition of CLS as a contractor which has provided excellent service. It is a testament to the values, direction, contract compliance and partnership that DWMHA bestows upon CLS as a partner. They have continued to recite this compliment to us and recognize that it takes a team, a great team. I am proud of our work together and truly believe DWMHA’s commitment to continue our partnership with them.
We all must recognize the value of our providers as a most critical part of the CLS team. Without our providers and the critical roles they and their direct care staff, our foster care and family support system, we would not have this recognition. People we support would not have the lives they enjoy.
Again I want to thank you for all of your hard work, commitment and loyalty first to the people we support as well as to our agency’s mission and vision. It has truly been recognized as a valued asset by DWMHA and a reason for a very promising future relationship.
This announcement is in perfect harmony with the Thanksgiving Season. Our staff, our leadership team, our provider network and our truly supportive Board of Directors all are part of my list of what I am most thankful for. I wish you and the people you love, a wonderful 2018 Thanksgiving tomorrow and a continued joyous holiday season.
Warm Regards,
Jim Dehem, President/CEO
Billie Nagi
Executive Assistant to Jim Dehem
Community Living Services
35425 Michigan Ave W.
Wayne, MI 48184
734-722-7092
