Telehealth services for paid supports are not in the best individual of the recipient of services.  While it can be an inconvenience for agencies to visit in person, it allows for the service recipient to have clear and closely monitored supports that DO what they say they will do. 

The modification is not for Service Facilitation/CD services but I am disappointed to see agencies and parents requesting a limiting of monitoring for their loved ones. CD services have an appropriate place in service choice but they lack monitoring and accountability and are very fraudulent- both in the CCC+ and DD Waivers.   I hope the role of the SF is looked at, as well as the monthly billing some CD agencies still do without accountability.  A 5 minute visit with no support is not helpful and often why families prefer Telehealth in the first place.  No participation in annual meetings, quarterly reports that do not make sense or summarize anything about a person - all of this needs a revamping but I digress.....

Telehealth services do not adequately provide supports for the individual receiving supports.  They do not monitor health and safety.  They cannot monitor safety of an environment.  They cannot provide in-home instruction, community integration or offer skill building in a viable way.  There is the Electronic Home Based Supports option already in the Waiver which can provide some of those Telehealth-like supports.  It is a disservice to individuals to allow providers to do LESS and call it a great idea.  It is a disservice to the individuals who need supports to allow them to be made into a profitable industry without ensuring their health and safety supports are met.  I am very against Telehealth and disappointed in some of the comments I see here that do not put the well being of the service recipients at the forefront of DD Waiver services.