Real Choice Systems Change
Posted by: CQL on 12/15/2006
Filed under: Florida
Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities
The Situation
Florida’s Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) was awarded a Real Choice Systems Change Grant in 2004 by the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The focus of the three-year grant initiative was to enhance the use of data from quality assurance activities and to improve abilities at all levels of the system – including local providers and stakeholders, district operational management, and state level policy and funding partners. A primary focus of the project was Quality Improvement and ongoing Quality Management for organizational change, consistent with principles of self-determination.
APD’s grant was based on a partnership with CQL for state-wide training, consultation and technical assistance.
What CQL Did
CQL’s role in this grant was to support APD to develop a cadre of leadership for capacity building based on the use of the Personal Outcome MeasuresSM and review methodology. CQL provided training, oversight and consultation to stakeholders and staff in each district across the state, and to all district steering committees.
We certified 26 Area Quality Leaders (AQLs) for APD. CQL customized this certification program in Florida to meet APD’s needs as they developed their quality management system. Personal Outcome MeasuresSM were used as the state-wide quality indicator, as well as the planning methodology incorporated into training events around the state. The final year of the grant focused on AQL sustainability and continued system development with the certified AQLs.
CQL supported APD to create and sustain a state-wide education and technical assistance capacity that is outcome-driven and person-centered.
“The most recent endeavor between [CQL] and the agency is a partnership in the development and successful acquisition of a Real Choice Systems Grant for QA and QI. The grant focuses [CQL] resources on training and consultation to assist us in achieving a more comprehensive statewide quality improvement system … [CQL] has proven to be a valuable and effective partner.”
Shelly Brantley, Director, Agency for Persons with Disabilities