01 December 2012

Important Info. re: SIS


Forwarded to me by a provider / mother...
*Note attachments below.

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The Supports Intensity Scale—SIS—is the new tool used to determine the level of services and supports needed for people on the Innovations Waiver. I have attached a copy of the child version and the adult form (age 16 and up).  Currently, DDTI is scheduling these interviews for about 5,000 people.  If you have not been selected yet, the SIS will be completed before the 2014 plan of care is developed.  

I have participated in one child and one adult interview. It is very different from the NC-SNAP in that the person and his/her family and staff are asked to identify what types of supports are needed in order to accomplish a variety of activities. Specifically, you will be asked to rate the frequency, time and type of support needed for your family member. A same aged, non-disabled person is the point of reference. There are 57 questions in the adult version with more than that for children. Remember that each question has the three component parts.   The first question is presented below as  a sample.

Please pay attention to this interview tool. It  is critical because the budget for your family member’s services will eventually be tied to the SIS outcomes. While you can appeal the results of the interview, it is important that you be prepared for the two to three hour session.  Print the form down and review it. The child form is longer and the document has more description of the instrument, but review it.  Make certain that you take with you the staff person (or two!) who know your child’s needs best. I completed the form in anticipation of my adult son’s interview. He was unhappy with having to talk about himself and he did not make it through even half of the interview before he left. That didn’t bother the interviewer. I also took a list of his diagnoses and medications with me as well and had examples and illustrations.

EXAMPLE:  Using the toilet. 

Compared to a same aged, non-disabled person, what is the frequency of support needed?
O = none or less than monthly
1 = at least one a month, but not once a week
2 = at least one a week, but not once a day
3 = at least once a day, but not once an hour
4 = hourly or more frequently

Compared to a same aged, non-disabled person, what is the daily support time needed?
0 = none
1 = less than 30 minutes
2 = 30 minutes to less than 2 hours
3 = 2 hours to less than 4 hours
4 = 4 hours or more

Compared to a same aged, non-disabled person, what is the type of support needed?
0 = none
1 = monitoring
2 = verbal/gestural prompting
3 = partial physical assistance
4 = full physical assistance