Narrative: b. 2.

The CSNA has indicated a high need for DVR to focus on further development of community rehabilitation programs within Colorado. Consistently, DVR has heard that the process for becoming a provider is a challenge and that local differences in the process and expectations make it particularly challenging for new vendors to work effectively with multiple offices. Further, as described in other areas of the State Plan, there is a direct service provider labor crisis in Colorado, with community rehabilitation programs currently having an exceedingly difficult time recruiting and retaining qualified staff. Payment structures and reimbursements likely contribute to this difficulty for providers. Counselors also report inconsistency with the quality of services and reports received from providers. DVR has implemented changes to address a number of these areas of concern, and is continuing to explore strategies to address the areas that still need attention. Efforts are already completed or underway to streamline the DVR vendor setup process, seek feedback from current and former providers about their experiences delivering services the individuals DVR serves, developing task/topic specific trainings for current and potential vendors, updating service rates in the DVR Fee Schedule, developing a platform for tracking vendor quality that is available in real time to DVR staff and stakeholders, and actively recruiting vendors to deliver high need services across the state.