Re: Add Counties to Illinois License

Below is the message from the state so I don't believe they will approve
our application if the counties are not contiguous.

Please visit our website’s forms section for guidance in submitting a
removal or request additional geographical areas and the required form. *Please
note, if requesting additional counties, the requested counties must be
contiguous to the currently approved counties in order to consider the
request.*

https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/health-care-regulation/health-care-facilities/home-services.html



Please consider bookmarking the IDPH Website to your internet browser’s
favorites for quick access in the future.



Regards,

Rani Harms, MSN, RN

Home Services & Home Nursing Program Supervisor

IDPH, Division of Health Care Facilities & Programs

525 West Jefferson St., 4th Floor

Springfield, IL. 62761


On Wed, Nov 20, 2024 at 3:30 PM Timothy Thomas <tt@thekey.com> wrote:

> Can we still try? It doesn't make operational sense for an office in
> Chicago to service the whole state.
>
> On Wed, Nov 20, 2024 at 3:21 PM Emily Swackhamer <
> emily.swackhamer@thekey.com> wrote:
>
>> What a bummer. None are anywhere close. Thank you for all of the help.
>>
>> On Wed, Nov 20, 2024 at 2:03 PM Amanda Fults <amanda.fults@thekey.com>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Here are the current counties on our license:
>>> Cook
>>>
>>> DuPage
>>>
>>> Will
>>>
>>> Kendall
>>>
>>> Grundy
>>>
>>> Lake
>>>
>>> Kane
>>>
>>> McHenry
>>>
>>> DeKalb
>>>
>>>
>>> On Wed, Nov 20, 2024 at 2:02 PM Diane Mockenhaupt <
>>> dmockenhaupt@thekey.com> wrote:
>>>
>>>> There are probably 300 or more miles in between my southernmost county
>>>> and downstate counties.
>>>>
>>>> Diane
>>>>
>>>> On Wed, Nov 20, 2024 at 2:00 PM Emily Swackhamer <
>>>> emily.swackhamer@thekey.com> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> I’m not sure what the furthest county south is that is currently
>>>>> licensed for IL..but I highly doubt it. These are the southernmost counties
>>>>> right on the boarder or IL and MO
>>>>>
>>>>> On Wed, Nov 20, 2024 at 1:44 PM Amanda Fults <amanda.fults@thekey.com>
>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> Ugh, none of them are? Hmm then I don't believe the state will
>>>>>> approve the request. :(
>>>>>>
>>>>>> On Wed, Nov 20, 2024 at 1:42 PM Emily Swackhamer <
>>>>>> emily.swackhamer@thekey.com> wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> These counties are not contiguous unfortunately.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> On Wed, Nov 20, 2024 at 1:39 PM Amanda Fults <
>>>>>>> amanda.fults@thekey.com> wrote:
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Additionally, please confirm that the requested additional counties
>>>>>>>> are contiguous to our current approved counties, otherwise the state will
>>>>>>>> not approve.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> On Wed, Nov 20, 2024 at 1:30 PM Emily Swackhamer <
>>>>>>>> emily.swackhamer@thekey.com> wrote:
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> Thank you Amanda!
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> On Wed, Nov 20, 2024 at 1:29 PM Amanda Fults <
>>>>>>>>> amanda.fults@thekey.com> wrote:
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> Hi Team,
>>>>>>>>>> Here is what I put together for 3-5. Let me know if it makes
>>>>>>>>>> sense and aligns with our practices or if sections need to be revised.
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> 1. How administration will manage the added service area for
>>>>>>>>>> staff assignment and supervisionThe agency will implement a
>>>>>>>>>> structured management system to ensure the efficient assignment and
>>>>>>>>>> supervision of staff within the expanded service area:
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>    - Staffing Plan: The agency will assess the staff-to-client
>>>>>>>>>>    ratio in the added area and hire additional personnel if necessary to
>>>>>>>>>>    maintain quality service delivery.
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>    - Technology Integration: The agency will use its scheduling
>>>>>>>>>>    software to assign staff based on client needs, geographic proximity, and
>>>>>>>>>>    staff availability. This system ensures minimal travel time and optimal
>>>>>>>>>>    coverage.
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>    - Supervisory Framework: The agency will designate regional
>>>>>>>>>>    supervisors for the added service area, ensuring consistent oversight of
>>>>>>>>>>    caregivers and regular communication with the main office. These
>>>>>>>>>>    supervisors will monitor performance and adherence to policies.
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> 2. The process for client onsite home supervisory visits per
>>>>>>>>>> regulations going to be met
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> The agency will ensure compliance with regulatory requirements
>>>>>>>>>> for supervisory visits by:
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>    -
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>    Supervisor Assignments: Each client will be assigned a
>>>>>>>>>>    qualified supervisor responsible for conducting onsite home visits within
>>>>>>>>>>    the required timeframe as outlined by IDPH regulations.
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>    -
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>    Visit Scheduling: Supervisory visits will be scheduled in
>>>>>>>>>>    advance, documented, and tracked in the agency's case management system.
>>>>>>>>>>    Unscheduled spot-checks will also be conducted as needed to ensure service
>>>>>>>>>>    quality.
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>    -
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>    Documentation and Follow-Up: During each visit, the
>>>>>>>>>>    supervisor will assess caregiver performance, review the client's care
>>>>>>>>>>    plan, and address any issues. A standardized checklist will be used to
>>>>>>>>>>    document observations, which will then be reviewed and maintained at the
>>>>>>>>>>    agency office.
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> 3. How the client medical records will be sent to the agency
>>>>>>>>>> office from the staff in the proposed areaThe agency will
>>>>>>>>>> maintain secure and efficient processes for transferring client medical
>>>>>>>>>> records to the main office:
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>    - Electronic Records System: All client documentation will be
>>>>>>>>>>    maintained in the agency’s electronic records system WellSky which  allows
>>>>>>>>>>    caregivers and staff to upload documentation in real time.
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>    - Verification and Filing: Once received, the main office
>>>>>>>>>>    will verify the completeness of the records and integrate them into the
>>>>>>>>>>    client's primary file. The agency will establish a quality assurance
>>>>>>>>>>    process to verify that all client records from the expanded service area
>>>>>>>>>>    are received, reviewed, and filed appropriately in compliance with IDPH
>>>>>>>>>>    regulations.
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> On Wed, Nov 20, 2024 at 9:27 AM Timothy Thomas <tt@thekey.com>
>>>>>>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> Amanda, would you have answers to question 4 & 5 based on
>>>>>>>>>>> previous applications?
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> In the meantime, Emily, can you take a stab at the first three
>>>>>>>>>>> and let's come together for a quick meeting to review.
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> Thanks!
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> On Tue, Nov 19, 2024 at 2:04 PM Amanda Fults <
>>>>>>>>>>> amanda.fults@thekey.com> wrote:
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>> Hi Team,
>>>>>>>>>>>> We will need the following information in order to request new
>>>>>>>>>>>> counties in our letter to the state for approval. Please provide the
>>>>>>>>>>>> requested information as soon as possible.
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>    -
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>    All the staff you employ with an asterisk (*) to identify
>>>>>>>>>>>>    the staff you have allocated to
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>> service the requested area upon approval.
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>    -
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>    The reason for the expansion request (i.e. currently
>>>>>>>>>>>>    receiving requests for service in
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>> that county).
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>    -
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>    How administration will manage the added service area for
>>>>>>>>>>>>    staff assignment and
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>> supervision.
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>    -
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>    The process for client onsite home supervisory visits per
>>>>>>>>>>>>    regulations going to be met.
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>    -
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>    How the client medical records will be sent to the agency
>>>>>>>>>>>>    office from the staff in the
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>> proposed area.
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>> On Tue, Nov 19, 2024 at 10:38 AM Sean Cygan <scygan@thekey.com>
>>>>>>>>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>> I will start working on this.  Sean
>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>> On Tue, Nov 19, 2024 at 8:28 AM Amanda Fults <
>>>>>>>>>>>>> amanda.fults@thekey.com> wrote:
>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Thanks Audra. @Sean Cygan <scygan@thekey.com> please
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> complete the process for adding counties to our Illinois license and submit
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> to the state for approval.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> On Mon, Nov 18, 2024 at 6:03 PM Audra Williams <
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> audraw@thekey.com> wrote:
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Hi Amanda!
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> We would like to be able to service clients in the below
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Illinois counties.  Would you be able to add these counties and submit to
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> the state for approval?  Also, do you know how long the approval process
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> will take?  We have 2 clients now that need service.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>    - Madison
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>    - St. Claire
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>    - Monroe
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>    - Clinton
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>    - Washington
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>    - Bond
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>    - Jersey
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Thank you so much!  Let us know if you need anything else.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Best,
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> --
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Audra Williams
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Director, Divisional Operations
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> (425) 757-7027
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> TheKey.com <https://www.thekey.com/>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> [image: TheKey] <https://homecareassistance.com/>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> --
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Amanda Fults
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Senior Regulatory, Compliance Manager
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 714-623-6918
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> amanda.fults@thekey.com
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> TheKey.com <https://www.thekey.com/>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> [image: TheKey] <https://homecareassistance.com/>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: The information in the Email is
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> confidential and may be privileged. This Email is intended solely for the
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> named recipient or
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> recipients. If you are not the intended recipient, any use,
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> disclosure,
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> copying or distribution of this Email is prohibited. If you
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> are not the
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> intended recipient, please inform us by replying with the
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> subject line
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> marked "Wrong Address" and then deleting this Email and any
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> attachments.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>> --
>>>>>>>>>>>> Amanda Fults
>>>>>>>>>>>> Senior Regulatory, Compliance Manager
>>>>>>>>>>>> 714-623-6918
>>>>>>>>>>>> amanda.fults@thekey.com
>>>>>>>>>>>> TheKey.com <https://www.thekey.com/>
>>>>>>>>>>>> [image: TheKey] <https://homecareassistance.com/>
>>>>>>>>>>>> CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: The information in the Email is
>>>>>>>>>>>> confidential and may be privileged. This Email is intended solely for the
>>>>>>>>>>>> named recipient or
>>>>>>>>>>>> recipients. If you are not the intended recipient, any use,
>>>>>>>>>>>> disclosure,
>>>>>>>>>>>> copying or distribution of this Email is prohibited. If you are
>>>>>>>>>>>> not the
>>>>>>>>>>>> intended recipient, please inform us by replying with the
>>>>>>>>>>>> subject line
>>>>>>>>>>>> marked "Wrong Address" and then deleting this Email and any
>>>>>>>>>>>> attachments.
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> --
>>>>>>>>>> Amanda Fults
>>>>>>>>>> Senior Regulatory, Compliance Manager
>>>>>>>>>> 714-623-6918
>>>>>>>>>> amanda.fults@thekey.com
>>>>>>>>>> TheKey.com <https://www.thekey.com/>
>>>>>>>>>> [image: TheKey] <https://homecareassistance.com/>
>>>>>>>>>> CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: The information in the Email is
>>>>>>>>>> confidential and may be privileged. This Email is intended solely for the
>>>>>>>>>> named recipient or
>>>>>>>>>> recipients. If you are not the intended recipient, any use,
>>>>>>>>>> disclosure,
>>>>>>>>>> copying or distribution of this Email is prohibited. If you are
>>>>>>>>>> not the
>>>>>>>>>> intended recipient, please inform us by replying with the subject
>>>>>>>>>> line
>>>>>>>>>> marked "Wrong Address" and then deleting this Email and any
>>>>>>>>>> attachments.
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> --
>>>>>>>> Amanda Fults
>>>>>>>> Senior Regulatory, Compliance Manager
>>>>>>>> 714-623-6918
>>>>>>>> amanda.fults@thekey.com
>>>>>>>> TheKey.com <https://www.thekey.com/>
>>>>>>>> [image: TheKey] <https://homecareassistance.com/>
>>>>>>>> CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: The information in the Email is
>>>>>>>> confidential and may be privileged. This Email is intended solely for the
>>>>>>>> named recipient or
>>>>>>>> recipients. If you are not the intended recipient, any use,
>>>>>>>> disclosure,
>>>>>>>> copying or distribution of this Email is prohibited. If you are not
>>>>>>>> the
>>>>>>>> intended recipient, please inform us by replying with the subject
>>>>>>>> line
>>>>>>>> marked "Wrong Address" and then deleting this Email and any
>>>>>>>> attachments.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> --
>>>>>> Amanda Fults
>>>>>> Senior Regulatory, Compliance Manager
>>>>>> 714-623-6918
>>>>>> amanda.fults@thekey.com
>>>>>> TheKey.com <https://www.thekey.com/>
>>>>>> [image: TheKey] <https://homecareassistance.com/>
>>>>>> CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: The information in the Email is confidential
>>>>>> and may be privileged. This Email is intended solely for the named
>>>>>> recipient or
>>>>>> recipients. If you are not the intended recipient, any use,
>>>>>> disclosure,
>>>>>> copying or distribution of this Email is prohibited. If you are not
>>>>>> the
>>>>>> intended recipient, please inform us by replying with the subject
>>>>>> line
>>>>>> marked "Wrong Address" and then deleting this Email and any
>>>>>> attachments.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> Amanda Fults
>>> Senior Regulatory, Compliance Manager
>>> 714-623-6918
>>> amanda.fults@thekey.com
>>> TheKey.com <https://www.thekey.com/>
>>> [image: TheKey] <https://homecareassistance.com/>
>>> CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: The information in the Email is confidential and
>>> may be privileged. This Email is intended solely for the named recipient or
>>> recipients. If you are not the intended recipient, any use, disclosure,
>>> copying or distribution of this Email is prohibited. If you are not the
>>> intended recipient, please inform us by replying with the subject line
>>> marked "Wrong Address" and then deleting this Email and any attachments.
>>>
>>>

-- 
Amanda Fults
Senior Regulatory, Compliance Manager
714-623-6918
amanda.fults@thekey.com
TheKey.com <https://www.thekey.com/>
[image: TheKey] <https://homecareassistance.com/>
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: The information in the Email is confidential and
may be privileged. This Email is intended solely for the named recipient or
recipients. If you are not the intended recipient, any use, disclosure,
copying or distribution of this Email is prohibited. If you are not the
intended recipient, please inform us by replying with the subject line
marked "Wrong Address" and then deleting this Email and any attachments.