The Adult Foster Home Bargaining Team is excited to announce that in early August we were able to reach a tentative agreement!
We worked very hard to win on key issues that matter to members ranging from increased protections in the informal resolution process to getting meaningful rate increases. Here are a few more highlights of what we accomplished:
- APD—10% COLA effective January 1st, 2020. Additional 5% COLA on July 1st, 2020.
- DD/Health Services Division (Previously known as Addictions and Mental Health)—7.15% COLA effective July 1st, 2020. Before we moved the state to 7.15%, they had offered a 2.5% & 2.4% COLA. We pushed back and won thousands more for providers
- Providers can now review their files held by the county/state or any contractor designated by the state/county that involves their AFH. Additionally, members were concerned about the punitive nature of investigations when they cooperate with the State. Often if Providers found out about wrongdoing by people working in their homes and self-reported they would still be penalized. The new language addresses this issue: Investigations of protective services will investigate allegations of abuse and will be apportioned to the individual(s) who committed the abuse. This language does not pertain to civil penalties.
- Lastly, the state agreed to discuss with SEIU the feasibility of healthcare for AFH providers. Outside parties/experts can be used for additional information. This will culminate in a report that will be issued no later than March 1st, 2021.
A detailed summary of our Tentative Agreement can be located here, along with information on how to cast your vote to ratify our new contract.