News | PICS

September 2021 News

Tuesday

Sep 28

Community First Services and Supports Implementation Delay

Earlier this week, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) announced that the new self-directed services program, Community First Services and Supports (CFSS), will not go into effect in 2021 as previously planned.

Tuesday

Sep 21

Recognizing Workers’ Remarkable Support During the Coronavirus Pandemic

At PICS, we are honoring the remarkable effort of our Workers in providing personal care during COVID-19 through a one-time Recognition Reward. Workers employed between April to December 2020 recently received a one-time payout to show our gratitude.

Masked woman holding child - Thank you PICS workers!

July 2021 News

Friday

Jul 16

Coming Soon: Electronic Visit Verification for Home-Based Services

PICS will be incorporating electronic visit verification (EVV), an online timekeeping feature for Workers, before the end of 2021. The new EVV system is a way to virtually record the date, time and place for services provided at home and in the community.

Person typing at a laptop with a notebook and pencil

June 2021 News

Monday

Jun 21

New Self-Directed Service Model: Community First Services and Supports

You might have heard about changes the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is making to self-directed services and supports. At PICS, we’re here to help you understand what this means for your family and navigate your choices.

Two people touching heads and smiling at one another

March 2021 News

Tuesday

Mar 16

Daily Living Radio Show: Self-Directed Care

Tory Merhar with PICS was featured on KBEM to talk about Consumer Directed Community Supports, a support model in which people with disabilities choose and design the services they receive based off their assessed needs.

Listen to Tory's interview on KBEM

January 2021 News

Tuesday

Jan 5

PICS - Worker Timecard Approval Process

PICS is excited to roll out a new portal timecard approval process 2/1/2021. This past summer PICS informed you of some Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) requirement changes coming your way on how to submit timecards. PICS must make these changes to be in compliance with DHS. After receiving your feedback and testing this new process with a successful pilot group, we’re ready to provide a simple process to you with easy as possible instructions. PICS will now capture a shared process between both Representative and Worker showing approval of hours worked.

Completing Timecards is Just 5 Easy Steps

Monday

Jan 4

CDCS/CSG Temporary Rate Increase Due to COVID-19

Recent legislation allows for a temporary rate increase for direct support professionals to respond to COVID-19. The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has temporarily increased budgets for CDCS and CSG participants by 8.4% for services provided between Dec. 1, 2020 and Feb. 7, 2021.

October 2020 News

Tuesday

Oct 13

PICS COVID-19 Resources

While the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact our everyday lives, often in ways we couldn’t have imagined last year at this time, it has only strengthened PICS’ commitment to the highest level of customer service for our Representatives, Participants and Workers. We are here for you!

September 2020 News

Wednesday

Sep 16

Joe has been a Participant with PICS for 8 years. When asked to share about their PICS journey, Joe’s mom, Anne, submitted the following...

Joe has been an amazing teacher and mentor for me and all of us in his extended family - in his acceptance of what he must do, his adaptation to change, his unabashed joy of life and appreciation for little things, and his ability to live each day in the moment. At this time in particular, while we are all dealing with the pandemic, Joe helps me stay focused on what's truly important.

July 2020 News

Friday

Jul 24

PICS Celebrates 20 Years of Supporting YOU!

Because of you, PICS has accomplished some big numbers in 20 years. Thank you for the trust you place in us to provide services in support of the individual(s) with disabilities in your life! To celebrate our anniversary, we’re excited to announce some fun offers and a story featuring one of our PICS families.