North Dakota FFPSA - QRTP

Tools and Resources

Maximus has been contracted by the state of North Dakota’s Health and Human Services (HHS)  to implement and manage its Qualified Individual assessment process for Qualified Residential Treatment Programs (QRTPs) as part of the Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA).The role of Maximus in this partnership is to determine the use of residential services for eligible children and youth.

Federal initiatives including FFPSA require third party assessments to ensure children are placed in the least restrictive, most appropriate level of care. As the third-party vendor for North Dakota, when making determinations for residential settings, there is a minimum set of criteria for admission or continued stay  decisions. This ensures that QRTP’s are reserved for those who are identified to have a clinical need, which may warrant treatment in a QRTP.  It’s vital to establish reliable and consistent decisions across a variety of factors. 

As the identified third-party vendor, Maximus provides a conflict-free assessment using the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS), a functional, validated, multi-purpose tool. The CANS gathers information pertaining to the child and caregivers’ strengths and needs. 

Making a placement decision for residential treatment solely based on a systemic calculation of scores has been historically referred to as algorithm, which is not an accurate representation of the detailed decision-making process required to make a determination. Instead, the CANS assessment allows for tying together logical and functional pathways by using combinations of actionable needs and levels of intensity present, to allow for increasing levels of acuity, known as a Clinical Decision Support Model (CDSM). 

The CDSM is not a calculation defined by an established set of numbers or a computer-generated decision, but rather a determination based on identified strengths and needs established by the CANS and then reviewed for application of clinical judgment by an experienced, licensed clinician with at least 4 years of child welfare and/or children behavioral health experience. 

Are you a Bachelor's level professional with adolescent behavioral health experience interested in becoming an Independent Contractor with the ND QRTP program? Contact our recruiting team to learn more: recruiting@maximus.com 

If you are interested in direct hire employment opportunities within the ND QRTP program or other Maximus clinical programs, please visit https://maximus.com/clinical

System Log In

 

Contact the help desk
Phone, Fax & Email

844.933.3772

877.431.9568

ND_FFPSA@maximus.com

Business Hours

8:00 am - 5:00 pm CST, M-F

Announcements

  • ND FFPSA - QRTP Program - Quarterly Newsletter: Assessment Best Practice Tips & Reminders

    1. AssessmentPro Account Guidance

    Keep in mind that your AssessmentPro account log-in access expires after 90 days of inactivity. In order to reactivate, please contact the ND QRTP Help Desk either via email or phone anytime reactivation is required. 

    2. Court Case Numbers

    In order for Maximus to upload final determination reports to the North Dakota e-file court website, a valid and updated court case number is required. If a child has more than one court case number, be sure to include that, as Maximus is required to upload the determination report in all relevant files

    3. Continued Stay Reviews

    When completing a Continued Stay Review, only include the Continued Stay Review form with your referral (Maximus does not need the original Universal Application 824 form) and new assessments or records last the last review. Maximus has access to all prior documentation submitted when the referring child entered the QRTP. If submitting a referral for a Continued Stay Review, it’s also important to note behavioral and emotional needs since the last review period

    4. "Type of Identification" Reminder

    When submitting a referral in AssessmentPro, use the child’s Medicaid ID number as the “Type of Identification." This allows Maximus to combine records for any previous assessment, as well as any CON determinations for PRTF or Acute Stays. 
     

     


     

     

     

    5. AssessmentPro Mailing Address—Child’s Current Location

    When prompted to enter the child’s address in AssessmentPro under the “Demographics” section, please enter the address where the child is currently located. This should match the child’s current location address on the Universal Application. Also, if the child is located at Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch (DBGR), be sure to specify the location (e.g., Minot or Fargo). 
     

     

    6. Clinical Documentation

    If clinical documentation is not available at the time of referral, as requested on the Universal Application, please attach a narrative with any pertinent information, and detail why treatment is being requested. To avoid a referral being placed on hold due to missing information, it's vital that we receive this information at the time of referral.    
     

     

    7. Note a Change in Location

    If the child has moved or changed locations after the referral has been submitted, or any time during the assessment process, always provide Maximus with the new location’s information, either via phone or email


    CONTACT: North Dakota FFPSA - QRTP Services Help Desk:

    Do you need clarification on any processes or questions regarding a current referral? Contact your North Dakota FFPSA - QRTP Help Desk for more information:

  • ND FFPSA - QRTP Program - Quarterly Newsletter: Register for Upcoming Human Service Zones, Division of Juvenile Services, and Tribal Nations Webinar | 10 a.m. on Wed, 9/27 | Assessment Best Practices

    REGISTER: Human Service Zones, Division of Juvenile Services, and Tribal Nations Webinar | 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 27

    Be sure to join Maximus for the next Human Service Zones, Division of Juvenile Services, and Tribal Nations Training, taking place on Wednesday, September 27 rom 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. CT.

    Use the link below to register for this informative session. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing details on how to join the meeting. 

    BEST PRACTICES: Important Assessment Tips and Reminders

    1. Medicaid ID Number Guidance

    Effective immediately, when entering referrals into AssessmentPro, select "Other" for "Type of Identification", then select "Medicaid ID Number", and enter the child's Medicaid ID Number (example: NDXXXXXXX).

     


    2. AssessmentPro Mailing Address—Child’s Current Location

     

    When entering a QRTP referral in AssessmentPro, please enter the child’s location (e.g., the location for the referring child’s interview) into the Permanent Mailing Address section (screenshot below).


    3. Changed Location Protocol

     

    If you find a child has moved locations after a QRTP referral has been submitted, be sure to notify the ND QRTP Help Desk as soon as possible. This is vital in ensuring the assessment is completed in a timely manor, and to schedule the child’s interview face to face. 

     

    4. Regarding the Universal Application (824) page 3 of 4

    If the child is placed in a treatment setting, always explain the child's discharge plan in detail. This question is pertaining to what the discharge plan will be once the child is ready for discharge from the QRTP (if approved for QRTP placement). This item aligns with FFPSA regulations, to ensure discharge planning occurs on the day of QRTP admission. 

    5. Regarding the Universal Application (824) page 2 of 4: Informational Sources

    This section is used to identify those involved with the child (e.g., treatment team members), and is a source of information in a collateral interview. This section should provide contact information for each individual listed, to ensure an Assessor can contact for interview. If it would be inappropriate to contact for interview, please indicate. 


    6. Note: Final Determination Reports

     

    Final determination reports will be provided within 10 business days from the time in which Maximus is provided a complete referral. Effective immediately, Maximus is unable to rush a determination per HHS policy, as a result of delayed referral submission. 

     

    RESOURCES: Explore Helpful Documents and Training Materials on the ND QRTP Site

    Don't forget about the multitude of reference documents, training recordings, and user guides available to you 24/7 on the ND QRTP Tools & Resources site: Some highlights include: 

    Extension Request Form

    Reconsideration Request Form

    Continued Stay Sample Form

    Program Tips & Reminders

    The site is updated regularly, so be sure to bookmark the page for future reference. 
     

    CONTACT: North Dakota FFPSA - QRTP Services Help Desk

    Do you need clarification on any processes or questions regarding a current referral? Contact your North Dakota FFPSA - QRTP Help Desk for more information:

  • ND FFPSA - QRTP Program - Quarterly Newsletter: Register for Upcoming Human Service Zones, Division of Juvenile Services, and Tribal Nations Webinar | 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 29 | Assessment Best Practice Reminders

    REGISTER: Human Service Zones, Division of Juvenile Services, and Tribal Nations Webinar | 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 29

    Be sure to Join Maximus for the next Human Service Zones, Division of Juvenile Services, and Tribal Nations Training, taking place on Thursday June 29 at 10:00 a.m. CT.

    Use the link below to register for this informative session. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing details on how to join the meeting. 


    BEST PRACTICES: Important Assessment Tips and Reminders

    1. AssessmentPro Mailing Address—Child’s Current Location

    When entering a QRTP referral in AssessmentPro, please enter the child’s location (e.g., the location for the referring child’s interview) into the Permanent Mailing Address section (screenshot below). 



    2. Changed Location Protocol

    If you find a child has moved locations after a QRTP referral has been submitted, be sure to notify the ND QRTP Help Desk as soon as possible. This is vital in ensuring the assessment is completed in a timely manor, and to schedule the child’s interview face to face. 

    3. Regarding the Universal Application (824) page 3 of 4

    If the child is placed in a treatment setting, always explain the child's discharge plan in detail. This question is pertaining to what the discharge plan will be once the child is ready for discharge from the QRTP (if approved for QRTP placement). This item aligns with FFPSA regulations, to ensure discharge planning occurs on the day of QRTP admission. 


    4. Regarding the Universal Application (824) page 2 of 4: Informational Sources

    This section is used to identify those involved with the child (e.g., treatment team members), and is a source of information in a collateral interview. This section should provide contact information for each individual listed, to ensure an Assessor can contact for interview. If it would be inappropriate to contact for interview, please indicate. 


    5. Note: Final Determination Reports

    Final determination reports will be provided within 10 business days from the time in which Maximus is provided a complete referral. Effective immediately, Maximus is unable to rush a determination per HHS policy, as a result of delayed referral submission. 
     

    CONTACT: North Dakota FFPSA - QRTP Services Help Desk

    Do you need clarification on any processes or questions regarding a current referral? Contact your North Dakota FFPSA - QRTP Help Desk for more information:

  • ND FFPSA - QRTP Program - Register for Upcoming Case Worker Webinar - Thursday, March 23 at 10 a.m. CT | Process Reminder: Difference Between Continued Stay Reviews and Extension Requests

    EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT: Human Service Zones, Division of Juvenile Services, and Tribal Nations Webinar: How to Submit a Referral, Continued Stay Reviews, Extension Requests, Reconsiderations, and More | Thursday, March 23 at 10:00 a.m. CT

    Be sure to join the North Dakota QRTP team for an important Human Service Zones, Division of Juvenile Services, and Tribal Nations learning opportunity, taking place on Thursday, March 23 at 10:00 a.m. CT

    Use the link below to register for this informative session. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing details on how to join the meeting. 

    ND QRTP Case Worker Webinar | Thursday, 3/23 at 10 a.m. CT
     

    BEST PRACTICE Continued Stay Review vs. Extension Requests

    Continued Stay Review

    A Continued Stay Review request is made when an extension for a child whose previous placement end date is approaching, and the anticipated discharge is up to 90 days after the expiration of the prior approval period. To submit:

    1. Complete the Continued Stay Review form (SFN 826)
       
    2. Gather the required supporting documentation (e.g., treatment notes, Incident Reports, specialist evaluations such as a psychiatric evaluation)
       
    3. Login to www.assessmentpro.com and Create a New Referral through the Provider Portal. Maximus will receive and review and render a determination within 10 business days of receiving the complete referral.
       

    You can locate this updated form on the state’s website: https://www.nd.gov/eforms/Doc/sfn00826.pdf
     


    Extension Request

    An Extension Request is completed when the anticipated discharge date is within 14 days of the end date on the previous review. To submit:

    1. Download the Extension Request form located on the Maximus website at: https://maximusclinicalservices.com/svcs/north_dakota_ffpsa prior to the end date and allow for 5 business days for Maximus to render a determination on the extension request.
    2. Email the form and any additional supporting documentation to the ND FFPSA Help Desk at: ND_FFPSA@maximus.com

     


    CONTACT: North Dakota FFPSA - QRTP Services Help Desk

    Do you need clarification on any processes or questions regarding a current referral? Contact your North Dakota FFPSA - QRTP Help Desk for more information:

  • ND FFPSA - QRTP Program: Quarterly Newsletter: Review State Memo and Download Revised Assessment Forms

    Did you know Children and Family Services (CFS) has updated their forms associated with ND QRTP referrals? 
     
    Per CFS policy, as shown in the HHS Memorandum below, when submitting the Universal Application (824) or Continued Stay Review (826) forms, updated forms must be used to avoid a new referral from being placed on hold. Use the links below to access the updated forms: 


    CONTACT: North Dakota FFPSA - QRTP Services Help Desk

    Do you need clarification on any processes or questions regarding a current referral? Contact your North Dakota FFPSA - QRTP Help Desk for more information:

  • ND FFPSA - QRTP Program - Quarterly Newsletter: Review New General Program Guide | Assessment Best Practice Tips & Reminders

    REVIEW: New Program Tips and Reminders Guide

    Maximus has created a helpful Program Tips & Reminders Guide, which provides clarifying information regarding AssessmentPro, referral tips, and general reminders for completing referrals. Click here to review and download this helpful new guide, and remember that you can access all your Case Worker tools & resources via the North Dakota QRTP website.


    BEST PRACTICES: Assessment Tips & Reminders

    1. Be sure to review important guidelines on when to submit the following:

    Continued Stay Reviews
    This is used when a child requires an additional 90-day approval period to continue treatment in the QRTP level of care. Referrals should be provided to Maximus through www.AssessmentPro.com with the Continued Stay Review (SFN 826) form.

    Per CFS policy, referrals should be submitted to Maximus no more than 30 days prior to placement expiration, and no less than 20 days before the placement approval expires.

    Extension Requests
    Requests for extensions of QRTP approval periods may be made for a period of up to 14 days. Click here to download this form from the ND QRTP website, and email it the completed version to the Help Desk. If approval is needed for longer than 14 additional days, please complete the Continued Stay Review referral form linked above.

    Reconsideration Requests
    This is used if an alternative level of care is recommended with reason to believe additional information should be taken into consideration, or if there has been a change in behavior/symptoms since determination was issued. All Reconsideration Requests must include the QRTP Qualified Individual Desk Reconsideration Request Form, which is emailed to the ND QRTP Help Desk.


    2. If a child's location has changed after Maximus has received the QRTP referral, be sure to notify the Help Desk as quickly as possible with the updated information. In addition, if a child is placed on an emergent basis prior to completion of the Maximus Independent Assessment, always notify Maximus of the admission date to ensure placement dates with CFS.


    3. Who participates in the interview process? For the Initial, Emergent, and 6-Month Continued Stay Reviews, Maximus will interview the referring child, custodian and all members listed on the QRTP 824/826 form. For the 3-month and 9-month Continued Stay Reviews, only the custodian is interviewed and part of the assessment process, as these assessments are considered document based reviews


    4. On the Universal Application (824) and Continued Stay Review Form (826), the Informational Sources section indicating primary supports or Child and Family Team (CFT) members must be completed on every form at each point of review. Per CFS policy, this section is necessary for Maximus to proceed with the referral.

    “No information source change since last review” is only applicable to changes to the Case Manager and Parent Name info—all other items must be completed. 


    CONTACT: North Dakota FFPSA - QRTP Services Help Desk

    Do you need clarification on any processes or questions regarding a current referral? Contact your North Dakota FFPSA - QRTP Help Desk for more information:

  • SYSTEM UPDATE: Change Coming to AssessmentPro Login Process Tonight, Tuesday, November 1

    Please be aware that this evening, Tuesday November 1, Maximus IT will publish updates to the AssessmentPro system. With these upgrades comes a new way for users to update their passwords. 

    Currently, when users click the reset password button, a link will be sent to the email address you use to log into AssessmentPro, prompting you to create a new password.

    Going forward, instead of receiving a link, a verification code will be sent to your email address, which you will enter on the AssessmentPro site, then create a new password (see below):
     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    If you have any questions about this important process update, please reach out to your program Help Desk