The last year has been a year of changes as Iowa has moved to Managed Care.  As we navigate through these changes, we are continually looking for (and finding!) ways to improve upon our service delivery as well as employment engagement which we feel is progress.
 
One of the changes being constructed through HOPE is that of a mobile application to complete employee’s time card.  HOPE has implemented a new payroll application, Paylocity, that allows clocking in and out from an employee’s phone.  The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services has been pushing the use of “Electronic Visit Verification”.  And though Iowa has not yet implemented, we feel that by being proactive, we can help shape the implementation of this which is slated for the fall of 2017. 
 
Another change HOPE is driving to further develop is the opportunity to complete documentation throughout service delivery.  By fusing the capabilities of Paylocity with Salesforce, this ideal application will minimize indirect time,  allowing for tracking outcomes, monitoring goal progress and providing real time updates.  There have been a few legislative updates that were signed in May by Governor Branstad that would further simplify documentation, but the actual implementation date and scope of those changes remain unknown.  Due to this most recent development, our implementation has been delayed until August when the details of this legislation are revealed.  Stay tuned as this exciting news develops!
 
“You can’t change the direction of the wind, but you can adjust the sails to reach your destination…”

​It is that time to start thinking about severe weather, what it looks like and what to do if there are severe weather warnings. A few suggestions are as follows:

• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or to commercial radio or television newscasts for the latest information.
• Be alert to changing weather conditions.
• Look for the following danger signs:
  • Dark, often greenish sky
  • Large hail
  • A large, dark, low-lying cloud (particularly if rotating)
  • Loud roar, similar to a freight train.
  • If you see approaching storms or any of the danger signs, be prepared to take shelter immediately.
  • Know the difference between a watch and a warning.
    • Tornado Watch - Tornadoes are possible. Remain alert for approaching storms. Watch the sky and stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television for information.
    • Tornado Warning - A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Take shelter immediately.

 
What to do in the case of a tornado in various locations:

A structure (e.g. residence, small building, school, nursing home, hospital, factory, shopping center, high-rise building)

• Go to a pre-designated area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of a small interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck.
• In a high-rise building, go to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible.
• Put on sturdy shoes.
• Do not open windows.

A manufactured home or office

• Get out immediately and go to a pre-identified location such as the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes.

The outside with no shelter
If you are not in a sturdy building, there is no single research-based recommendation for what last-resort action to take because many factors can affect your decision. Possible actions include:

• Immediately get into a vehicle, buckle your seat belt and try to drive to the closest sturdy shelter. If your vehicle is hit by flying debris while you are driving, pull over and park.
• Take cover in a stationary vehicle. Put the seat belt on and cover your head with your arms and a blanket, coat or other cushion if possible.
• Lie in an area noticeably lower than the level of the roadway and cover your head with your arms and a blanket, coat or other cushion if possible.

In all situations:

• Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.
• Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for safe shelter.
• Watch out for flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.

Feel free to check out this website for more information about severe weather:  https://www.ready.gov/tornadoes