Home Support Members: Update on “Performance Based” Contracts

NSGEU representatives attended a Department of Health and Wellness/Nova Scotia Health Authority (DHW/NSHA) presentation regarding the current status of the Home Support service agreements on Tuesday, January 31^st.

As most of you are aware, the new “performance based” contracts were originally set to take effect on February 1^st, 2017. One of the most significant features of the performance based contracts is the requirement to meet several key performance indicators (KPI). However, both service providers and stakeholder unions expressed their concern that the rush to implement the new contracts without ensuring consistency in reporting procedures and providing support for service providers could lead to the collapse of some agencies.

Accordingly, the DHW/NSHA has made significant adjustments to the implementation process.

They are:

• Current arrangements will remain in place for the period of February 1^st to March 31^st. Providers are required to indicate if they intend to continue beyond this date by the end of this month. The Department will be meeting with providers individually during the month of February. This means all home support agencies will remain as providers of home support services for the next year.

• The period of April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018 is being treated as a transition year. Current contracts will be amended for this period and will include KPI and statistical reporting requirements. It will be a period of education for the providers and the DHW/NSHA. Contracts will not be considered in breach if KPIs are not met during this period.

• Beginning April 1, 2018, performance based contracts will be implemented and will run a two-year term with renewal options.

This transition/education period will, hopefully, provide a period of stability within Home Support.

The slide show presentation can be viewed by clicking the link below.