This letter transmits 4 amended rules and 3 new rules regarding Bridges. These rules will become effective on February 7, 2020.

OAC rule 5101:2-50-02 entitled “Requirements for bridges eligibility” provides guidance on the eligibility criteria a Bridges applicant must meet to enroll in the program. This rule also contains the steps on how a Bridges applicant may apply for Bridges as well as the denial process. This rule has been amended to expand eligibility pursuant to H.B. 166 and provide clarity on program expectations.

OAC rule 5101:2-50-03 entitled “Bridges termination and reentry” provides guidance on the termination and reentry process for Bridges. This rule has been amended to provide clarity on program expectations.

OAC rule 5101:2-50-04 entitled “Bridges Title IV-E eligibility and reimbursability determination” provides guidance on how Title IV-E eligibility and reimbursability are determined for a Bridges participant. This rule has been amended to provide clarity on program expectations.

OAC rule 5101:2-50-05 entitled “Bridges appeal process” provides guidance on the appeals process when Bridges applicants or participants choose to appeal a denial or termination decision from Bridges. This rule has been amended to provide clarity on program expectations.

OAC rule 5101:2-50-06 entitled “Bridges approved supervised independent living settings and visitation requirements” provides guidance on approved living settings and visitation requirements for a Bridges participant. This rule has been adopted as a new rule.

OAC rule 5101:2-50-07 entitled “Bridges assessment, plan and review” provides guidance on assessments, plans, and reviews that are to be completed while a participant is enrolled in Bridges. This rule has been adopted as a new rule.

OAC rule 5101:2-50-08 entitled “Case records for Bridges” provides guidance on how case information is retained for Bridges. This rule has been adopted as a new rule.

INSTRUCTIONS:

The following chart depicts what materials should be deleted from the Family, Children and Adult Services Manual (FCASM) and what materials are to be inserted in the FCASM.