The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) gives notice that it intends to file waiver amendments with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for the following 1915 (c) waivers operated through the Office of Waiver and Facility Services: HIV-AIDS (SC.0186), Community Choices (SC.0405), Mechanical Ventilator Dependent (SC.40181), and Medically Complex Children (SC.0675). The Intellectual Disability/Related Disabilities (ID/RD) (SC.0237) and Community Supports (SC.0676) waivers operated by the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN) will also be amended. The proposed effective date of these amendments is July 1, 2023. Changes included in the HIV-AIDS (SC.0186), Community Choices (SC.0405), Mechanical Ventilator Dependent (SC.40181), ID/RD (SC.0237), and Community Supports (SC.0676) waiver amendments are provided below: SCDHHS proposes the following change to the Medically Complex Children (SC.0675) waiver: Current waiver participants will not be adversely impacted. Communication: The intent to amend the identified waivers with proposed changes

The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) gives notice that it intends to file a five-year renewal application for the 1915(c) Home and Community Based (HCBS) Head and Spinal Cord Injury (HASCI [SC.0284]) waiver. The program is operated by the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN) and will be submitted to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The proposed effective date of this waiver renewal is July 1, 2023.  Changes included in the proposed renewal are provided below: Current waiver participants will not be adversely impacted. Communication: The intent to renew the HASCI waiver with proposed changes was discussed on Jan. 25, 2023, during the monthly Indian Health Services conference call. Proposed changes will also be presented to SCDHHS’ Medical Care Advisory Committee (MCAC) meeting on Feb. 14, 2023, at 10 a.m. at 1801 Main Street, Columbia, S.C. Information regarding the HASCI

On his first birthday, Javi was taken via a med-flight to Boston Children’s hospital for another surgery addressing complications with his esophagus. “Javi had a rough start to life, but he is now thriving, and the happiest little boy you could ever imagine” says his mom, Shelli. “We look at our adorable son and feel grateful to have him in our lives. It’s exciting to think about what is next for him!” The Franco family is serving as Ambassadors for Family Connection of South Carolina’s annual LOOK! Photography Exhibit—a collection offering an inspiring glimpse into the lives of children and young people who have a disability or chronic health condition. To create the exhibit, professional photographers from across the state volunteered their time to host photo sessions with more than 60 families who have received services from the organization. Annually, Family Connection serves more than 4,000 families across South Carolina.

May is Foster Care Awareness Month and as a former foster parent, the importance of bringing awareness to our community is one that is both personally and professionally close to my heart. At the time of this article, there are currently 4,044 infant, children, and youth in South Carolina’s child welfare system. Of those in care, 2,185 are between the ages of 3-21 years old and are walking the halls of our schools as they try and navigate instability at home with the daily expectations of their educational journey. As South Carolina’s Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), we have a specific focus on special populations and how we can work closely with caregivers and stakeholders to ensure children in foster care are receiving the educational services and supports they are eligible for, that they have a say in their education plans, and that there are no gaps in service