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National Core Indicators Project in Wisconsin

What is the NCI Project?

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is conducting surveys to learn about the long-term care services that older adults and adults with physical, intellectual, or developmental disabilities receive in Wisconsin, as well as their experiences and quality of life.

This is part of a nationwide project called National Core Indicators. Since Wisconsin started participating in the project in 2015-2016, the NCI surveys have helped DHS understand people’s needs and improve services.

Wisconsin works with Knowledge Services, a survey company, to conduct the survey and collect data. 

The interview includes questions about:

  • Self-determination
  • Health and safety
  • Rights, choices, and decision-making
  • Transportation
  • Living arrangements
  • Service coordination and access
  • Relationships and community inclusion

 

Wisconsin participates in two NCI surveys for adult long-term care

Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (NCI-IDD) Survey

The NCI-IDD includes several surveys, including the NCI In-Person Survey (IPS). This survey reaches out to people who are 18 years old or older with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

People may be selected for the survey if both the following apply:

  • They have an intellectual or developmental disability.
  • They receive services from a Medicaid long-term care program. For 2022-23, Wisconsin is surveying people in Family Care and IRIS (Include, Respect, I Self-Direct).

Aging and Disabilities (NCI-AD) Survey

The NCI-AD survey includes older adults and adults with physical disabilities.

People may be selected for the survey if both the following apply:

  • They have a physical disability or are older adults.
  • They are getting services from a Medicaid long-term care program. For 2022-23, Wisconsin is surveying people in Family Care and IRIS (Include, Respect, I Self-Direct). 

        People who are selected will receive a letter and a call

        If you are selected, you will receive a letter with information about the survey, including a consent form for your records and an infographic with contact information and more. 

        An interviewer from Knowledge Services will call you sometime between March 2023 and July 2023 to talk with you about the survey and see if you want to participate. 

        If you choose to participate in the survey, you have the option to complete it by phone, online video conference, or in person. The interviewer will help you understand your options based on the survey you have been selected for, either the NCI-IPS or the NCI-AD.

        • Participation is voluntary and you can choose to opt out.
        • Your choice will not impact your services now or in the future. 
        • All responses and information are confidential.
        • The survey takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
        To learn more about the interviews, see Frequently Asked Questions.

        Timeframe for the surveys

        March 2023–July 2023 

        Proxy representatives and supports

        • A proxy representative, someone answering on behalf of the person receiving services, can participate only when the participant cannot complete the survey or chooses to have a representative.
        • Only people who know the person well—such as family, friends, or staff—may act as proxy representatives. To avoid conflict of interest, case managers or other professions who are directly involved in providing care, are not allowed to respond for individuals they care for. 
        • Participants can have a neutral support person present during the interview. The person receiving services should answer for themselves when able.

        HIPAA and confidentiality

        All participants’ survey answers are kept confidential. All NCI surveys are conducted following standards that are compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act. HIPAA and HITECH require all people and entities with access to protected health information and other non-public information to protect the data.

        Wisconsin is required to ensure all health and non-public information is private, and to comply with HIPAA. Knowledge Services interviewers are also required to safeguard all health and non-public information, and to comply with all HIPAA and HITECH Act requirements.

        More information

        Questions for DHS

        Addie Blanchard
        NCI Coordinator
        608-471-3901
        adelaide.blanchard@dhs.wisconsin.gov

        Questions for Knowledge Services

        Brandon Thompson
        866-228-5859
         

        NCI project partners

        Knowledge Services
        Human Services Research Institute (HSRI)
        National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services (NASDDDS) 
        National Core Indicators (NCI)
        National Core Indicators, Aging and Disability (NCI-AD) 

        Last revised March 24, 2023