Date: 01/26/2012
Final
Waiting List for Developmental Disabilities Services Briefing
COMMITTEE ON JOINT HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
| Votes: View--> | Action Taken: |
| <none> | <none> |
02:51 PM -- Waiting List for DD Services
Megan Davisson, JBC staff, provided an overview of the memorandum provided to the committee concerning consideration of developmental disability wait lists and appropriation to the Developmental Disability Services Cash Fund (Attachment G). The committee and Ms. Davisson discussed the information contained in the memorandum, including the length of time people spend on wait lists, the average cost per placement, the funds necessary to eliminate the wait lists, issues related to aging population and aging caregivers, and emergency placements. Ms. Davidson addressed questions related to the regional center waiting list that are not included in the information contained in the memorandum.
03:04 PM -- Chris Collins, Executive Director of Alliance, provided an overview of the Alliance, which is a statewide nonprofit association of community centered boards and service provider organizations. She discussed the 2007 legislative interim committee to improve the system that provides long-term health care services and supports to persons with developmental disabilities and the legislation put forth by the interim committee to address the wait lists. She discussed the new resources put forth by the Governor to address developmental disability issues. Ms. Collins addressed how the need for an emergency placement occurs.
03:10 PM -- Carol Meredith, The ARC, stated she is parent of an individual with developmental disabilities. She testified about emergency placements. She explained the issues caused by the wait lists and specifically the waiting list for emergency services. She described issues related to law enforcement, paramedic, and emergency room costs when those systems are utilized in crisis situation for individuals with developmental disabilities in need of emergency services. Ms. Meredith responded to questions about solutions for the waiting list issues. She discussed the need for system reform to reduce the panic for those in need of services. Ms. Meredith discussed the need for a crisis behavioral health intervention team and respite services in response to a question from Representative Summers.
Ms. Collins addressed questions about community capacity and work force needs to provide services to individuals with developmental disabilities, whether a comprehensive needs assessment has been completed in relation to developmental disability services, and the need for respite services.
Ms. Meredith discussed legislation that was enacted two years ago related to the health insurance mandate for children with autism. Ms. Meredith responded to questions about the need for services for people with autism and the criteria used to determine if someone qualifies for services.