Resolve, To Direct the Department of Health and Human Services To Assist Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities with Home Support

Sec. 1. Department of Health and Human Services to study issues surrounding home and community-based waiver program to provide assistance for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Resolved: That the Department of Health and Human Services shall study the issues surrounding the home and community-based waiver program under the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and locate funding to better provide services that allow program participants to meet basic needs for shelter and nourishment, including:

1. Completing a cost analysis of an average program participant's living costs, including, but not limited to, annual rent or mortgage payments, utilities, food and basic telephone service;

2. Clarifying the state policies and rules that regulate the ability of program participants and program service providers to negotiate room and board; and

3. Analyzing the data collected under subsections 1 and 2 to determine the source of appropriate funds that will allow the Department of Health and Human Services through following a consistent methodology to assist program participants in meeting basic needs for shelter and nourishment; and be it further

Sec. 2. Commissioner of Health and Human Services to provide necessary regulatory support. Resolved: That the Commissioner of Health and Human Services shall ensure that all of its offices and divisions work in concert to provide necessary regulatory support to locate funding to assist program participants in meeting basic needs for shelter and nourishment; and be it further

Sec. 3. Report. Resolved: That, no later than January 1, 2014, the Commissioner of Health and Human Services shall submit a report on progress in carrying out the purposes of this resolve, including suggested legislation, to the Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services. The Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services is authorized to introduce a bill related to the subject matter of the report to the Second Regular Session of the 126th Legislature upon receipt of the report.

summary

This resolve directs the Department of Health and Human Services to study the issues surrounding the home and community-based waiver program under the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and locate funding to better provide services that allow program participants to meet basic needs for shelter and nourishment.