Personal Independence Commission |
|
January 9, 2006 MINUTES - DRAFT Kirsten Dunham called the meeting to order. Roll call was taken. PIC members present were: Eric Feltner for Lt. Governor Peter Kinder, Kirsten Dunham, Kelly Flaugher for Jeanne Loyd, Brenda Campbell, Kay Green for Kent Stadler, Sandra Levels, Neva Thurston, Wendy Hays, Roger Garlich, Bobette Figler and Martha Hicks. A quorum was established. Co-Chair Reports: Ms. Dunham indicated her information would be covered in agenda items. Mr. Feltner shared information concerning recommendations of the Government Review Commission relating to elimination of Centers for Independent Living. The Lt. Governor had changed the wording so that CILs would not be eliminated but the wording did not get changed in the Commission’s report to the Governor. The Lt. Governor has met with the Governor’s Office and some CIL representatives to be sure the wording gets changed. Annual Report: Ms. Dunham asked if there were any changes or additions that needed to be made to the Annual Report. Ms. Hicks had concerns about the distribution of the Guide to Home and Community Based Services booklets. Wanted to know if they were still being given to all persons entering a nursing home. Felt this information should be included in the Annual Report. Discussion followed as to if the booklets are having any effect on the number of people entering nursing homes. The information about the booklets and an update on the rule change that requires nursing home residents receive information on Home and Community-Based resources will be added to the report. Mr. Garlich made a motion to submit the Annual Report. Ms. Figler seconded the motion. Motion passed. Medicaid Commission Report: The Medicaid Commission’s report is on their web site. The report contains some good recommendations in the long term care section recommending people be informed of their options, that Home and Community-Based Services are tried first before going into a more restrictive setting. The report also recommended a single entry point and standardized application and assessment forms. The PIC could get some more momentum on doing some of their goals, such as Informed Choice from the report. It was decided to add the recommendations from the Medicaid Commission to the PIC Annual Report and tie these recommendations in with the work that the PIC and the former Office of Community Independence have already done, then offer assistance from the PIC To the state departments or the Legislature when they begin looking at these recommendations. A discussion of the Top Ten Executables recommendations from the Medicaid Reform Commission’s report followed. These are broke down into short-term implementation (les than two years) and long-term implantation (more than two years). Medicaid by in for Workers With Disabilities: One of the Medicaid Reform Commission recommendations was to reinstate a Medicaid by in for workers with disabilities. Senator Portwood has introduced legislation to do this. The language in the bill is the same as last year but it is felt the language will be changed to more adequately reflect the Commission’s recommendations. There is also legislation concerning sheltered workshop employment and eligibility for Medicaid. Informed Choice: A presentation from three Centers for Independent Living was given. Theresa Myers from Rural Advocates for Independent Living (RAIL) in Kirksville and Ian Gewin from Midland Empire Resources for Independent Living (MERIL) in St. Joseph. gave a presentation about Centers for Independent Living and the services they provide. There are 21 CIL’s in the state and among them they serve every county in the state. They provide four core services; Information and Referral, Peer Support, Independent Living Skills Training and Advocacy. Each Center also provides services that are unique to their area’s needs. These could include transportation programs, accessibility modifications on homes and child advocacy at IEP meetings, among other things. The CIL’s could assist in spreading the word about Informed Choice since they have staff in place to do that type of thing. Discussion followed about the Informed Choice trainings that were held and how many CIL staff received that training. Questions were also raised as to if those who received the training went out and trained other groups in the community. Questions were also raised about what other groups should receive the Informed Choice training, such as hospital social workers and nursing home ombudsman, and when would be the best time to give the Guide to Home and Community Based Services booklets to people. It was decided that Ms. Figler and Ms. Thurston work with Rob Honan of the Governor’s Council to contact those who attended the Informed Choice trainings and see what areas improvements could be made in to get the word out. Approval of PIC Meting Minutes: Ms. Hays made a motion to approve the minutes from the August 8, 2005 PIC meeting. Mr. Garlich seconded the motion. Motion passed. The minutes from the October 17, 2005 PIC meeting were not available so Ms. Dunham said if there were no objections from the PIC the October minutes would be sent out by and voted on via email. PIC Membership: The terms for all but two members of the PIC have expired. Ms. Dunham encouraged those who were interested in being reappointed to let her know. Mr. Feltner indicated the Governor’s Office is looking at a number of commissions and councils including the PIC, and will be making decisions as to the future of these. Public Comment: Wayne Lee – He is meeting with Representative Portwood about HB 1068. Also talked about the Medicaid Reform Commission report meeting and advocacy efforts. The next PIC meeting is Monday, April 17th. Meeting adjourned. |
