Personal Independence Commission |
November 8, 2004Hearing Room 3, State Capitol Building Kirsten Dunham called the meeting to order. Roll call was taken. The following PIC members or representatives were present: Lt. Governor Joe Maxwell, Kirsten Dunham, Kelly Flaugher (for Jeanne Loyd), Kay Green (for Anne Deaton), Sandra Levels, Laurie Hines (for Nancie McAnaugh), Neva Thurston, Wendy Hayes, Roger Garlich, Martha Hicks and Bobette Figler. A quorum was established. Approval of Minutes from the July 26th and September 13th Meetings: Mr. Garlich moved to approve the July 26th and September 13th PIC minutes. Ms. Levels seconded the motion. Motion passed. Minutes were approved and will be posted on the PIC web site. Co-Chair Reports: Lt. Governor Maxwell - Thanked Ms. Dunham, Mr. Clower, the PIC members and all involved for their hard work and support. He will be working with the transition team for the new administration to be sure they are informed about the Executive Order and the work of the Personal Independence Commission, as well as the requirements of the grant. Ms. Dunham - Presented the Lt. Governor with the Excellence in Public Service Award from Paraquad. The award had been presented this past summer but the Lt. Governor was unable to attend the ceremony. She also presented mementos from the PIC to the Lt. Governor, Anne Deaton and Kyle Clower for their work on and service to the PIC. The Annual Report has been completed and submitted. The PIC has achieved a number of the goals they set during the past year. Most significant of these include the amendment to the MR/DD Waiver to cover transition services; a change in the nursing home regulations saying you have a right to receive your services in the least restrictive environment; starting of the Office of Community Independence to continue work on Informed Choice; and starting the PIC Housing Work Group who have put together a Housing Resource Guide. The PIC also did submit a letter of support for the E-Government funding to provide the multi-agency database. A letter was also written on behalf of the PIC concerning the Bellefontaine Habilitation Center and the Five Year Plan for Habilitation Centers. Special Projects Team Report and Agency Updates: Real Choice System Change Grant - Sherl Taylor, Division of Medical Services. The request for a no-cost grant extension has been submitted to the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare and DMS is waiting for approval. Approval is expected. Objective 1 - Assure that the infrastructure and processes reflects consumer choice and input. Efforts are made to involve consumers in as many activities as possible including attending meetings of the PIC. Also under Objective 1 Expansion of the statewide Information and Access Data Base. Through the Department of Health and Senior Services. This is 5% completed. DHSS is also working on an Information and Access data base public awareness campaign by expanding an existing data base to include persons with disabilities as well the senior population. Objective 2 - Streamline the system to assure easy and quick access to needed services. There are no new activities. Objective 3 - To conduct interagency coordination collaboration to address Olmstead Stakeholders and PIC Commission objectives. The recommendations from the Cash and Counseling Focus Group were presented at the September 13th PIC meeting. State agencies are reviewing these and a full report should be available at the next PIC meeting. Objective 4 - Assure informed choices at all stages of care so that consumers can make good decisions about their lives. Activities identified in the grant have been completed. Objective 5 - Enhance linkages at critical points to assure successful transition to community living. Expect three deliverables between now and the end of September. These are:
Objective 6 - Conduct research on small demonstration projects to identify best practices and practices and projects that should be replicated and on data that would impact the system. There are three deliverables that should be completed by the next PIC meeting.
Objective 7 - Establish a quality assurance mechanism that relies on consumer input and is data driven. There are four deliverables:
Cash and Counseling: Ms. Dunham asked for comments and input from the PIC regarding the recommendations of the Cash and Counseling Focus Group presented at the last PIC meeting. Discussion followed. There were some concerns about funding. Ms. Figler made a motion to support the principals as written and move forward with Cash and Counseling. Ms. Hayes seconded the motion. A quorum was not present so the motion was tabled. Presentation on Office and Community Independence: Andy Petty - A new rule in the Code of State Regulations went into affect October 31st It requires that all those entering a nursing home or considering entering a nursing home must be given a copy of the "Guide to Home and Community-Based Services" booklet or a subsequent brochure or information to give them some idea of the range of options available. The Office of Community Independence is distributing copies of the "Guide to Home and Community-Based Services" to all long term-care facilities. They have hired a Health Program Representative to work on housing issues. Will be interviewing for seven Community Health Nurse positions to be located in regional offices throughout the state. The office is also working on establishing an on-going Informed Choice Training in a train the trainer type format. A quorum was established and a vote was taken on the tabled motion concerning Cash and Counseling. The motion passed. Public Comment: Dolores Hampton, Missouri Planning Council for Developmental Disabilities - Had concerns about individuals who would like to attend the PIC meetings and have valuable input to give but do not have the resources to be able to attend the meetings. She asked if there was funding through the grant to cover these expenses. She also felt that the "Guide to Home and Community-Based Services" booklet should be given to hospital discharge planners, social workers and individuals so it can be available to families and individuals before the decision is made to place someone in long term care. She also expressed support of the Cash and Counseling recommendations. Tish Thomas, Missouri Adult Day-Care Association - Suggested that the Home and Community-Based Services booklet also be provided to the Area Agencies on Aging, County Councils on Aging, Alzheimer's Associations and other community-based organizations. Also, the Missouri Alliance for Home Care and the Missouri Adult Day Care Association will be advocating in the Legislature for an increase in funding for their Medicaid programs. She requested the support of the PIC for this request. Wayne Lee, National Epilepsy Foundation - Also supported the Cash and Counseling Recommendations. Encouraged everyone to advocate for disability issues at both the state and national level. Also encouraged disability groups to work together. Ms. Dunham mentioned the Medicare Home Health Demonstration Program in Missouri. The demonstration program would allow those receiving Medicare Home Health services not to have to be homebound in order to keep the services. She said if anyone knows of persons receiving Medicare Home Health who would be interested in participating in the demonstration program to let her know. The next meeting of the Personal Independence Commission is Monday, February 14, 2005. The meeting adjourned. |
