CSB DD Sub-Committee Meeting Minutes

CSB DD Sub-Committee Meeting Minutes September 14, 2012

Attendees: Patti Herrmann, Kaymarie Kavanagh, Prudence York, Cynthia Barnaby, Bob Goodfellow, Liz Nolan, Mat Roosa, Gigi Love, Steve Russell, Peggy Harper, Jimmy Curtin, Tom Nelson, Kim Shedd, Julie Wheeler. Excused: Sharon Sullivan

The DD Subcommittee engaged in a substantive dialogue that was not on the agenda related to macro systems trends, managed care, service financing, state agency decision making, and related issues. Members expressed concerns regarding some of the developing fiscal models, and the degree to which the cost containment approaches have been designed for utilization with the population of recipients with developmental disabilities. (i.e. managed care models in the DD system need to appreciate the chronicity of DD conditions, and set targets appropriately. Recovery oriented models need to be adjusted to accommodate those conditions / symptoms which require more of a maintenance approach, while still seeking to help recipients to achieve goals and increase independence.

Services Review Report: A conversation ensued in regard to two CONs of which the group had no prior knowledge. The following points were made:  It was decided that going forward the Services Review Committee would apply the same review criteria to CONs for both State Operated and Voluntary Operated projects.  The group should renew communications with the new Region II about planning expectations, and the timing of releasing reports. Other areas of discussion included:  How to measure outcomes for DD: It was reported that ARC is doing case studies; Cynthia Barnaby will extend an invitation to Stanfort Perry, and ask him to present on ARC’s intended format for the case studies.  The need for utilization data would help to better understand why budgets are being cut. No analysis is currently available. Budget cuts effect long term care. Continued support is needed even when goals are reached.  OPWDD surveys and inquires: turnaround time too quick, Service Review Committee needs more time to adequately provide answers to requested information.  Shift language to dissuade stereotyping.

Employment:  No employment report was presented at the September meeting. A decision was made to keep this item on the agenda.  Bob Goodfellow will prepare and present a report on recipient employment in October, and Prudence York will report in November.

Election – DD Sub-Committee Co-Chair: Jimmy Curtin accepted the position of Committee Co-Chair. System Reform & Choice:  The September 11 issue of the “Poughkeepsie Journal” reported the NYSAC is accusing OPWDD of overcharging the Federal Government for institutional level of care. Mat will distribute a copy of the article to the group.

OPWDD News:  OPWDD is now divided into three sections; State, Regional and Support. The local offices are now within Region 2. The NYS Conference of Local Mental Hygiene Directors has recommended that planning between OPWDD and LGUs takes place at both the Regional and Sub-regional levels.  Mary Hall is the new Acting Deputy Director of the Regional Office over all three of the former DSO’s.  Tom Creagh from Broome County is the new Acting Director; second round interviews are in progress to fill the Director position.  The newly named Individualized Community Services (ICS) brings together both ISS and CSS under one budget.  Community Hab Phase II will be available to individuals that receive IRA and Day Hab service from the same provider.  The quarterly meeting will be held in Syracuse on September 21, from 9:30 AM – 1 PM, pre- registration is required.

County Update: Key themes below were mentioned and reflected in dialogue referenced above. Ongoing discussions will include these items.  Managed Care  Person Centered Planning Inclusion  Care Coordination

Announcements:  Enable is currently undergoing major renovations, and will be moving in their program that is currently located on West Genesee Street.