mrddfamily.com

Links to updated information on the pandemic flu.

mrddfamily.com — 5/5/2009

Latest Summary of CDC Updates: http://www.pandemicflu.gov/

News you Can Use about the H1N1 Flu: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/swineflu_you.htm

• What is CDC doing in response to the outbreak?

• What are the signs and symptoms of this virus in people?

• What household cleaning should be done to prevent the spread of influenza virus?

• What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

Current Status across the country CDC Daily Update: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/index.htm

World Health Organization Update #12: http://www.who.int/csr/don/2009_05_03a/en/index.html

DRA GIVES STATES NEW OPTIONS FOR CARE

mrddfamily.com — 4/2/2008

For Immediate Release:	Monday, March 31, 2008
Contact:	CMS Office of Public Affairs 202-690-6145

THOUSANDS MORE MEDICAID ENROLLEES COULD GET HOME AND COMMUNITY-BASED CARE UNDER NEW RULE
DRA GIVES STATES NEW OPTIONS FOR CARE

Thousands of Medicaid beneficiaries who were previously limited to receiving care in an institutional setting may now be given the option to receive that care in their homes and communities, under a proposed rule published today by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

The Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (DRA) gave states a new option to provide home-and-community based services (HCBS) to Medicaid beneficiaries without applying for a demonstration waiver. The proposed rule provides guidance to states on how to implement this provision of the DRA.

Under this option, states will now be able to set their own eligibility or needs-based criteria for providing HCBS. Previously, to qualify for assistance with personal care, home health care or other services in the home or community setting, beneficiaries were required to be at imminent risk of institutionalization. The DRA provision eliminates this requirement and allows states to cover Medicaid recipients who have incomes no greater than 150 percent of the federal poverty level, or $15,600 per individual in 2008, and who satisfy the needs-based criteria.

“Thousands more Medicaid beneficiaries may now be able to opt for needed long-term support services in their homes rather than institutions,” said CMS Acting Administrator Kerry Weems. “Breaking the historic link between long-term care and institutions will level the playing field and give beneficiaries new choices for how they receive care.”

The proposed rule emphasizes “person centered” care, giving individuals an active role in developing their care plans, and the “self-direction” option in which states can allow individuals to take charge of their own services. The services states may make available under this benefit include case management, homemaker, home health aide, personal care, adult day health, habilitation, and respite care. The DRA also allows states to provide special services to individuals with chronic mental illness, including day treatment or other partial hospitalization, psychosocial rehabilitation, and clinic services.

Under the proposed rule, states would no longer have to apply for a waiver to provide HCBS to Medicaid beneficiaries. Under the DRA, states only need an approved state plan amendment (SPA) satisfying the DRA criteria. Once approved by CMS, the SPA does not need to be renewed nor is it subject to some of the same requirements of waivers such as budget neutrality.

Since the DRA made the HCBS option available beginning in January 2007, CMS has provided technical assistance to states wishing to move forward prior to publication of the proposed rule. One state, Iowa , has since been granted an HCBS SPA. Three additional states, Colorado , Nevada , and Georgia , have requests pending under CMS review.

“We anticipate states will be eager to take advantage of this new flexibility,” Weems said. “The home and community-based services option is a win/win opportunity, giving beneficiaries more control over their care and allowing states to spend Medicaid resources more efficiently.”

The proposed rule will be published in the Federal Register on April 4, 2008, and will have a public comment period through June 3, 2008. Go to http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicaidGenInfo/Downloads/CMS2249P.pdf to view the complete proposed rule.

OHIO

mrddfamily.com — 4/2/2008

DEVELOPMENTAL CENTERS IMPACTED UNDER BUDGET CUTS TO DEPARTMENT OF MR/DD

Administration plans to cut $17 million out of the Department of MR/DD's budget has some employees on edge, but counties are generally feeling relieved that they aren't targeted for reduction.

ODMR/DD spokeswoman Sherry Steinman recently said the agency hasn't yet completed a review of how much money can be saved through attrition and early retirement plans. However, the administration's original estimate of eliminating 390 to 540 positions is "still on the radar screen."

The agency plans to move about 160 individuals currently living in developmental centers into the community using waivers the General Assembly funded in the biennial budget (HB 119 ) to comply with the Martin settlement, she said. That will allow for closing several residential "cottages," or dormitory type facilities, while keeping open all 10 DCs around the state.

Supporting staff at those facilities will have to look for other opportunities within the system or they may be eligible for early retirement incentives, she said. "We're trying to do things with staff that allow them to find other niches within the system, or opportunities that are positive for them."

While using the new waivers to transition DC residents into community-based settings could impact counties' ability to reduce their waiting lists, the effect would be minimal she said.

"When you spread 150 people across 88 county boards it doesn't hit any one county board that hard," Ms. Steinman said. "That's the idea - to be mindful of making sure that we don't hit any one area disproportionately or upset their plan for how they want to serve their people."

Ohio Civil Service Employees Association spokeswoman Sally Meckling said initial surveys showed that about 570 of the agency's 2,600 employees are potentially eligible for ERI, and about 330 are interested.

While the administration is trying to avoid laying off direct care staff, some union members and advocates are concerned about the plan to use "Martin waivers" for DC residents, she said. "Because we serve the most profoundly needy in developmental centers, they're not all suited for a waiver."

Ohio Association of County Boards of MR/DD Executive Director Dan Ohler said he is concerned whenever the system loses funding.

"That said, I give Gov. Strickland and (Director) John Martin a lot of credit for sparing county boards of MR/DD in terms of cuts to their subsidy," he added, noting the previous administration reduced county subsidies by about $65 million.

"They figured out a way to absorb that internally and John's going to lay off some people and downsize his institutional setting, which overall, I think most of us support," he said about the current plan to move DC residents to community waivers.

Nonetheless, counties will face administrative costs and other expenses due to transitioning DC residents into community settings, he said. "And if we're spending money to take people out of the developmental centers, that's money we're not spending on somebody else that's on a waiting list."

While the state office might have some redundant services it can afford to cut, Mr. Ohler expressed concern about potential reductions to regulating Medicaid providers. "If a provider is doing something it shouldn't, does the department really have the manpower to go out there and protect people?" he said, noting about 16,000 Ohioans are on community waivers.

Moreover, agency cuts might slow payments to MR/DD providers that could jeopardize their ability to stay afloat, he said.

Press Release

mrddfamily.com — 3/3/2008

February 25, 2008. Eaton, OH: In conjunction with the celebration of Preble County’s 200th anniversary, the Preble County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (MRDD) is proud to be celebrating its 35th anniversary this year.

In 2007, County Boards of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities celebrated its 40-year anniversary. On October 25, 1967, the Ohio General Assembly officially established a County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities in each of Ohio’s 88 counties via Senate Bill 169.

From its beginning of institutions with limited community options to a system today with numerous community options and approximately 80,000 individuals served, the Ohio County Boards of MRDD system has come a long way.

Diane Knupp, superintendent of Preble County Board of MRDD, said: “During the past few years we have witnessed significant changes in Ohio’s MRDD service delivery system. As new leaders, significant changes have occurred in the way services are delivered and constantly growing numbers of Ohioans seeking services all have created enormous challenges – challenges that county boards strive to meet every day.”

In celebration of the Preble County Board of MRDD’s 35th anniversary, the agency is sharing its local history with area residents.

PCBMRDD traces its beginnings to a grassroots effort by parents who wanted an education for their sons and daughters with developmental disabilities. For about a century, through 1950, parents of children with developmental disabilities in Ohio had two choices:

1) They could send their child to a large state institution to receive services, giving up daily contact, or 2), they could raise their child at home doing whatever they thought was right. Parents in Ohio continued to seek help for their children – for their education and for a better life. In 1952, the Association for Retarded Citizens (ARC) was founded. The Association’s first duties were as advocates, developers, organizers and providers of transportation to children with disabilities. The ARC continues today in many counties throughout Ohio.

County boards have come a long way. Parents have supports they never had in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Parents relied on one another and volunteers to provide their children with services. Some parents had to travel out of county for their disabled child to receive services. When parents united to develop a local program for services they were typically held in a church basement during the early years.

In July 1967, as a result of Senate Bill 169, Ohio established County Boards of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities known as “169 Boards”. These are the forerunner of today’s Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities.

Locally, the Preble County Developmental Training Center was established by parents of multi-handicapped children who could not be appropriately educated in the existing educational facility. By establishing a training facility within the county, children had the opportunity to benefit from modern training and facilities without being removed from their beneficial influences for their home and community environments.

The Developmental Training Center provided individualized training programs for Preble County children, birth through age 21. The Center opened in February 1971 with five children in a church basement.

The adult workshop, now known as L&M Products, Inc., was originally located at 113 South Cherry Street in Eaton. It was established by the Preble County Board of Mental Retardation in November 1972 and began operations service for 14 individuals.

The Preble County 169 Board held its first meeting in January 1973. By 1979, the number of individuals receiving services had grown to 41. In 2008 the board has grown to serve 276 Preble County residents with mental retardation and developmental disabilities.

In June 1978, a levy was passed to support the operations and that would become the first local tax dollars used to support local residents with mental retardation. This levy supported the growth of services for what has now become better known as L&M Products, located on the corner of Lexington and Maple streets in Eaton.

Today, the early childhood program provides services to 34 infants while seven children are on the waiting list for services. Early intervention services are provided in a family-focused playgroup and home settings emphasizing parent participation. Children in the program range in age from birth to three. Children are provided opportunities to develop physically, emotionally, socially and mentally to their fullest potential. The early intervention program works in conjunction with Help Me Grow through the Preble County Health District; as well as the Ohio Department of Health regarding the evaluation and assessment process for infants and toddlers.

The Service and Support Administrations (SSA) Division works to help people with disabilities and their families identify the services and supports they need to function as independently as possible. SSA staff are available to assist eligible individuals age three and older. For each person served, the SSA staff assesses needs, facilitates development of the support plan for the person, helps individuals select service providers, monitor to make sure needed services are received and provide crisis intervention 24 hours a day.

L&M Products provides employment opportunities for adults with disabilities through contracting with local businesses. It is a full-service manufacturing resource that provides assembly, inspection, labeling, packaging, project management, sorting, document scanning and records destruction through working with local industry. Adults with disabilities who work at L&M Products also have the opportunity to participate in other activities based on their interest. L&M offers a senior program for those who are of retirement age and no longer wish to work but want to remain active. An adult day activities component was developed in 2007 to address the needs and interest of individuals whose emphasis in not work and they are too young for the seniors program.

L&M Products currently partners with two local industries providing manpower through an enclave work group in their businesses supporting their production needs. Henny Penny Corporation and L&M Products have a 12-year relationship while Parker Hannifin Corporation is the newest partnership, developed in 2007.

Approximately 98 individuals access transportation services to get to and from L&M Products and community job sites. The MRDD board runs five bus routes daily, logging over 120,000 miles annually. Transportation services provide individuals with mental retardation an opportunity to work, recreate and access their community. This further supports the agency’s vision to provide the best possible opportunity for individuals with mental retardation and/or developmental disabilities to have the kind and quality of life he or she chooses.
March of each year is set aside as “MRDD Awareness Month” throughout the state of Ohio. The goal is to increase the public's awareness and understanding of people who have mental retardation and other developmental disabilities so that these citizens will have increased access in our communities to employment, education, housing and social opportunities.
This year the theme is:
Success! When doors open - we succeed.
I may have a developmental disability but I can vote,
I can volunteer, I can be a neighbor, I can work, and I can be a friend.

MRDD Month in March offers an opportunity for taking a crucial step toward improving the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities. It is, after all, often attitudinal barriers that affect everyday life for individuals with disabilities. In addressing those barriers, fears and negative attitudes can be replaced with awareness and understanding. Further supporting the Preble County Board of MRDD’s mission to support individuals with mental retardation and/or developmental disabilities to live, learn, work, and socialize as they choose by “Creating Opportunities for a Lifetime”.

Preble County’s MRDD service delivery system has come a long way and is very proud of its 35-year history of providing services to families in Preble County who have individuals with mental retardation. The Board looks forward to serving Preble County’s children and adults with developmental disabilities for many years to come.

State of Ohio

mrddfamily.com — 2/22/2008

“Common Sense Business Regulation”

Governor Ted Strickland has signed an executive order providing clear direction to create a more efficient and effective regulatory environment in Ohio. Following a philosophy of “Common Sense Business Regulation,” the executive order requires agencies to:

Review existing rules and processes;
Treat those affected by their rules and regulatory processes as customers, and to treat them consistently across regions, offices, and departments; and to,
Consolidate regulatory rules and processes.

Additionally, the executive order directs certain cabinet agencies to designate an existing staff member as an agency regulatory ombudsman who will act as a liaison between the agency and those affected by the regulatory rules and processes. In line with this direction, ODMRDD’s Division of Constituent Services has long provided such information about rules and processes with staff support, and through the regularly-updated Rules & Laws section of our website at http://odmrdd.state.oh.us/rules/rules.htm . Director, John Martin, notes,

“We also will be looking at our rules and processes as an important element in carrying out the recommendations of the Futures Committee.”

“Regulations for conducting business in Ohio exist to promote health, safety and economic vitality,” Strickland said. “A transparent, common sense approach to our state regulatory process will help us keep good-paying jobs in Ohio and make Ohio a more attractive place to bring the jobs of the future.”

After a review, state agencies must amend or rescind rules that are unnecessary, that unnecessarily impede economic growth, or that have had unintended negative consequences.

“We must act as partners to ensure Ohio’s regulatory environment is flexible, respectful and responsive to Ohio’s citizens and the people who do business in our state,” Strickland said. He added,

“State agencies will be guided by the principle that the individuals and businesses they regulate are customers, and they will be held accountable for the quality of customer service they provide.”