An Act To Provide Services for Adults with Diagnoses of Mental Retardation and Other Developmental Disabilities

Sec. 1. 34-B MRSA §5438  is enacted to read:

§ 5438.  Services for adults with diagnoses of mental retardation and other developmental disabilities

To the extent possible using available resources, the department shall provide adults with diagnoses of mental retardation and other developmental disabilities choices from among an array of supports and services, including but not limited to: employment supports, personal supports, day programs and residential services. The department shall pursue appropriate resources for the supports and services needed by adults with diagnoses of mental retardation and other developmental disabilities. By January 15th of each year the department shall report to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over appropriations and financial affairs and the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over health and human services matters on unmet needs for supports and services under this section, as identified through a person-centered planning process, and the waiting list for each type of service and support.

summary

This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to provide mental retardation and other developmental disabilities supports and services to the extent of available funding. It requires reports by January 15th of each year to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over appropriations and financial affairs and the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over health and human services matters on unmet needs for supports and services and the waiting list for each type of service and support.