Resolve, To Create a Working Group To Ensure a Stable Continuum of Care for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism

Sec. 1. Continuum of care for individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism; working group established. Resolved: That the Department of Health and Human Services shall convene a working group to examine the continuum of care available for individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism and the need for and availability of 24-hour nursing care in intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The working group must include key state employees, including representatives of the offices of MaineCare Services and aging and disability services within the Department of Health and Human Services. It must also include private sector stakeholders, including affected individuals and families, advocates, providers, a representative of a statewide association of providers of services for individuals with intellectual disabilities and a representative of a statewide association of long-term care facilities. The Department of Health and Human Services shall report the findings and recommendations of the working group by January 15, 2016 to the Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services.

SUMMARY

This resolve requires the Department of Health and Human Services to convene a working group to examine the continuum of care available for individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism and the need for and availability of 24-hour nursing care in intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. It also requires the Department of Health and Human Services to report the findings and recommendations of the working group by January 15, 2016 to the Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services.