Community Based Service (CBS) Update, January 19, 2006

Dear Autism Society of North Carolina Supporters,

According to the Division of MH/DD/SA, the Department plans to unveil a plan early next week that will allow for all individuals with developmental disabilities currently receiving CBS to continue receiving service after the new service definitions are implemented on March 20th. Though we do not have details of the plan we understand it involves a combination of CAP/MR/DD, utilizing the new Community Supports definition for those who are eligible and the use of a newly created state funded service for individuals who are not eligible for the Medicaid funded services.

The division plans to send instruction to LME’s next week with the anticipation that case managers will begin immediately working with individuals to transition them into these new options. We believe that by mid-week, prior to the January 26th LOC meeting, we will be able to share with everyone the details of this plan.

We are hopeful that the plan will allow for a seamless transition for individuals currently receiving CBS. Of course until we see details we are unable to evaluate the plan. Advocates, consumers and family members should continue to be prepared for advocacy efforts once the plan is released.

The Legislative Oversight Committee on MH/DD/SA will meet at 9:30 on Thursday January 26th. The meeting will address the broader issues of DD services in the community. We are encouraging individuals with autism their families to be present to emphasize the importance of community supports and the need for expansion of options.

The meeting is in room 643 in the Legislative Office Building (LOB). If you need directions to the LOB, you can find them at www.ncleg.net. Click on "NCGA Information" on the left of the page and you should be able to find directions. If you would like to meet at the Autism Society of NC state office, there will be several staff from here going to the meeting. Let me know if you are interested in this option so we can plan for that. I plan to send out some talking points next week after we hear more about the CBS plan.

Here is the meeting agenda for your review:

JOINT LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE ON MENTAL HEALTH, DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES
AGENDA

January 26, 2006
9:30 AM, Room 643 LOB
Rep. Verla Insko, Co-Chair, Presiding

9:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. Greetings/Introductions
* Senator Martin Nesbitt, Co-Chair
* Representative Verla Insko, Co-Chair

Approval of Minutes

Developing Service Capacity (Enhanced Benefits)
Community-Based Services for the Developmentally Disabled Population
9:45 a.m. – 10:45 p.m. Introduction
* Leza Wainwright, Deputy Director, Division of MH/DD/SAS

10:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. CBS for DD Population
** Division Update on Replacement of Services, Leza Wainwright, Deputy Director, Division of MH/DD/SAS
** DD Consortium Comments, Dave Richard, Executive Director, The ARC of North Carolina

11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Consumer, Provider, Family and Advocates' Experiences with Community-Based Services
** Jill Hinton Keel, Executive Director, The Autism Society of NC
** Kathy Bryan, Executive Director, Orange Enterprises, Hillsborough
** Laura Gorycki, Advocate for individuals and families, The Enrichment Center, Winston-Salem
** Jim Woolsey, Family member, Charlotte
** Rose Reeves, Consumer, Raleigh

12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. Lunch

1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. Division of MH/DD/SAS Updates
* Mike Moseley, Director, Division of MH/DD/SAS
CMS Approval of Service Definitions for MH and SA Services
Implementation of Secretary's Proposal for Increased LME Efficiency

2:15 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Developing Management Capacity State and Federal Funds: Requirements on Use of Non-Medicaid funds
* Lisa Hollowell, Fiscal Research Division

3:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Division Action Plan to Assist Providers
* Mike Moseley, Director, Division of MH/DD/SAS

Other Business
Adjourn

As always, thank you for your support. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Jill Hinton Keel, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Autism Society of North Carolina
919-743-0204, ext 11
jhkeel@...

Thank you for your continued support of the Autism Society of North Carolina.

www.autismsociety-nc.org

1-800-442-2762 (NC only), 919-743-0204