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NCCDD Public Policy Newsletter 02/03/2012 |
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Announcements
NCBLN
Have you visited the North Carolina Business Leadership Network (NCBLN) website recently? NCBLN is a business to business network to provide information and resources to: source, hire and promote people with disabilities; to do business with organizations owned and operated by people with disabilities; and to market their products and services in an accessible manner to people with disabilities across the State of North Carolina. Visit the website for a list of quarterly meetings, and information on the Annual Conference in November 2012.
NC CAP I/DD Waiver - Request for Extension
The NC Division of Medical Assistance (DMA) has asked the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) for an extension for the current 2008 CAP MR/DD waiver to review NC's progress on the transition plan for recipients residing in facilities with more than 16 beds. The Divisions are addressing final questions about transition to the new waiver requirements and have requested an implementaton date of April 1, 2012.
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North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities3125 Poplarwood Court, Ste. 200 Raleigh, North Carolina 27604 ncpolicy@nccdd.org919-850-2901
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Happy 2012!
2012 will be an exciting and challenging year for Councils as they work to improve policies that support persons with intellectual and other developmental disabilities and their families. What can you do? Stay informed of policy events such as those presented in this newsletter. Contact leaders and service providers in your community, your state policy makers, and US Representatives to let them know your opinions. They want to hear your experiences and opinions! |
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North Carolina Update
Medicaid Cuts
The Interim Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services has been discussing how to address the current $150 million shortfall in the Medicaid program and the projected $240 million gap in next year's budget. So far, Legislators have avoided options such as reductions to provider rates and cuts to "optional services"-- which include those services and supports to persons with disabilities. No decisions have been made on how to balance the Medicaid budget. Please contact your state representative and the NC Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to educate leaders about the importance of Medicaid services and supports in the lives of persons with developmental disabilities and their families.
NC General Assembly Convenes for Short Session
The North Carolina General Assembly is scheduled to return to session on February 16, 2012. It has not yet been determined what specific issues will be discussed. This is the sixth short session since the General Assembly adjourned on June 16.
Secretary Cansler resigns from DHHS
Lanier Cansler has stepped down as secretary of the NC Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the agency that runs the Medicaid program. DHHS is also the designated state agency for the Council. Governor Perdue's senior policy advisor, Al Delia, has been named as acting secretary of DHHS effective February 1, 2012. Cansler will pursue his consulting business and has agreed to serve as chairman of Perdue's new Commission on Affordable and Sustainable Healthcare. |
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Federal Policy Update
House Votes to Repeal Healthcare Law's "CLASS Act" Progam
Members voted 267-159 in favor of the bill, H.R. 1173, which repeals the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) program. While 28 Democrats joined Republicans in support of the bill, House passage sends the bill to a Democratic Senate that is expected to ignore the bill completely.
The Obama administration in October found that there is no viable financial path forward for the program, as it would rely on voluntary participation and could not receive taxpayer funds. Republicans argued today that the program should therefore be repealed, and said they favor this approach because failing to implement a program that is still on the books could lead to legal challenges.
Democrats rejected these arguments, and said the program should remain and somehow be fixed, although none offered proposals for doing so during floor debate.
Please visit the following link for a full article.
"Keeping All Students Safe" Act
Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions (HELP) Committee, has introduced the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" prohibiting seclusion and restraints in schools except in emergency situations..
In 2009, the Government Accountability Office documented hundreds of children subjected to restraint and seclusion in school, resulting in death, injury, and psychological trauma. Often, the victims have been children with disabilities. In 2010, Disability Rights North Carolina published a report citing cases of improper restraint and injury in NC schools. The Keeping All Students Safe Act would protect students, provide training for school personnel, and promote positive school culture and climate.
NCCDD joined other state Councils in thanking Senator Harkin for addressing the issues of seclusion and restraint for persons with disabilities in schools. Please contact your Congressional Representatives and let them know the importance of this bill.
Autism Definition May Change
An expert panel has been convened by the American Psychological Association to discuss how Autism is defined. Some argue that a more narrow definition is needed to focus the medical research and better understand the disease process and possible treatments. Others are concerned that a change to the existing definition could affect services and supports that many indivdiuals and families rely on. A discussion of the possible impact these changes may have can be found in a recent New York Times article.
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 The NCCDD works to advance opportunities and services for the estimated 172,000 persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in North Carolina. NCCDD is charged with creating systems change through grant awards, public policy, and advocacy guided by the core values of integration, productivity, inclusion, independence and self- determination set out in the Developmental Disabilities Bill of Rights and Assistance Act (P.L. 106-402). |
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