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NCCDD Policy Brief
What is LME/MCO Governance? |
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What is Governance?
"Governance" refers to a specific state law (state statute 122c) that describes the Local Management Entity (LME) Board structure. The LME Board provides direction and oversight for the activities and business of the local organization that delivers long term services and supports to individuals with disabilities and their families. The current law tells each LME how many members to have on the board, who can appoint them, and what expertise they should have.
Why Is the State Changing the Governance Law?
As the state implements the new 1915(b)(c) home and community based waivers, many LMEs are consolidating and creating larger, regional offices to deliver services under the new managed care model. These new entities will now be known as LME/MCOs. The current law and structure of the governing board does not fit with this new model. For example, some new LME/MCOs will be 19 counties. The current law requires the Commissioner for each county to be on the board. The current law also says a board can be no larger than 30 members. If the statute is met with all commissioners, financial and business expertise, physicians, providers, and other, a new LME/MCO Board could reach its 30 member capacity with no space left for individuals with disabilities and their families to sit at the table and have a vote on LME/MCO operations.
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If you need help with any of this information, please contact me directly!
- Beth |
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Why Should We Care?
State funded/public entities that provide long term services and supports should be guided by governing boards that adequately represent the individuals and families they serve. It is important to make sure individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and their families are at the table, actively participating in the decision making process, and have a strong voice in way services are made available and received.
Who Is Making the Decisions?
The NC General Assembly has convened a Subcommittee on Local Management Entity (LME) Governance through the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services. Members of this Subcommittee represent a diverse group of legislators, providers, state entities, and advocates. This is an ongoing process - the group has met two times and plans three more meetings. The next meetings are March 12, April 9, and May 14, 2012. In these meetings, the group will discuss 1) board size, 2) membership, 3) member training, 4) member attendance,5) composition, 6) appointments, and 7) number of meetings per year. They will also discuss board responsibilities and powers. Please visit the Governance Subcommittee website for specific information, presentations, handouts, and committee members. | |
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What Can You Do?
1) We are asking for your input! It is important that you share your thoughts with the Subcommittee on Local Management Entity (LME) Governance . Holly Riddle, J.D., M.Ed., was appointed to this Committee to represent NCCDD. If you have specific comments, please contact her at Holly.Riddle@dhhs.nc.gov and she will take your comments to the next three meetings and share them with the larger group.
The statewide Developmental Disabilities Consortium has submitted a statement on Governance issues to the Subcommittee for consideration. NCCDD is a member of the DD Consortium.
2) As statewide implementation of the 1915(b)(c) continues, it is important that you connect with your local LME, your local Consumer and Family Advisory Committee (CFAC), and other community organizations and advisory boards. Your voice is needed to improve services and supports for persons with developmental disabilities! | |
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NCCDD, 3125 Poplarwood Court, Suite 200, Raleigh, North Carolina 27604
(404) 319-0560 direct (800) 357-6916 council office |
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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