RD433 - Training Center Closure Plan Quarterly Update - October 1, 2014 (1st Quarter Report – FY2015)


Executive Summary:
Item 307 L.1 of the 2014 Appropriation Act requires the Commissioner of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) to report on the implementation of the state training center closure plan and the transition of residents to the community on a quarterly basis. The language reads:

"L.1. Beginning October 1, 2013, the Commissioner of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services shall provide quarterly reports to the House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees on progress in implementing the plan to close state training centers and transition residents to the community. The reports shall provide the following information on each state training center: (i) the number of authorized representatives who have made decisions regarding the long-term type of placement for the resident they represent and the type of placement they have chosen; (ii) the number of authorized representatives who have not yet made such decisions; (iii) barriers to discharge; (iv) the general fund and nongeneral fund cost of the services provided to individuals transitioning from training centers; and (v) the use of increased Medicaid reimbursement for congregate residential services to meet exceptional needs of individuals transitioning from state training centers.

2. At least six months prior to the closure of a state intellectual disabilities training center, the Commissioner of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services shall complete a comprehensive survey of each individual residing in the facility slated for closure to determine the services and supports the individual will need to receive appropriate care in the community. The survey shall also determine the adequacy of the community to provide care and treatment for the individual, including but not limited to, the appropriateness of current provider rates, adequacy of waiver services, and availability of housing. The Commissioner shall report quarterly findings to the Governor and Chairmen of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees.

3. The department shall convene quarterly meetings with authorized representatives, families, and service providers in Health Planning Regions I, II, III and IV to provide a mechanism to (i) promote routine collaboration between families and authorized representatives, the department, community services boards, and private providers; (ii) ensure the successful transition of training center residents to the community; and (iii) gather input on Medicaid waiver redesign to better serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disability.

4. In the event that provider capacity cannot meet the needs of individuals transitioning from training centers to the community, the department shall work with community services boards and private providers to explore the feasibility of developing (i) a limited number of small community group homes or intermediate care facilities to meet the needs of residents transitioning to the community, and/or (ii) a regional support center to provide specialty services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities whose medical, dental, rehabilitative or other special needs cannot be met by community providers. The Commissioner shall report on these efforts to the House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees as part of the quarterly report, pursuant to paragraph L.1."

This memorandum serves as an update to Item 314.L (Appendix A) and provides the additional information required in Item 314.O. The closure plan was published on January 10, 2014 and the first training center (SVTC) closed in May 2014. In June 2014 DBHDS revised the closure date of NVTC from June 2015 to March 2016.