Committee: Children, Families, Health, & Human Services Interim Committee
Author: Sue O'Connell
Posted on May 17, 2018
The Children, Families, Health, and Human Services Interim Committee in May asked for draft legislation on a variety of topics affecting community services to people with developmental disabilities.
The committee has been reviewing community services this interim, as requested in House Joint Resolution 24. Much of the information the committee has gathered has focused on the need for more flexibility in the funding of DD services and the need to improve retention of the direct-care workers who provide services in the community.
Toward that end, the committee asked that bills be drafted to:
The committee will review and take public comment on the bill drafts in June.
Before deciding on the bill draft requests, the committee heard about the way in which DPHHS develops budget proposals for community services and about ongoing discussions the agency and providers are holding on topics of concern. The talks currently are focused on transportation requirements and the billing system for congregate residential services.
Also at the meeting, the committee:
The department initially planned to eliminate contracts with the four providers offering targeted case management and to have state employees provide the service, instead. However, Hogan said that after the committee asked the department to work with providers on an alternative solution, the agency decided to use a competitive bidding process to contract with one provider for the services.
The committee will hold its next meeting on June 21-22 at the Capitol in Helena. For more information, visit the committee's website or contact Sue O'Connell, committee staff.
Committee Website: www.leg.mt.gov/cfhhs
Committee Staff: soconnell@mt.gov or 406-444-3597