Case Hails Legislation Shortening Wait Lists for Developmental Services

Hartford – State Representative Jay Case (R-63) supported legislation, SB 294 – An Act Concerning Services for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities, establishing certain procedures for the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) to follow regarding waitlists maintained by the agency for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

“Waitlists for agency services are growing in size, while sources of funding continue to decrease. This makes it difficult for DDS to match their clients with necessary services,” said Rep. Case. “This bill establishes concrete procedure, dictating waitlist policy, by providing critical information regarding a client’s status to his or her family as it relates to the individual’s level of need assessment.”

The bill also calls for DDS to develop a five- and 10-year plan for each DDS client and provide certain information to individuals, and their legal representatives upon request. Further, regional counsels to implement planning and resource allocation teams will be established.

Case also pointed out new, annual reporting requirements that DDS must present to the legislature’s Public Health and Appropriations committees on the number of individuals determined by DDS to be eligible for DDS funding or services.

Consequently, DDS must show how many residents have unmet residential care or employment opportunities, along with day services needs. Additionally, the report must include the number of eligible applicants for the department’s behavioral services program and are waiting for a funding allocation.

“As we allocate monies to our various state agencies, it is important to know the universe or population of people who utilize a specific agency’s services,” explained Case, who serves on the Appropriations Committee. “Without solid numbers on how many people are still in need of DDS services, it is tough to budget an accurate dollar amount. This legislation, however, will give us the data we need to distribute resources appropriately.”

There is also a provision in the bill requiring DDS and the Department of Social Services (DSS) to provide at least 90 days’ notice to clients before they become ineligible or stop receiving care.

S.B. 294 was unanimously approved in the Senate and House of Representatives. It now goes to the Governor’s office to be signed into law.

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