[atlas:bill]

AN ACT Relating to establishing a pilot project to provide community-based services through a public-private based partnership for persons with developmental disabilities; creating new sections; and making appropriations.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. (1) The legislature finds that:

(a) The United States department of health and human services, which administers medicaid funding, has announced that one of its goals is to integrate people with developmental disabilities into the social mainstream, with equal opportunities and the chance to make choices.

(b) The health care financing administration is urging states to develop plans that strengthen support systems and to actively involve people with disabilities and their families in the design, development, and implementation of these plans.

(c) The Washington state division of developmental disabilities strategies for the future stakeholder work group, as directed by the legislature under RCW 71A.12.180, developed recommendations for restructuring the delivery system to create one that is based on an individual choice and self-determination service delivery philosophy.

(d) There are presently over five thousand persons in the state of Washington with developmental disabilities who are in need of housing, including residential placement services.

(e) Many families of developmentally disabled persons are in need of additional services in the areas of residential support, community relationships, peer development, job training, and other ancillary activities to improve the quality of life and service, and these needs cannot be met under current budgetary allocations. These families are not only asking for assistance, they are also asking to be an integral part of the planning process that affects their loved ones.

(2) It is the intent of the legislature to authorize the secretary of social and health services to develop and coordinate a pilot project to expand service options and support services to persons with developmental disabilities and to serve as a model of private and public funding coming together to offer unique options to families who desire to be equal partners in developing support for their family members.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. (1) The secretary of social and health services shall develop and coordinate a pilot project under which the department contracts with an agency provider to administer necessary support and services, including residential placement, for twenty eligible persons with developmental disabilities. In addition, the department shall cooperate with a private nonprofit community organization which provides additional support services to augment contracted services to make sure each individual's needs are met. The purpose of the pilot project is to:

(a) Provide services for persons with developmental disabilities through a special public-private partnership that is based on the principles of self-directed/person-centered supports and that uses public and private dollars as the funding source;

(b) In cooperation with licensed providers, establish and develop services for persons with developmental disabilities through regionally administered and regionally controlled programs;

(c) Augment the limited resources of the state to provide a stable, secure, and more encompassing provision of services and supports;

(d) Expand service options to people with developmental disabilities; and

(e) Demonstrate a person-centered, community-based, individually budgeted model of developing and delivering service and support.

(2)(a) The pilot project must be based on a service delivery model that is designed and administered according to the needs of the individuals. All individuals to be served must meet the criteria for services established by the division of developmental disabilities and must be assessed using a person-centered planning process. The pilot project shall provide services to eligible persons with developmental disabilities representing a spectrum of needs. All persons who meet the division of developmental disabilities criteria for service must be considered regardless of disability, age, race, religious affiliation, gender, socioeconomic status, or marital status.

(b) Based on the assessment process, each participant is to be afforded the residential option necessary to meet his or her individual needs.

(c) In accordance with each individual plan, participants shall choose qualified providers to meet their individual needs in such areas as:

(i) Health and medical care;

(ii) Transportation;

(iii) Personal hygiene;

(iv) Meal planning and preparation;

(v) Housekeeping;

(vi) Budgeting and personal finance;

(vii) Home maintenance;

(viii) Supported employment supports;

(ix) Recreation and leisure planning;

(x) Community access and involvement;

(xi) Self-advocacy; and

(xii) Family support.

(3) The department of social and health services shall measure and monitor the quality of service provided under the pilot project. Quality of service must be in compliance with state and federal law.

(4) The department shall evaluate the pilot project and make an initial report of its findings and conclusions to the legislature by December 1, 2002, and a final report by December 1, 2003.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. (1) The sum of seven hundred fifty thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2002, from the general fund to the department of social and health services to establish a pilot project as provided in section 2 of this act in Region V.

(2) The sum of nine hundred eighty thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2003, from the general fund to the department of social and health services to establish a pilot project as provided in section 2 of this act in Region V.