- Introduced -

SB 266 - This act requires the Department of Mental Health to develop a plan to address the needs of persons who are on a waiting list for services. The plan must emphasize the partnership between developmentally disabled individuals and their families, community providers, and state officials. The plan shall include:

- A method for reducing the waiting period ninety days;

- A description of available services;

- An evaluation of the capacity to serve more individuals;

- A method of adjusting support and service levels based on individual needs;

- A method for determining when out-of-home twenty-four hour care is necessary;

- A description on how the plan will be implemented;

- Any necessary changes to state law;

- An analysis of the monetary effects to providing services to all eligible individuals and their families.

The act requires the plan to be completed by November 1, 2003. The Director of the Department must submit a copy to the General Assembly and the Governor.

LORIE TOWE