FW: [ProviderNet] Hundreds of NC Lic. Mental Health Therapist unable to work

From: ProviderNet@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thursday, February 14, 2013 11:56 AM
Subject: [ProviderNet] Hundreds of NC Lic. Mental Health Therapist unable to work


Hundreds of NC Mental Health Therapist unable to work.

Our newly licensed therapist in our office applied for Medicaid enrollment and were informed that in accordance with North Carolina session law 2011-399:

"The Department shall conduct provider screening of Medicaid and Health Choice providers in accordance with applicable State or federal law or regulation. The Department must screen all initial provider applications for enrollment in Medicaid and Health choice, including application for a new practice location, and all revalidation requests based on Department assessment of risk and assignment of the provider to a categorical risk level of "limited," "moderate," or "high." If a provider could fit within more than one risk level described in this section the highest level of screening is applicable."

Public Consulting Group (PCG) on behalf of the North Carolina Division of Medical Assistance (DMA) will be conducting an onsite screening.

Public Consulting Group (PCG)
877-522-1057
55 Capital Center Drive, Suite 550
Raleigh, NC 27606
　
The session law required the completion of 3- classes however, the classes are NOT available and NO ONE at PCG is answering the phones to provide information.

How can the legislature pass a law mandating the completion of training as a prerequisite for Medicaid Provider enrollment and not ENSURE that the training is available?

We are also being told that DMA will not back date the enrollment date.

So now we have two therapist that cannot provide services to Medicaid consumers and therefore do not earn enough money to support themselves. They are working PT and looking for other work to supplement their income. Many consumers that need therapy don't get it.

Does anyone at the North Carolina General Assembly care about the workers in this state?
Who will fix this?

Geraldo Rivera - The P&A System

The most effective advocates, says Bernard, former Willowbrook "inmate," are the parents and the consumers themselves because they know what they need and they know what they want.

Of course, that's assuming that the powers-that-be listen & give a hoot rather than having their opinions handed to them by the 'trained experts' who have never met my child nor yours... just sayin'.

Connecticut Shooting Raises Questions About Autism

From DisabilityScoop

[ view original article here ] 

Connecticut Shooting Raises Questions About Autism

By MICHELLE DIAMENT

December 17, 2012

News that the gunman responsible for the Connecticut school shooting last week was reportedly diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome is coming with a dose of caution from autism advocates.

A law enforcement official told The Associated Press over the weekend that Adam Lanza, 20, had Asperger’s. Lanza killed 26 people at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. Friday, most of them children in the first grade.

But autism advocates say the diagnosis does not explain the mass shooting and point out that there is no link between the type of planned violence that Lanza displayed and the developmental disorder.

“There is absolutely no evidence or any reliable research that suggests a linkage between autism and planned violence,” reads a statement from The Autism Society. “To imply or suggest that some linkage exists is wrong and is harmful to more than 1.5 million law abiding, non-violent and wonderful individuals who live with autism each day.”

Those who knew Lanza described him to The New York Times as shy and socially awkward. While those traits are characteristic of autism, self-advocates caution that having the condition does not suggest whether a person will do good or bad things in life.

“While the majority of statistics prove that we are infinitely more prone to be the victims of violence than the perpetrators of violence, we are not immune from becoming people capable of making terrible, horrible choices. No one is,” said Michael John Carley, executive director of the Global and Regional Asperger Syndrome Partnership.

Nonetheless, experts at the Judge David L. Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law said the tragedy calls attention to the lack of mental health services currently available.

“The real problem is that community based services — including mobile crisis services, assertive community treatment, peer supports and supportive housing — are in short supply, delaying hospital discharges and resulting in mental health crises that could otherwise be prevented,” the organization said in a statement. “A stronger commitment to vital community mental health services is long overdue and must be paired with improved gun laws in order to prevent future tragedies.”

NCGA JLOC-HHS Meeting Agenda 9/10

SUBCOMMITTEE ON MENTAL HEALTH

JOINT LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

AGENDA

September 10, 2012, 1:00 P.M.,

Room 643, Legislative Office Building

Representative Justin Burr, Co-Chair

Senator Louis Pate, Co-Chair

Introductions and Comments 1:00-1:10
Chairman Burr
Chairman Pate

Review of Law Establishing Subcommittee Charge 1:10-1:15
FRD Staff

Overview of Major Mental Health Reform 1:15-2:00

• Major Legislative and Policy Changes 2001 – Present
  Research Staff

(Presentation will address major changes in the State’s delivery of mental health services, including information on Olmstead/ADA – description, impact on the state’s mental health system)

• Impact on State Facilities’ and Community Psychiatric Hospitals 2:00 – 2:45
  Ms. Laura White, Team Leader Psychiatric Hospitals
  Division of State Operated Healthcare Facilities

(Presentation will address number of people released into the community as a result of reforms/policy changes, adequacy of beds and services; changes in availability of state facility and community mental health beds over this period; state facility and community mental health bed capacity; state facility catchment areas)

• LME Perspective on Impact of Major Reform/Policy Changes 2:45 – 3:30
  Pam Shipman, CEO PBH

Impact of Mental Health Policy on Law Enforcement 3:15 – 3:30
Eddie Caldwell, Executive Director, NC Sherriff’s Association

Committee Discussion/Comments 3:30-4:00

Adjourn

FW: National Core Indicators Adult Consumer Survey

Below is an email I received regarding the National Core Indicators (NCI) surveys and reports conducted as a collaborative effort between the National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services (NASDDDS) and the Human Services Research Institute (HSRI) as pertaining to the Durham Center LME (now Alliance Behvioral Health Care).

From the NCI website: 

The purpose of the program, which began in 1997, is to support NASDDDS member agencies to gather a standard set of performance and outcome measures that can be used to track their own performance over time, to compare results across states, and to establish national benchmarks.

• NCI State Report for North Carolina, 2009-10 data
• For comparison, you may view reports from the other 29 participating states here
• NCI Adult Consumer Survey Outcomes, North Carolina Durham LME Report, 2009-10 data

Currently, my daughter is 14 years old and personally I have never received a survey of any kind from any state nor federal agency regarding services she has received over the years that I can recall, nor have I ever been asked for my opinion nor feedback, though I'm certain it's no surprise to anyone who knows me that I happily provide it anyway. 

But apparently some folks are asked for input on their experiences. 

-----------

Subject: FW: National Core Indicators Adult Consumer Survey

DMHDDSAS conducts National Core Indicators surveys of people with intellectual / developmental disabilities (IDD) through the Division's Core Indicators Projects annually. The surveys consist of (1) family surveys that are mailed to the family members or guardians of random samples of people with IDD who received a service other than case management or care coordination in the past fiscal year and (2) the adult consumer survey. The latter consists of two parts: (a) the background information section that is completed by a service provider, and (b) the adult consumer section that is completed through a direct interview of the person with IDD for the first part of the section and a direct interview either with the person with IDD or with others (e.g. a family member or an advocate, or a service provider).

Attached is your advanced copy of a report about the performance of your LME/MCO on the national core indicators (NCI) that was produced by the Human Services Research Institute (HSRI) based on the adult consumer surveys conducted in SFY 2009-2010. HSRI is a non-profit agency that works with states on measures that impact people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD).

HSRI analyzes NCI data and publishes reports that show how each state performs against other participating states. The final report for 2009-2010 for the state of North Carolina may be accessed at the following HSRI website: http://www.hsri.org/files/uploads/publications/NCI_CS_09-10_FINAL_Report.pdf. DMHDDSAS will be publishing LME-specific reports on its own website on or before the end of this month.

We believe that the findings generated from the NCI surveys are extremely valuable for improving the system at the state and local levels and we hope that you will share them with your stakeholders, including members of your Community and Family Advisory Committee (CFAC).

If you have questions about the report or the project, please do not hesitate to get in touch with Maria Fernandez (919-733-0696; maria.fernandez@dhhs.nc.gov).

NC-DHHS Settlement Agreement Dox w/ US DOJ

Settlement Documents (123KB pdf)

The above link will prompt a pdf download of the full settlement documents between the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the United States Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division;

Documents to include:

• Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief 
• Joint Motion to Dismiss Without Prejudice and Retain Jurisdiction
• Proposed Order
• Settlement Agreement (Exhibit A)
• Memorandum in Support of the Joint Motion

See the Press Release from Disability Rights of NC

See the DHHS Press Release via The Arc of North Carolina

Hubert H. Humphrey said, "The moral test of government is how it treats those who are in the dawn of life . . . the children; those who are in the twilight of life . . . the elderly; and those who are in the shadow of life . . . the sick . . . the needy . . . and the disabled."

On behalf of so many, THANK YOU North Carolina!! 

Disability Rights NC Applauds North Carolina’s Settlement with U.S. DOJ

From Disability Rights of North Carolina

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, August 23, 2012

[ download pdf version ]

Disability Rights NC Applauds North Carolina’s Settlement with U.S. DOJ

Raleigh – Governor Beverly Perdue took a major step today toward resolving one of the greatest challenges facing our State’s mental health system by signing a settlement agreement with the U.S. DOJ. The agreement addresses findings made July 28, 2011, that the State violates the ADA by segregating North Carolinians with mental illness in Adult Care Homes rather than allowing people the choice to live and be supported in the community.

“Disability Rights NC applauds the Governor and the Secretary Delia for their leadership. This agreement will protect the rights of people with disabilities and help the State avoid costly litigation,” said Vicki Smith, Executive Director.

The agreement provides for the creation of appropriate community mental health care, employment services and housing options for people with mental illness in our State. “This agreement will improve the lives of N.C. families – our brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers. Disability Rights NC pledges to remain vigilant, ensuring the agreement’s promise is permanent,” said Smith. “North Carolina has seized an opportunity to cultivate a robust system of care for people with mental illness which all of us can be proud of.”

Background on North Carolinians with Mental Illness Housed in Adult Care Homes

In July 2010, Disability Rights NC filed a complaint with the US DOJ alleging that the State of North Carolina is in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) because the State has a bias towards placing people with mental illness in Adult Care Homes (ACHs) rather than supporting them in more integrated settings in their home communities. ACHs are institutional settings that do not provide appropriate services to support recovery and meaningful community integration. Disability Rights NC alleged that the State, in relying on placements in these types of Adult Care Homes, is violating the ADA. Please see the Report: Trapped in a Fractured System - People with Mental Illness in Adult Care Homes on the website (www.disabilityrightsnc.org). Under the ADA the unjustified segregation of persons with disabilities is an illegal form of discrimination. The integration mandate allows individuals to interact with non-disabled persons to the fullest extent possible so people with disabilities are not isolated from their communities.

The US DOJ, Civil Rights Division, issued a letter of findings on July 28, 2011, concluding that North Carolina "fails to provide services to individuals with mental illness in the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs in violation of the ADA," and that "[r]eliance on unnecessary institutional settings violates the civil rights of people with disabilities." The central finding of the US DOJ is that North Carolina lacks an adequate community support system for people with mental illness. As a result, individuals are institutionalized in more expensive and more restrictive settings in Adult Care Homes. "Most people with mental illness receiving services in adult care homes could be served in more integrated settings, but are relegated indefinitely and unnecessarily to adult care homes because of systemic State actions and policies," wrote U.S. Assistant Attorney General Thomas Perez. "Reliance on unnecessary institutional settings violates the civil rights of people with disabilities.”

###

NC DHHS, US DOJ Reach Agreement on Community Based Care for Only Citizens with Serious Mental Illness

From The Arc of North Carolina

Breaking: NC DHHS, US DOJ Reach Agreement on Community Based Care for Only Citizens with Serious Mental Illness

[ view release at arcnc.org ]

Press Release from NC Dept. of Health & Human Services:

Raleigh — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the United States Department of Justice today reached an agreement on the state’s plan to offer more choices of where and how citizens with serious mental illness receive care and supportive services.

The plan, which was announced last month, will create housing slots in the community to offer the choice of community-based care for many adults with serious mental illness. It will also invest in job training and employment assistance for those citizens and will set up a comprehensive, 24/7 crisis care program for people with a serious mental illness.

This agreement will modernize our mental health system and ensure that North Carolina is providing the best possible treatment for adults diagnosed with severe mental illness. It will also provide the opportunity for many of these individuals to live in community settings if they choose to do so, and ensure that North Carolina is fully complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act and other federal laws.

This agreement is similar to ones signed by governors of a number of other states including, among others, the governors of Virginia and Georgia.

DHHS Secretary Al Delia agrees that more should be done to ensure access to community-based treatment for those with mental illness. “North Carolinians who have a serious mental illness have a right to choose the very best care environment to meet their personal needs,” he said. “That choice – whether they live in the community or in an adult care home – will be supported with access to mental health and other support services that will be available in part due to this agreement. Moving forward with a solution to help them identify and access those choices is the right thing to do,” he said.

“Disability Rights NC applauds the Governor and Secretary Delia for their leadership on this matter. They have not only done the right thing to protect the rights of people with disabilities, they have helped the state avoid costly litigation and destabilizing uncertainty,” said Vicki Smith, executive director of Disability Rights NC.

The agreement outlines DHHS’s plan of action to provide community-based services to people with mental illness. The budget the General Assembly passed in July expressly contemplated a settlement and appropriated funding to make this agreement possible. The timeline for completing the plan is eight years; this transition period will enable people who want to move to community-based settings to do so on a workable timetable and will allow sufficient time for North Carolina’s mental health infrastructure to implement this agreement.

# # #

news : Adult care home plan for NC under way

APNewsBreak: Adult care home plan for NC under way
By GARY D. ROBERTSON - Associated Press

[ read at News and Observer ]

RALEIGH, N.C. --

North Carolina's state health agency is moving ahead with the first step of a multi-year plan to help move potentially thousands of mentally ill residents from adult care homes to affordable housing and less restrictive living conditions.

The state Department of Health and Human Services publicized Thursday the action plan, which responds to allegations made a year ago by the U.S. Department of Justice that the state was failing to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The government threatened to sue unless improvements were made.

The plan is a calculated risk for state officials because federal attorneys haven't told them whether it's enough to avoid litigation. That could require a judge-approved agreement with the federal government that may be more rigorous and expensive to carry out.

Government lawyers said in July 2011 that thousands of people with mental illness were segregated from society in adult care homes that had essentially become mental health treatment centers without giving them access to community treatment.

The plan, which will cost $10.3 million this fiscal year, will begin moving at least 100 residents with severe mental illness outside the homes to other community housing. Based on their income and ability to function, the displaced residents also will get help with paying rent, job training and potential employment.

The eight-year plan, which could cost a total of $67 million, would work to create 3,000 "slots" for people seeking a full slate of community services, acting HHS Secretary Al Delia said. The number of people that move could be much more because not everyone will need all of the offered services, Delia said.

Those who want to stay in adult care homes can remain there, he told The Associated Press.

"People will have choice," Delia said in an interview. "They will not be required to live in any one place, whether it's in a facility or in the community."

The DOJ investigation followed a July 2010 complaint by an advocacy group that found hundreds of adult care homes statewide had improper conditions and lacked trained staff, creating a dangerous environment.

The General Assembly set aside money in this year's budget to begin the transition, which has been the subject of months of talks with the Department of Justice. Delia described HHS and the federal government agreeing largely on the improvements being made.

HHS is "moving forward on implementation because we believe that it's the right policy," Delia said.

Vicki Smith with Disability Rights North Carolina, the group that leveled the 2010 complaint, said the plan sounds good on the surface but lacks a method to require the state to carry out the plan completely. Smith pointed out there's less than six months before Gov. Beverly Perdue leaves office and another administration arrives.

"Many of the people who are issuing these promises will not be around even at the end of the first year to ensure implementation," said Smith, adding that the state has fallen short of expectations in the past when it comes to mental health treatment.

"I just don't think people with mental illness can recover from another failed promise," Smith said.

The department said it still doesn't have an accurate count of the number of mentally ill residents in homes. DOJ wrote in July 2011 that 5,800 people with mental illness live at 288 adult care homes with at least 20 beds where people with mental illness comprise at least 10 percent of the population.

The action plan is one solution to deal with intertwined legal and government challenges involving North Carolina's adult care homes, whose residents include people with chronic health problems, Alzheimer's disease or mental illness. The homes don't have medically intensive services that are found in nursing homes.

The state budget also set aside another $40 million in part to provide assistance to adult care homes that aren't expected to receive some Medicaid reimbursements when a streamlined policy for personal care services goes into effect soon.

The plan's unveiling came on the 22nd anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The 2010 complaint by Disability Rights North Carolina also was filed on Thursday's date.

NC Fails at DOJ Settlement, but has a Plan!

22 Years Ago Today...

Thu, Jul 26, 2012 at 7:59 AM
From: Vicki Smith, Executive Director of Disability Rights North Carolina
Re: State fails to settle with DOJ but announces 8 year plan



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


[ view the DRNC Press Release ]

DOJ Update

NC Secretary of Health and Human Services, Al Delia, will announce the details of an 8 year plan to develop services for 3,000 individuals with mental illness in living in Adult Care Homes to more integrated setting appropriate to their needs later today. 

The plan is an attempt to address a July 28, 2011 Letter of Finding issued by the US Department of Justice. The letter was issued in response to a complaint filed July 26, 2010 by Disability Rights NC alleging North Carolina’s practice of warehousing people with mental illness in adult care homes violated the ADA’s integration mandate. 

The State and USDOJ have been in confidential negotiations for the last year. At the table were representatives from the Governor’s Office, Department of Health & Human Services, and the Attorney General’s Office. Little information was shared about discussions until today’s announcement that the parties have failed to reach agreement but the state is moving forward with a plan. However, the General Assembly’s inclusion of $10.3 million in the 2012 - 2013 Budget to begin implementation of any settlement was seen as a sign that resolution was near. The announcement will also include acknowledgment by the State that it was unable to reach a settlement agreement with USDOJ, largely because of disagreement regarding an enforcement mechanism.

Our Response

“We are disappointed that the State was unable to come to an agreement to resolve our complaint with USDOJ,” said Vicki Smith, Executive Director of Disability Rights NC. “It is reassuring to have the State acknowledge the enormity of the unmet needs of people with mental illness and their plan to increase supported housing, supported employment and other services. However, the plan outlined by the State lacks a binding agreement, one which once and for all commits the state to fulfill the promises we’ve heard today. “ 

The Department of Justice may still pursue legal action against the state. Whatever steps the USDOJ takes next, Disability Rights NC will continue to address this situation. 

North Carolina has failed to:

Develop a meaningful Community Integration Plan as required by the 1999 Supreme Court’s Olmstead Decision including policies that provide incentives for community based services and placements;

Adequately fund the state’s Mental Health Trust Fund;

Develop community based services as hospital beds were closed, instead it relied on an industry that was neither designed nor competent to promote the recovery and inclusion of people with mental illness in the community; and

Most importantly, the State failed to focus first and foremost on the interests and needs of people with mental illness. It lost sight of its purpose - protecting the health and safety of all its citizens while providing essential human services.

What a way to celebrate the 22 anniversary of the signing of the ADA into law.

Take a look at this short video:  http://youtu.be/6ieH8FE9Dhw

“Let the shameful wall of exclusion finally come tumbling down.”

More information as it develops!

Vicki Smith

Executive Director

Disability Rights NC

2626 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 550

Raleigh, NC 27608

Phone: 919-856-2195

TTY: 1-888-268-5535

Fax: 919-856-2244

vicki.smith@disabilityrightsnc.org

http://www.disabilityrightsnc.org

Disability Rights NC is the state's protection and advocacy system. 

Disability Rights NC is a 501 (c)(3) organization. Donations support our efforts to promote a clear and independent voice for North Carolinians with disabilities. If you are a state government employee, you can support Disability Rights NC through the State Employees Combined Campaign (SECC). Please use code # 1544.

This transmission is intended for the sole use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. Any dissemination, distribution or duplication of this transmission by someone other than the intended addressee or its designated agent is prohibited. If your receipt of this transmission is in error, please notify us by telephone (919) 856-2195 or return e-mail to the sender. Please delete all copies of this message and any attachments.

Call for FAN Workshop Proposals, MHAT

Call for Workshop Proposals for 2012-2013
Family Advocacy Network (FAN)

Free Workshop Series

Chapel Hill, NC - The Family Advocacy Network (FAN), a program of Mental Health America of the Triangle (MHAT), has issued a Call for Workshop Proposals for its 2012-13 free monthly workshop series for parents of school-age children who live with a mental health condition.

FAN is seeking experienced professionals to facilitate workshops on topics that include: mental health, psychopharmacology, special education, youth social and coping skills development, parenting skills building, family strengths building, parent self-care and partner relationship strengthening, anti-bullying, transitioning children and youth through critical years, independent living beyond high school, navigating the system of care and other related mental health treatment/diagnosis specific and service orientation topics.

Training facilitators should be experts working in the field with group presentation experience. Workshops are two-hours in length. A $75 stipend per workshop is paid to the facilitator. Trainings typically take place the second Saturday of each month during the school year, 9:30 to 11:30am at Freedom House Recovery Center, 102 New Stateside Drive, Chapel Hill.

To submit a proposal, contact Julie Bailey at julie@mhatriangle.org. Deadline for submission is July 31, 2012. Bilingual workshop facilitators able to present in Spanish are also needed.

Mental Health America of the Triangle (MHAT), formerly Mental Health Association of Orange County, is a 501( c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to serve as an unwavering voice of hope and source of support, education, service and advocacy for those whose lives are touched by mental illness and/or substance abuse. Community programs at MHAT are offered to area residents free of charge.

###

NAMI NC 2012 Annual Conference

The Next Step…Where Do We Go From Here?

October 19-20, 2012

Jane S. McKimmon Center – 1101 Gorman St., Raleigh NC

We are very excited about our agenda this year and hope that you will join us! Please share this opportunity with your co-workers, families, individuals living with a mental illness, youth, school personnel, etc. We hope to see you there! CEUs will be available again this year – don’t miss out, REGISTER NOW!

Keynote: Major General and Carol Graham. The Grahams have dedicated their lives to suicide prevention after losing their son Kevin, 21 to suicide and their son Jeffery, 24 in combat, all within the same year. The Grahams will speak about Suicide Prevention and the dangers of untreated depression (Read more).

Other guests include:

• Clark Flatt from The Jason Foundation, will speak on Youth Suicide.
• Dr. Sara Lisanby, Department Chair of Duke University’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, will present New Advances in Brain Stimulation.
• Bill and Bonnie Kinschner will share How to grow an affilaite and outreach efforts Using FaithNet materials.
• NAMI IOOV Presenter and Author will share tips on how to live with Anxiety.
• Beth Ann Russell will discuss the challenges of living in recovery with schizophrenia

Workshop topics include:

• Public Policy Overview
• Meeting the Media – how to stell your story
• Presentation by The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
• Managed Care Waiver
• Retaining Employment
• Military Mental Health
• What to do if your child is arrested.
• And much more!

REGISTER NOW! online or Print A Registration Form

* For more info, please see NAMI NC's website.

DRNC : Request for Public Input

Survey from Disability rights NC regarding target / focus areas in the new fiscal year.

Disability Rights North Carolina is our State's protection and advocacy system for its citizens with disabilities. We provide individual and systems advocacy, including legal representation, to people with disabilities when their legal rights are violated. We uphold the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act and other federal and state laws.

Each year, we establish Targets that guide how we spend our resources for the coming year. These Targets drive the work that we do. They influence the work we do and the cases we take.

In fiscal year 2011 (October 1, 2010 - September 30, 2011), we received more than 2,300 calls for assistance but had the resources to provide direct advocacy for only 852 callers.

On June 15, 2012, the Board of Directors of Disability Rights NC tentatively approved its Targets for 2013 which are now out for public comment through the middle of August. The Board will carefully consider all public input received before finalizing the 2013 Targets at its September Board meeting. We do this to make sure that we are spending our resources the way the disability community feels is important.

Our proposed 2013 Targets continue to focus on the impact of the state budget cuts to services for people with disabilities. They also reflect the requirements of our federal funders.

Please let us know what you think about the proposed 2013 Targets by responding to this survey. It should take about 15 minutes but that time will help us make better decisions about how to spend our limited resources next year.

Please share the link to this survey with your friends, family and anyone who cares about people with disabilities.

If you need assistance in completing this survey, contact Haydee Martinez at 919-856-2195.

Si necesitas ayuda o traducción en español para completar esta encuesta por favor llame a Haydee Martinez al 1-877-235-4210 or 919-856-2195 or haydee.martinez@disabilityrightsnc.org.

N&O article re TRO Issues Against DHHS

Judge halts effort to assign adult care homes special status
Published Fri, Jun 15, 2012
By Lynn Bonner - lbonner@newsobserver.com
Published in: Health/Science

[ Original News and Observer article here ]

An administrative law judge on Friday put a temporary stop to the state assigning adult care homes a special status that cuts off their federal Medicaid payments.

A group of adult care homes went to court this week to ask that the state Department of Health and Human Services no longer be allowed to designate certain adult care homes “institutes of mental disease.”

To comply with federal rules, the state is surveying adult care homes to determine how many of their residents are mentally ill. Adult care homes have long offered housing for mentally ill people, but the practice conflicts with federal policy.

Senior Administrative Law Judge Fred G. Morrison Jr. granted a temporary restraining order Friday telling the DHHS it could continue its surveys but that it could not take the final step to stop the flow of Medicaid money from adult care homes they find to be violating federal rules before June 28.

The federal Medicaid program won’t reimburse adult care homes where more than half the residents have mental illness as a primary diagnosis. The adult care homes said losing the federal money would create a financial hardship because the government health insurance program pays more than 40 percent of each eligible patient’s yearly costs.

Bonner: 919-829-4821

N&O article re: 75M Medicaid Budget Shortfall

Medicaid budget to come up $75M short
Published Fri, Jun 15, 2012 07:45 PM
By Lynn Bonner - lbonner@newsobserver.com
Published in: State

[ Original News and Observer article here ]

Legislators learned this week that the Medicaid budget would show a bigger than expected shortfall this year, just weeks after they passed a law they thought would solve the problem.

Medicaid claims paid June 12 were much higher than expected, said Al Delia, state Department of Health and Human Services acting secretary, costing the state about $25 million more than anticipated. The state has to pay two more rounds of Medicaid provider claims before the fiscal year ends, leading the office to project that the Medicaid budget will come up about $75 million short. Claims were higher than expected in the previous two payment cycles as well, Delia said, but the increases were smaller. Legislators were kept apprised of the increases and were told this week of the trend, Delia said.

Medicaid is the biggest wildcard in the state budget, with costs for the government insurance for the poor and disabled routinely higher than projected. The legislature a few weeks ago passed a law to fill a $205 million Medicaid budget shortfall for this year.

Delia said health-care provider claims tend to dip at this time of year, so the increase surprised Medicaid and state budget officials. The uptick resulted from providers filing claims at a faster clip, Delia said. The bills can be covered with temporary transfers from other state accounts, he said.

“Providers will be paid,” Delia said. “Services will continue.”

State Rep. Nelson Dollar said legislators are ready to work with state administrators to solve what he called a “cash flow problem.”

“They may need to move funds from one area of the budget to another so they can pay those obligations in the current fiscal year,” said Dollar, a Cary Republican.

Legislators asked state administrators to investigate the cause of the higher claims, Dollar said, but they do not think this month’s spike in bills portends higher than anticipated costs next year.

Bonner: 919-829-482