81R18049 GCB-D

By: Guillen, Naishtat, Lucio III, Flores, H.B. No. 1905

Leibowitz, et al.

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to studying the costs and benefits of a pilot program for services for adults with autism and other related disabilities with similar support needs.

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

SECTION 1. (a) The executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission shall conduct a study to determine the costs and benefits to this state of initiating a pilot program to provide services to adult persons with autism and other related disabilities with similar support needs.

(b) The study will determine the costs and benefits of a pilot program based on a program designed to:

(1) encourage sustainable employment and community integration through specialized supports coordination, case management, vocational assessment, training, and support to increase job skills and competitive employment opportunities;

(2) develop meaningful community-based activities for persons for whom competitive employment is not a goal;

(3) promote continued individual development and avoid regression;

(4) promote self-determination and independence;

(5) coordinate services and behavioral supports across all areas of need; and

(6) allow for flexible funding and for a flexible array of services to meet individual needs.

(c) In conducting the study, the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission shall:

(1) define and describe a pilot program with a seamless system of supports to provide:

(A) options for independent living, if appropriate;

(B) community-based housing, if needed; and

(C) individualized supports, including:

(i) prevocational training;

(ii) employment training; and

(iii) leisure and recreational activities;

(2) research and analyze best practices and programs from other states that may serve as pilot program models;

(3) consult with and solicit feedback from key stakeholders, including advocacy organizations, potential service recipients, and parents;

(4) address the barriers that may prevent adults with autism or other related disabilities with similar support needs from living in their local community including:

(A) housing needs and living arrangements;

(B) behavioral services;

(C) social and communication services and supports;

(D) transportation issues; and

(E) health and medical care;

(5) identify the existence and cause of service gaps in this state;

(6) develop recommendations and determine costs associated with eliminating service gaps;

(7) identify the potential benefit to persons who would receive services from the pilot program; and

(8) identify potential federal sources of funding for a pilot program.

(d) Not later than September 1, 2010, the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission shall submit a report of the findings and conclusions of the study to the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the presiding officers of the standing committees of the senate and house of representatives with primary jurisdiction over the provision of services to persons with disabilities.

(e) The report required under Subsection (d) of this section must include:

(1) a recommendation for the structure of a pilot program;

(2) a recommendation on the choice of an appropriate agency to design and administer a pilot program;

(3) an estimation of the number of persons who may benefit from a pilot program if a program similar to the pilot program were instituted statewide;

(4) an estimation of the potential costs of the pilot program and whether the pilot program may lead to savings;

(5) a method of determining which persons would be eligible to participate in the pilot program; and

(6) which Medicaid waiver programs are appropriate to the pilot program and whether new Medicaid waiver programs may be required.

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2009.