2009S0678-1 03/11/09

By: Lucio S.B. No. 2114

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to studying the costs and benefits of a pilot program for employment and community integration services for adults with autism and other developmental disabilities.

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 comprehensive, integrated community services to adult persons with autism or other developmental disabilities. The intent of the pilot program is to:

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

(2) develop meaningful community-based activities for those 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 support across all areas of need; and

(6) allow for flexibility in funding and in the array of services provided to meet individual needs.

(b) In conjunction with the study performed under Subsection (a) of this section, the Health and Human Services Commission may contract with an outside entity to develop a pilot plan that includes:

(1) the design of the pilot program;

(2) the project work plan;

(3) the estimated budget; and

(4) the timelines of the project.

(c) A contract entered into by the agency with an outside entity as provided in Subsection (b) of this section may not exceed 500 hours of service and must comply with all applicable state laws governing contracting with state agencies.

(d) In developing the pilot plan under this section, the Health and Human Services Commission or contract entity shall:

(1) define and describe a seamless system of supports providing options for community-based housing, if needed, leisure or recreational activities, prevocational training, and employment support, and independent living support and training;

(2) document best practices and programs in other states that can be used as models;

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

(4) address housing needs, living arrangements, transportation issues, health or medical care issues, and other potential barriers that currently prevent individuals from living in the community;

(5) document services gaps in Texas and their causes;

(6) develop recommendations and project associated costs for closing services gaps;

(7) identify the potential benefit to participants in the pilot program; and

(8) identify any additional federal funds that could be leveraged to support the program.

(e) When selecting a contract entity under Subsection (b) of this section, the Health and Human Services Commission shall select an individual or organization that has:

(1) a successful track record of reforming or establishing and operating community-based services for the full spectrum of adults with autism and other developmental disabilities;

(2) expertise in Medicaid waiver program development and other funding sources; or

(3) a demonstrated history of working effectively with large state agencies.

SECTION 2. Not later than September 1, 2011, the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission shall submit a report of the findings and conclusions of the study relating to the creation of a pilot program under Section 1 of this Act 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. The report shall include:

(1) recommendations relating to the structure of the pilot program;

(2) the target service population;

(3) the method of determining eligibility;

(4) the potential cost and related savings;

(5) the potential number of persons the pilot program may serve if implemented statewide;

(6) which agency or agencies are appropriate to design or administer the pilot program; and

(7) which Medicaid waiver programs are appropriate to the pilot program or whether a new Medicaid waiver may be required.

SECTION 3. 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.