Assigned to HHS FOR COMMITTEE
ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, Second Regular Session
FACT SHEET FOR S.B. 1618
developmental disabilities; treatment plans; billing
Purpose
Requires the Department of Economic Security (DES) Division of Developmental
Disabilities (DDD) to develop and implement a verification system for service and treatment plans,
implement an independent review process for monthly residential billing statements and require
that residential billing statements contain specified information.
Background
DDD is the division of DES that empowers individuals with developmental disabilities to
lead self-directed, healthy and meaningful lives. DDD provides support and services for eligible
Arizonans diagnosed with one of the following developmental disabilities: 1) autism; 2) cerebral
palsy; 3) epilepsy; 4) cognitive or intellectual disability; and 5) Down syndrome. Children under
the age of six who are at risk of having a developmental disability may also qualify for services.
DDD serves more than 50,000 people with developmental disabilities and their families throughout
Arizona each year (DDD).
A developmental disability is either a strongly demonstrated potential that a child who is
under six years of age has or will develop a developmental disability, as determined by a prescribed
test or by other appropriate tests, or a severe, chronic disability that: 1) is attributable to a cognitive
disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, Down syndrome or autism; 2) is manifested before the age of
18; 3) is likely to continue indefinitely; 4) reflects the need for a combination and sequence of
individually planned or coordinated special, interdisciplinary or generic care, treatment or other
services that are of lifelong or extended duration; and 5) results in substantial functional limitations
in three or more areas of major life activity. Areas of major life activity include: 1) self-care;
2) receptive and expressive language; 3) learning; 4) mobility; 5) self-direction; 6) capacity for
independent living; and 7) economic self-sufficiency (A.R.S. ยง 36-551).
Person-centered service planning is DES's new approach to support coordinator
engagement of members and families, with the goal of helping the planning team to work together
to create and put into action a member-driven plan, including things important to the member.
Person-centered service planning is used to complete member assessment and determine needed
services and supports to help achieve member goals. This approach 1) builds on each member
strengths, choices and needs; 2) identifies ways to be involved in the community and socially
active; and 3) promotes independence and inclusion (DES).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this
legislation.
FACT SHEET
S.B. 1618
Page 2
Provisions
1. Requires DDD to develop and implement a verification system for person-centered service
plans and behavioral treatment plans to ensure information accuracy and consistency.
2. Requires DDD to implement an independent review process for monthly residential billing
statements.
3. Requires DDD to require that residential billing statements include at least the following
information:
a) a brief, clear, non-misleading, plain-language description of the services rendered for each
charge;
b) the name of the service provider associated with each charge; and
c) a clear indication if there is a service provider change.
4. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
February 9, 2024
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