Provides that members of the surrogate decision-making committee for medical care and treatment shall be appointed by the justice center for the protection of people with special needs; reassigns certain functions of the commission on quality of care for the mentally disabled to the justice center.
Impact
As a result of this bill, there will be a clearer structure and accountability within the decision-making committees, which are essential for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who may require assistance in making medical decisions. This is particularly crucial in ensuring that those without appointed guardians have appropriate support systems in place. The proposal aligns with broader reforms aimed at improving the quality and accessibility of services for vulnerable populations across the state.
Summary
Bill A08424 seeks to amend existing regulations regarding the appointment and functions of the surrogate decision-making committees for medical care and treatment. The primary focus of the bill is the delegation of responsibilities from the previous commission on quality of care for the mentally disabled to the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs. This shift is intended to streamline the oversight processes and enhance the protective measures for individuals with disabilities during decision-making practices regarding their care.
Contention
Despite its intended benefits, the bill has raised concerns among certain advocacy groups and stakeholders. Some fear that reassigning these functions could lead to decreased oversight and accountability in the decision-making process for individuals with special needs. There are apprehensions about the adequacy of resources and training provided to the newly appointed members of the surrogate committees, which are crucial for maintaining standards of care. Thus, while the amendments may facilitate operations, they also necessitate careful monitoring to ensure that the rights and interests of individuals are adequately protected.
Provides that the submission of claims for services provided by home care agencies shall be done on forms approved by the centers for Medicare and Medicaid services.
Provides that the submission of claims for services provided by home care agencies shall be done on forms approved by the centers for Medicare and Medicaid services.
Requires police officer training programs on interacting with individuals with a disability with special emphasis on the techniques needed to improve interactions with individuals that are blind or deaf or hard of hearing; provides such training shall be created in consultation with the justice center for the protection of people with special needs.
Requires police officer training programs on interacting with individuals with a disability with special emphasis on the techniques needed to improve interactions with individuals that are blind or deaf or hard of hearing; provides such training shall be created in consultation with the justice center for the protection of people with special needs.
Relates to the powers and duties of the advisory council of the justice center for the protection of people with special needs; adds additional duties relating to investigations of allegations of abuse and neglect.
Relates to increasing the membership of the special district operations and development committee; provides that the committee shall consist of no less than nine members and no more than fifteen.
Relates to increasing the membership of the special district operations and development committee; provides that the committee shall consist of no less than nine members and no more than fifteen.
Provides for the protection of the air quality at licensed day care centers and head start day care centers funded pursuant to federal law; requires the office of children and family services to consult with the commissioners of environmental conservation and health regarding the air quality and environmental hazards that may be involved with any new day care center or head start day care center; requires such office to consult with the department of health if any new environmental or environmental health hazard arises.
Provides for the protection of the air quality at licensed day care centers and head start day care centers funded pursuant to federal law; requires the office of children and family services to consult with the commissioners of environmental conservation and health regarding the air quality and environmental hazards that may be involved with any new day care center or head start day care center; requires such office to consult with the department of health if any new environmental or environmental health hazard arises.