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.