LR 283 Hearing

Developmental Disabilities Special Investigative Committee

LR 283 creates the Developmental Disabilities Special Investigative Committee of the Legislature. This committee is authorized to study the quality of care and related staffing issues at the Beatrice State Developmental Center (BSDC). Also, this committee shall investigate the placement and quality of care statewide for the developmentally disabled in Nebraska. This includes the determination of whether adequate funding and capacity exists for persons to be served in the community, options for service provisions for current residents of BSDC at other 24 hour facilities in the state, and the staffing practices at 24-hour facilities and the relationship of those practices to the quality of care provided to the developmentally disabled. Further, this committee shall study the Department of Health and Human Services regarding such facilities, including how and why services to the developmentally disabled were permitted to decline to the current level as documented by the U.S. Department of Justice report.

This committee shall utilize existing studies, reports and legislation developed to address the current conditions. This committee shall not be limited to such studies, reports, or legislation. This committee is required to issue a report of its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by December 15, 2008.

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All Testimony Documents are in PDF format.

June 23, 2008 – LR283 Hearing

1. An overview of developmental disabilities.

   • John Wyvill – Testimony        DD 101 - PowerPoint

   • Lee Zlomke – Testimony

2. The State’s responsibility for providing services for the developmentally disabled.

   • Jodi Fenner – Testimony

     • Supreme Court Case - Addington         Title 203 NAC 1

     • Supreme Court Case – Olmstead          Title 205 NAC 1

     • Public Law 106-402                             Statutes 83-217

     • 831201-83-1227

3. The services and resources available through the state of Nebraska as well as community based providers for the developmentally disabled.

   • Ron Stegemann - Testimony

   • Karen Kavanaugh – Testimony

   • Provider Handbook   (Large File Warning - 41,000 KB)

4. A review of the number of persons receiving developmental disability benefits through the state and/or community based providers

   • Karen Kavanaugh –Testimony  (Continued)

5. The waiting list for persons awaiting services from the state for developmental disabilities.

   • Karen Kavanaugh – Testimony  (Continued)

June 24, 2008 – LR283 Hearing

   The fiscal picture to include:

1. What federal resources are available and the criteria for qualifying for same.

   • Sandy Sostad, Legislative Fiscal Officer and DHHS Representatives

2. State resources.

   • Sandy Sostad, Legislative Fiscal Officer and DHHS Representatives

3. How the funds are allocated including a review of any applicable formulas.

   • John Wyvill – Testimony – DD Waivers

   • John Wyvill – Testimony – Objective Assessment Process and Handouts

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Developmental Disabilities Page

Disability Programs Page