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September 11,
2002
Marvin Rouse, Committee Co-Chair, called the meeting to order at 11:31 a.m.
Those in attendance
were:
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Jan Elliott |
Scotland Co. DSS |
The minutes from the August
meeting were not available on this date for review and/or approval.
Suzanne Merrill stated that
this committee originally discussed this topic in March 2002. There was a two
year workgroup to pull together all in home policies (DSS, Aging, Voc Rehab,
Mental Health). Pheon Beal’s memo of 3-28-02 represents this committee’s
position on the subject. This committee wanted more information on consumer
directed care thus a workgroup was formed to examine this issue. Alfreda Stout
from Craven Co. DSS is on the workgroup in addition to Emily Hale.
Suzanne asked if we wanted
to re-examine this issue or continue with the position we adopted in March 2002?
Marvin Rouse brought up the issue of fraud when consumers choose their own care
providers. Fraud has occurred in other states exercising this option. Suzanne
acknowledged that fraud could happen should the agency have minimal oversight of
the services provided. Geoff stated that the draft policy is available on the
website. Marvin stated that we do not have enough information on the definitions
regarding consumer directed care. Suzanne said that there is consensus among the
agencies that consumer directed care should be just one of several options
available to consumers. Suzanne stated that the position formerly adopted by
Mental Health and VR was that they did not want new policy. And as money becomes
scarce at the state and county levels, aide services are being reduced.
Given the various questions
that arose re: consumer directed care, the committee was unwilling to make a
decision today. The workgroup reps will be invited to next month’s meeting to
advise of the current status.
Vicki Kryk reviewed a
proposed change in manual material related to a typographical error on the
Petition for Order Authorizing Emergency Services. The committee approved that
change.
John Margolis proposed a
change in manual material which would delete language inconsistent with the
statutory time frames for completing an APS evaluation. The committee approved
the change.
John Margolis then proposed
a change in APS manual material re: the clarification of when it is appropriate
to freeze assets and inspect financial records. There is a clarification of
“reasonable belief” and the term “caretaker”. The committee approved the
change.
John Margolis proposed a
final change to manual material related to releasing confidential APS
information when requests are made via subpoena or court order. The committee
approved the change.
Suzanne Merrill stated that
all changes approved today will become effective October 1, 2002.
Susan McCracken posed a
HIPPA question of the committee. Evidently, hospitals are concerned with
releasing information. Does HIPPA override state policy? Suzanne Merrill agreed
to look into the matter in order to provide clarification at a later date. She
added that some aspects of HIPPA apply to DSS i.e. electronic billing related to
At Risk case management services.
Suzanne Merrill brought up
Strengthening APS Initiatives. This was originally discussed in this committee
in March 2002 when APR Terry Brubaker was present. A letter dated 3-01-02 was
later sent to counties. A needs assessment was conducted by APRs in selected
counties, however, travel restrictions and budget constraints put a halt to the
process. Now the needs assessments have been completed and data is being
reviewed for forming conclusions.
An APS Task Force will be formed and its first meeting will be held in
Raleigh on 10-30-02. The purpose of the Task Force is to address the concerns
laid out in the letter of 3-01-02 to include Public Awareness/ Public Relations.
If we want representation on the Task Force, call or email Suzanne. She advised
that participation on the Task Force will be a long-term commitment, probably
one year or more of monthly meetings. Given the volume of issues to be
addressed, the Task Force will most likely be broken up into subcommittees to
hasten the process. The meetings may be held in regions versus in Raleigh.
TRAINING
Marvin Rouse approached the
subject of offering CEUs for training provided to Adult Services staff. Adult
Services training is not mandated at the current time except for Disinterested
Public Guardians. We want to mandate training to ensure that
legislators/agencies will fund such training. A discussion ensued as to what is
required of certified social workers. There was also a request to utilize
Regional Training Centers in the provision of Adult Services training.
The committee members
present received three handouts. Jan Elliott and Marvin Rouse are to present on
this subject at the Spring Directors Ass’n Meeting. Draft material will be
presented at next month’s meeting.
The Impact of Mental Health
Reform upon Adult Services
RX Assistance Program
Adult Care Home Survey
Draft Goals
APS-R
APS manual changes
Guardianship issues as they
pertain to Mental Health Reform
Training on Financial
Exploitation will be held in Winston-Salem on 10-17-02. Brochures have been sent
out.
Judy Pelt announced that she
is representing the Directors Association on Adult Care Home rule changes.
Should we have any concerns related to DFS licensure rules, let her know. The
committee is to meet on a monthly basis for two years. Judy can be reached at Judy.Pelt@ncmail.net
There being no further
business, the committee adjourned at 1:05 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kathleen Holbrook, MSW, LCSW
