PRINTER'S NO. 3273
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
212
Session of
2022
INTRODUCED BY FARRY, E. NELSON, RYAN, JAMES, THOMAS, POLINCHOCK
AND McNEILL, JUNE 20, 2022
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES, JUNE 20, 2022
A RESOLUTION
Establishing a legislative task force on intellectual
disabilities, developmental disabilities and autism and
directing the Joint State Government Commission to study the
impact of this Commonwealth's current delivery of services to
individuals with intellectual disabilities, developmental
disabilities and autism and to report its findings and
recommendations to the House of Representatives.
WHEREAS, This Commonwealth is the fifth most populous state
in the United States with diverse demographics and ever-changing
health care needs; and
WHEREAS, Individuals living with an intellectual disability
account for approximately 17% of the population of the United
States; and
WHEREAS, One in 44 children are diagnosed with autism each
year; and
WHEREAS, Nearly 18% of children are diagnosed with a
developmental disability each year; and
WHEREAS, Approximately 35,000 individuals with an
intellectual disability, developmental disability or autism
receive waiver services through the Consolidated Waiver,
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
Community Living Waiver, Adult Autism Waiver and the
Person/Family Directed Support Waiver; and
WHEREAS, This Commonwealth has created an integrated system
for individuals with intellectual disabilities, developmental
disabilities and autism; and
WHEREAS, Individuals who have an intellectual disability,
developmental disability or autism are in need of additional
services in their community; and
WHEREAS, Individuals and their families should have a choice
of options, including the choice to decline a placement they do
not believe to be appropriate, for individuals in need;
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives establish a
legislative task force on services provided to individuals with
intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities and
autism; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the task force be comprised of four members of
the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the
House of Representatives, two members recommended by the
Majority Leader of the House of Representatives and two members
recommended by the Minority Leader of the House of
Representatives; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives direct the Joint
State Government Commission to assist the task force and conduct
a study on the impact of this Commonwealth's current needs and
system capacity for providing opportunities for individuals with
intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities and autism
in this Commonwealth; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission, as part
of its study, establish an advisory committee consisting of the
20220HR0212PN3273 - 2 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
following members:
(1) A representative recommended by the Department of
Human Services, Office of Developmental Programs.
(2) A representative recommended by the Department of
Labor and Industry, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation.
(3) A representative from the autism advocacy community.
(4) Two relatives who have a loved one receiving waiver
service.
(5) Two relatives of individuals or individuals who are
on the waiting list for services.
(6) A representative of an organization that offers
community participation supports.
(7) A representative from the Rehabilitation and
Community Providers Association.
(8) A representative from Pennsylvania Advocacy and
Resources for Autism and Intellectual Disabilities.
(9) A representative from a community or campus setting.
(10) A physician who is a member of the Pennsylvania
Psychiatric Society who has experience treating individuals
with intellectual disabilities.
(11) A representative recommended by the Pennsylvania
Association of County Administrators of Mental Health and
Developmental Services.
(12) Any other representatives from other organizations
that are deemed appropriate by the Joint State Government
Commission;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the study examine the impact of this
Commonwealth's current delivery system available to individuals
with intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities and
20220HR0212PN3273 - 3 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
autism; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the study examine the efficiency, uniformity
and best practices of the administration of services through the
county system, including waiver services, waiting lists and
transitional protocols; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission study
how current Federal and State laws and regulations impact and
limit supports and services; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the study examine collaborations with the
Department of Human Services, managed care organizations and
providers, including reimbursement rate settings, funding
sources and how providers collaborate to serve individuals with
intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities and
autism; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission study
the opportunities for integrated job coaching, community
participation supports, including for individuals who cannot go
into the community, and additional programs offered through the
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission study
this Commonwealth's current treatment needs, including network
capacity to treat and care for high acuity individuals,
individuals with complex medical needs in addition to
intellectual disabilities and individuals who need special care
and assistance with intensive behavioral health issues; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That the study examine all available living
settings, including intermediate care facilities, community
homes, State centers, lifeshare, independent living with
assistance, farmhouse settings, campus settings and any other
20220HR0212PN3273 - 4 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
innovative residential services available to individuals living
with intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities and
autism; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the study include barriers and obstacles in
transportation for individuals living in the home or receiving
community-based services for jobs, medical appointments and
peer-to-peer groups; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the study examine workforce issues, direct
support professionals and other behavioral specialists or health
care practitioners who assist with the provision of services;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission examine
providers who have ceased operations since the beginning of the
COVID-19 pandemic; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission solicit
input from representatives and advocates from all aspects of the
sector and continuum of care to assist the Joint State
Government Commission with its findings and recommendations in
the report; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission issue a
report with its findings and recommendations no later than June
1, 2023, to all of the following:
(1) The chair and minority chair of the Health and Human
Services Committee of the Senate.
(2) The chair and minority chair of the Human Services
Committee of the House of Representatives.
20220HR0212PN3273 - 5 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26