PRIOR PRINTER'S NO. 3273
PRINTER'S NO. 3330
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
212
Session of
2022
INTRODUCED BY FARRY, E. NELSON, RYAN, JAMES, THOMAS, POLINCHOCK,
McNEILL, STRUZZI, C. WILLIAMS, MAJOR, LABS, TOMLINSON, RADER
AND SCHNEE, JUNE 20, 2022
AS AMENDED, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, JUNE 29, 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% 1.7% 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,
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Community Living Waiver, Adult Autism Waiver and the
Person/Family Directed Support Waiver; and
WHEREAS, This Commonwealth has created an integrated A
MULTIFACETED 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 REASONABLY 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
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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
OR A SELF-ADVOCATE FROM THE AUTISM COMMUNITY.
(4) Two relatives who have a loved one receiving waiver
service. HOME AND COMMUNITY-BASED WAIVER SERVICES OR ARE
THEMSELVES RECEIVING WAIVER SERVICES, WITH AT LEAST ONE BEING
THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN OF AN INDIVIDUAL.
(5) Two relatives of individuals WHO ARE ON THE WAITING
LIST FOR SERVICES or individuals who THEMSELVES are on the
waiting list for services., WITH AT LEAST ONE BEING THE
PARENT OR GUARDIAN OF AN INDIVIDUAL.
(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, DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
AND AUTISM.
(11) A representative recommended by the Pennsylvania
Association of County Administrators of Mental Health and
Developmental Services.
(12) Any other representatives from other organizations
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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
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, QUALITY OF LIFE OUTCOMES, including waiver
services, waiting lists and transitional protocols; OF MOVING
INTO AND OUT OF ONE WAIVER OR PROGRAM TO ANOTHER OR
TRANSITIONING OUT OF HIGH SCHOOL; 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 BETWEEN
the Department of Human Services, managed care organizations and
providers, including reimbursement rate settings, DIRECT SUPPORT
PROFESSIONALS, OTHER 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 OR CHOOSE NOT TO GO INTO THE COMMUNITY
BECAUSE OF UNDERLYING ISSUES, and additional programs offered
through the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation OR THE
EMPLOYMENT FIRST COMMISSION; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission study
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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,
INCLUDING, WHEN APPROPRIATE, PROVIDER REFERRAL, ADMISSION AND
DISCHARGE PRACTICES; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the study examine all available living
settings, including intermediate care facilities, community
homes, State centers, lifeshare, SERVICES WITHIN FAMILY HOMES,
STATE CENTERS, LIFESHARING, independent living with assistance,
farmhouse settings, campus settings and any other 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, SUPPORTS COORDINATORS and other
behavioral HEALTH OR MENTAL HEALTH 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
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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, 18 MONTHS AFTER THE ADOPTION OF THIS RESOLUTION 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.
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