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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | March 13, 2015 05:04 PM |
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| From: | Representative Jaret Gibbons |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Reimbursement for Unlicensed Residential Habilitation Waiver Services (former HB 1327) |
| In the near future, I plan to re-introduce legislation that would amend the Public Welfare Code to permit relatives or legal guardians of an individual with intellectual disabilities to receive reimbursement for providing Unlicensed Residential Habilitation waiver services through the Department of Human Services (DHS). Currently, DHS does not permit a relative or legal guardian of an individual with intellectual disabilities to be compensated for providing Unlicensed Residential Habilitation waiver services in either the relative or legal guardian’s private home or that of the individual with intellectual disabilities. Recognizing the critical role played by these caregivers, Virginia has instituted a program where these individuals are paid for their services. It is a small amount in comparison to the significant sacrifices they make to ensure that their loved ones have the care they need 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Commonwealth currently provides reimbursement for services and supplies to qualified family caregivers of functionally dependent adults and those with chronic dementia. I believe that DHS should expand its scope by reimbursing the relatives and guardians who provide similar care, often at great personal costs, for their loved ones with intellectual disabilities. If my legislation is enacted, relatives and legal guardians would be compensated for assisting with day-to-day tasks such as transportation needs, eating, bathing, and household chores as well as assisting in the development and enhancement of motor and socialization skills. For the reasons mentioned above, Pennsylvania should join Virginia in its decision to permit a relative or legal guardian of an individual with intellectual disabilities to provide Unlicensed Residential Habilitation waiver services. I hope you will join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation. Previous co-sponsors: CALTAGIRONE, V. BROWN, KORTZ, THOMAS, KULA, COHEN, PAINTER, GOODMAN and MURT. |
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| View Attachment | ||
Introduced as HB1611