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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, Second Regular Session
developmental disabilities; treatment plans; billing
Purpose
Requires the Department of Economic Security (DES) Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) to develop and implement a verification system for service and treatment plans, implement an independent review process for monthly residential billing statements and require that residential billing statements contain specified information.
Background
DDD is the division of DES that empowers individuals with developmental disabilities to lead self-directed, healthy and meaningful lives. DDD provides support and services for eligible Arizonans diagnosed with one of the following developmental disabilities: 1) autism; 2) cerebral palsy; 3) epilepsy; 4) cognitive or intellectual disability; and 5) Down syndrome. Children under the age of six who are at risk of having a developmental disability may also qualify for services. DDD serves more than 50,000 people with developmental disabilities and their families throughout Arizona each year (DDD).
A developmental disability is either a strongly demonstrated potential
that a child who is under six years of age has or will develop a developmental
disability, as determined by a prescribed test or by other appropriate tests,
or a severe, chronic disability that: 1) is attributable to a cognitive
disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, Down syndrome or autism; 2) is manifested
before the age of 18; 3) is likely to continue indefinitely; 4) reflects the
need for a combination and sequence of individually planned or coordinated
special, interdisciplinary or generic care, treatment or other services that
are of lifelong or extended duration; and 5) results in substantial functional
limitations in three or more areas of major life activity. Areas of major life
activity include: 1) self-care;
2) receptive and expressive language; 3) learning; 4) mobility; 5)
self-direction; 6) capacity for independent living; and 7) economic
self-sufficiency (A.R.S.
§ 36-551).
Person-centered service planning is DES's new approach to support coordinator engagement of members and families, with the goal of helping the planning team to work together to create and put into action a member-driven plan, including things important to the member. Person-centered service planning is used to complete member assessment and determine needed services and supports to help achieve member goals. This approach 1) builds on each member strengths, choices and needs; 2) identifies ways to be involved in the community and socially active; and 3) promotes independence and inclusion (DES).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
2. Requires DDD to implement an independent review process for monthly residential billing statements.
3. Requires DDD to require that residential billing statements include at least the following information:
a) a brief, clear, non-misleading, plain-language description of the services rendered for each charge;
b) the name of the service provider associated with each charge; and
c) a clear indication if there is a service provider change.
4. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
February 9, 2024
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