Bill Text: HI HCR256 | 2010 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Adults with Special Needs; DHS; Examine Certain Allegations
Spectrum: Strong Partisan Bill (Democrat 11-1)
Status: (Passed) 2010-04-29 - (H) Resolution adopted in final form. [HCR256 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2010-HCR256-Introduced.html
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.C.R. NO. |
256 |
TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2010 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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HOUSE CONCURRENT
RESOLUTION
requesting the Department of Human Services to examine and evaluate the veracity, extent, and effect of certain allegations of shortcomings of programs for adults with special needs.
WHEREAS, adults with special needs, including those with developmental disabilities, comprise a vulnerable population and require diligent care; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Human Services contracts with various service agencies to provide direct services to adults with special needs; and
WHEREAS, various allegations of inadequacies and weaknesses in programs for adults with special needs have surfaced over the years; and
WHEREAS, it is critical that these allegations are thoroughly examined to ensure that this vulnerable population of adults with special needs is properly cared for in a safe and responsible manner; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-fifth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2010, the Senate concurring, that the Department of Human Services is requested to examine, evaluate, and report to the Legislature concerning the veracity, extent, and effect of the following allegations of shortcomings of programs for adults with special needs:
(1) One-to-one aides are not provided or are not paid to assist adult individuals who require their support;
(2) Aides are not provided on Handi-Van transport vehicles when transporting adults with special needs;
(3) Various programs provided by the different agencies are not able to accept individuals who require the one-to-one support services due to the following:
(A) Expectations of the individual;
(B) Standards set by the agency/directors of the programs;
(C) Location; and
(D) Staffing;
(4) Aides and caregivers for adults with special needs are not required to obtain cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid certification;
(5) Age appropriate programs are not required for adults with special needs;
(6) Gender discretion is not considered for adults with special needs;
(7) Continuing education for those individuals who may benefit from it is not required;
(8) Ongoing training and continued support from a behavioral specialist is not required; and
(9) Guidelines and provision of other support services such as speech, occupational, and physical therapy are not formalized; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Human Services is further requested to:
(1) Require that the State have a specific number of facilities for each district or community;
(2) Review the required qualifications and skills of all direct service workers and experienced service supervisors;
(3) Review and add levels per classification, where applicable, in the event not all individuals receive appropriate care from their direct service workers due to the current requirements and standards of the different classifications and levels;
(4) Review the current hourly rates paid to each classification and level of direct service workers and service supervisors to ensure that their pay scales are commensurate to their qualifications and that pay differentials are applicable to each level based on the needs of the individual client; and
(5) Review and regulate the hourly costs and fees charged by contracted services agencies for direct service worker hours and consider other options such as a fee per worker as opposed to an hourly charge; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Human Services is requested to report findings and recommendations, including any necessary proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2011; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Director of Human Services.
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OFFERED BY: |
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Adults with Special Needs; DHS; Examine Certain Allegations