Bill Text: HI HR184 | 2010 | Regular Session | Introduced

NOTE: There are more recent revisions of this legislation. Read Latest Draft

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Bill Title: Adults with Special Needs; DHS; Examine Certain Allegations

Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 11-2)

Status: (Passed) 2010-04-09 - (H) Resolution adopted in final form. [HR184 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2010-HR184-Introduced.html

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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.R. NO.	184
TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2010
STATE OF HAWAII

HOUSE 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, that the Department of Human Services is requested to examine, evaluate, and report to this body 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 this body 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 Resolution be transmitted to the Director of Human Services.

 

 

 

	OFFERED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title: 

Adults with Special Needs; DHS; Examine Certain Allegations