Relates to increasing the availability of adult day health care programs in certain counties

1 Co-sponsor

• Ruth Hassell-Thompson

Title of bill

An act relating to increasing availability of adult day health care programs; and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof

Purpose or general idea of bill

This bill would authorize a demonstration program to evaluate the impact of increasing the size of adult day health programs operating in a high demand area.

Summary of specific provisions

Bill § 1 authorizes an increase in the number of authorized slots for an adult day health care program operating in a county of specified size which is unable to accommodate individuals awaiting placement. Such increase could be for no more 24 additional slots and would be conditioned on the preparation of an evaluation of the demonstration program's cost savings to state and local governments. If the program does not produce documented cost savings, the Commissioner of Health would be authorized to terminate the program.

Effects of present law which this bill would alter

This would be a new demonstration program.

Justification

Adult day health care programs were created as an alternative to hospitalization, to enable adults with functional impairments to maintain their health status and remain in the community. However, the success of these programs can sometimes create situations where community demand for services outstrips the number of available slots. State agencies overseeing youth facilities and mental health programs have successfully employed temporary capacity waivers as a cost-effective and practical strategy to address similar situations. This bill would permit evaluation of this potential tool for cost savings for adult day health care programs.

Prior legislative history

2009 S.3120/A.8844 Referred to Aging 2007-08 A.11578/S.8625 Veto Memo 151

Fiscal implications for state and local governments

The bill will have no negative fiscal effects, since any adults admitted to additional slots will be less likely to consume other, more costly health services. Cost savings under the demonstration program are required to be documented.

Effective date

Immediately, and to be deemed repealed September 1, 2015; provided that services may continue and be paid for in the event an individual chooses to remain in a program beyond such date.