On July 6, 2016 the Office of Legislative Services' released its audit of the Division of Developmental Disabilities' Olmstead placements from North Jersey and Woodbridge Developmental Centers. There were areas raised in the report for which the Auditor had recommendations. Those sections centered on timeliness of visits and unresolved recurring client issues, many of which already have been addressed or resolved. However, the report's conclusion stated that "DDD completed the required procedures for relocating residents...and monitored these clients in accordance with its policies". This aspect, unfortunately, was not made the focus of the media coverage.
Regarding the timeliness of visits, the department explained that every effort is made to see residents in the predetermined timeliness. Residents' planned or unexpected doctor visits, day program or group home activities sometimes required DDD staff to reschedule visits. When a need to reschedule arose, case managers instead spoke with agency staff, day program staff, family and others to ensure residents' health and well-being until the next visit could be secured.
On the matter related to unresolved, recurring client issues, the auditor makes clear that it 'did not evaluate if a client was achieving their living goals'. The department advised that it already has worked with its provider agencies to remedy any new or remaining client concerns in a timely manner. The media reports included the case of a consumer awaiting a wheelchair. Case management notes document, and the auditor acknowledges, consistent repeated work by DDD with the individual's HMO and Medicare to obtain a specialized wheelchair. While that was in process, a needed repair was made and paid for on the wheelchair being used, until the specialized wheelchair was obtained. At no time was the consumer without a wheelchair.
I know from communicating with some of you directly, that the way the audit report was portrayed in the press was disappointing. I agree. I also know that over the course of three years, 600 people were moved successfully into the community through Olmstead, and they're thriving in their new homes. We did that together.
I remain incredibly impressed with the never ending commitment shown by the hundreds of community-based providers in New Jersey and the thousands of direct support professionals that provide high quality care to residents with I/DD on a daily basis. I also stand by the integrity and commitment of the hundreds of hard-working Division staff who worked tirelessly to see these community transitions through. The strength of our partnership relies on us learning, growing and exceeding even our own expectations.
Elizabeth M. Shea
Assistant Commissioner
Effective
September 1, 2016, the Division will disseminate an auto
-
generated tier assignment letter upon completion of the NJ CAT (
NJ Comprehensive Assessment Tool), and therefore will eliminate the Request for Tier Assignment process established in June 2015. Mailing of tier assignment letters to individuals who have already completed the NJ CAT is expected to begin August 2016.
The tier assignment is based on the NJ CAT self-care, behavior, and medical scores. An individual budget amount that corresponds to the individual's tier assignment becomes effective
only when:
a) An individual enrolls in the Fee-for-Service Supports Program
-OR-
b) An individual already enrolled on the Community Care Waiver (CCW) shifts into the Fee-for-Service system
Until an individual is enrolled or transitioned by the Division into the new Fee-for-Service system, the tier and the corresponding budget amount are not in effect.
