Provides that persons between 18 and 21 years of age with disabilities are eligible to receive direct support professional services from DHS.
Impact
The introduction of A3631 will necessitate collaboration among various state departments, specifically the Department of Human Services, the Department of Children and Families, and the Division of Developmental Disabilities, as they work together to implement new rules and regulations under the Administrative Procedure Act. The bill emphasizes person-centered approaches aimed at improving the quality of life for young adults with disabilities, aiming to promote employment, activities of daily living, and community inclusion. By enabling earlier access to essential services, the bill could lead to more positive long-term outcomes for these individuals.
Summary
Assembly Bill A3631 aims to expand eligibility for direct support professional services to individuals with disabilities who are between the ages of 18 and 21. Currently, individuals are only eligible for such services once they reach the age of 21. This legislation is particularly significant for those who graduate high school before turning 21, allowing them access to needed support services that facilitate their transition into adulthood. The bill defines 'direct support professionals' as individuals who provide essential non-medical assistance to effectively help persons with physical, intellectual, or developmental disabilities navigate daily living and integration into their communities.
Contention
While the bill is largely viewed as a step forward for enhancing support for young adults with disabilities, there might be discussions regarding the resources available to implement these services effectively. Opponents may raise concerns about the state's ability to adequately fund and provide the necessary training for direct support professionals, especially as demand could increase with the expanded eligibility. Furthermore, there could be debates around the adequacy of supports currently in place within schools, focusing on whether schools are sufficiently preparing students with disabilities for this transition to community-based support services.
Carry Over
Provides that persons between 18 and 21 years of age with disabilities are eligible to receive direct support professional services from DHS.
Commissioner of human services directed to seek federal authority to provide supportive parenting services to people eligible for personal care assistance or community first services and supports, and commissioner directed to seek federal waivers.
Authorizes hospital patient with developmental disabilities to have designated family member, guardian, direct support professional, or other caregiver accompany patient throughout hospital stay.
Directs certain recoveries of federal funds for services to persons with developmental disabilities be used for grants to support community infrastructure purposes.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 33; Title 36; Title 49; Title 52; Title 56; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to professional counselors.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 33; Title 36; Title 49; Title 52; Title 56; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to professional counselors.
Occupations: individual licensing and registration; licensure of professional guardians and conservators; require. Amends sec. 303a of 1980 PA 299 (MCL 339.303a) & adds art. 14A.