Relates to the duties of the independent developmental disability ombudsperson program

• Democratic10
• Republican3

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Patricia Fahy says this is needed

Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental dDisabilities (I/DD), their family members, and their advocates need individual assistance navigating the complex system of services and care coordination intended to provide for their needs and choices. As such, people with I/DD deserve an independent avenue for addressing their concerns and issues, including, but are not limited to, failure of a care coordinator to be responsive to individuals in their caseload, individual dissatisfaction with how their Life Plan is being implemented, or failure of the CCO to provide adequate training of care coordinators. In SFY 2023-2024, the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) was provided with funding to implement a similar program. This pilot program will be helpful to assist and direct concerns and complaints from the disabilities community, more can be done to ensure that the program is operating in a capacity that best serves all indi- viduals with I/DD. For example, the program could be expanded to provide assistance with navigating and completing processes, such as paperwork and documentation, assisting individuals in filing and preparing appeals and representing individuals in appeals and hearings, and educating individuals on their rights and responsibilities with respect to access to services. Expanding the independent developmental disability ombudsman program would enable individuals with I/DD to live fuller lives and receive the care they deserve. This bill would modify the duties of the independent developmental disability ombudsman program, including establishing a service delivery structure based in New York state that includes a toll- free telephone hotline, an interactive website, and availability of in-person, telephone and email access to ombudsman program staff or volunteers; providing assistance navigating and completing processes, such as paperwork and documentation to access services, and/or anyone seeking assistance on their behalf; assisting individuals in filing and preparing appeals, and representing individuals in appeals and hearings, concerning adverse benefit determinations; collecting, tracking, and quantifying problems and inquires encountered by individuals; and, educating individuals on their rights and responsibilities with respect to access to services. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ORIGINAL AND AMENDED VERSION (IF APPLICABLE): Reporting requirement added.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.