JCHC Adopts 2008 Work Plan

VHCA (8/1/2008)

The Joint Commission on Health Care (JCHC) met this week and adopted its work plan for the rest of the year. Several legislators commented that low state revenue projections means there will be little money for funding new initiatives and that the JCHC should focus on policy issues that will not require any new state funding.  As one member said colorfully, “We will not have two new nickels to rub together in 2009.”

As in past years, the JCHC’s work plan includes issues concerning long term care.  This year’s long term care issues:

• On August 12, 2008 VHCA will provide information on the effect of the state budget’s Medicaid nursing facility rate reductions.  In addition, VHCA will address the potential for future federal Medicare cuts to present a full view of the financial issues challenging Virginia’s nursing facilities.
• On September 4th the JCHC staff, pursuant to HJR 69 (Plum), will present a report on alternatives to traditional long term care facilities, such as “intentional communities of clustered homes.” Several Northern Virginia communities are considering the establishment of homes with 16 or fewer residents wherein personal care services would be provided for the frail elderly and disabled residents.
• Also on September 4th the Department of Medical Assistance Services will present updates on Medicaid eligibility changes regarding life estates and multiple monetary transfers, the regional model of integration of acute and long term care, and Virginia’s Long Term Care Partnership.
• On October 23rd the JCHC staff, pursuant to HJR 101 (O’Bannon), will report on the use of disclosure, apologies, alternative dispute resolution, and other measures in the case of medical errors and adverse medical outcomes and the impact of such measures on the cost and quality of care, patient confidence, and the medical malpractice system.
• Also on October 23rd the staff, pursuant to SJR 102 (Stosch), will report on support services for family caregivers of the frail elderly and disabled and community-based caregiver support organizations.

Responding to concerns they had heard in their home districts, JCHC members also requested the JCHC staff to investigate and report on (1) the issue of adequate nutrition for disabled and frail elderly people in community-based programs and (2) the adequacy and effectiveness of Virginia’s public guardianship program.

At its November 6th meeting, the JCHC will decide on the legislation that it will propose for the 2009 General Assembly Session.

You can get more information on the JCHC website.