The Secretarys Task Force has prepared a series of recommendations being considered for legislation.  Three work groups focused on (1) admission criteria, special populations and levels of care; (2) oversight, enforcement, staffing and credentialing; and (3) reimbursement and funding streams.  A resulting series of proposals followed extensive discussion among the three groups.  Among the Task Force recommendations are the following:

Admission Criteria

1. Develop uniform, comprehensive training for staff completing the UAI, including mental health assessments.
2. Create a mental health assessment tool to be completed by mental health professionals.
3. Educate facilities regarding Medicaid mental health rehabilitation services.
4. Evaluate the admissions process for residents with mental health issues.
5. Revise ALF level of care criteria to include Alzheimers or dementia.

Oversight proposals

1. Require licensure for ALF administrators.
2. Requiring individuals administering medication to be CNAs with additional medication training.
3. Expedite suspensions of facility licensure in cases of imminent danger to residents.
4. Strengthen disclosure requirements for consumers.
5. Standardize training for licensing inspectors.
6. Increase civil monetary penalties from $500 to $10,000 per inspection cycle.
7. Utilize civil penalties to provide education & technical assistance to improve care.
8. Provide additional funding for 22 new DSS licensing inspectors.
9. Seek additional funding to expand the ombudsman program.

Reimbursement recommendations

1. Strengthen care coordinator role of ALFs.
2. Provide General Funds (GF) for special services for persons with dementia.
3. Create a pilot program with GF for persons with mental illness to use Auxiliary Grants for supported living in apartments.
4. Hold Best Practices Sessions for providers offering housing and services.
5. Double current Auxiliary Grant Rate of $894 per month.