 June 13, 2003
"There has been no major revision of the regulations for the program since the waiver program began 9 years ago," said John Gaisford, Director of the Division of Medical Assistance. Today's action ensures that the language in state regulations reflects current practices and is consistent with other federal and state laws. The proposed regulations clarify provisions that have proven over time, to be ambiguous or have led to confusion. To assure stakeholder groups would have a voice in the regulation process, waiver recipients, families and providers were consulted before the proposed regulations were finalized. One such group, the Governor's Council on Disabilities and Special Education held a series of stakeholder meetings to study changes in the regulations affecting people with mental retardation and developmental disabilities. They began by looking at the draft regulations that were cancelled in December 2002, and made many suggestions that were incorporated into the regulations now being proposed. Kathy Fitzgerald, a representative of the Governor's Council on the stakeholder group, said "I feel like the process was an improvement over our previous experience with these regulations and that my voice was heard this time." The stakeholder group was comprised of 14 people representing the Governor's Council, service providers, advocacy groups, and other parents of participants in the Waiver Program. The group addressed numerous specific concerns resulting in new or improved language in the proposed regulations. In addition, the group suggested revised certification requirements for waiver agency staff that will allow some providers to substitute specific professional experience for educational degrees, on a case-by-case basis. "I want to thank the Governor's Council and all the stakeholders who helped us work through this difficult issue." said Joel Gilbertson, Commissioner of the Department of Health and Social Services. "The proposed regulations are much improved as a result of their input." Home and Community Based Waiver Programs serve nearly 3,000 Alaskans in more than 150 communities across the state. In FY02, the program amounted to $87 million in annual expenses of which $35 million is provided by state general funds and $52 million from federal receipts. Steve Ashman who will become the Director of the new Division of Senior and Disability Services noted that the Waivers are critical component of Alaska's response to long-term care and the need for in-home supports. In times of limited expansion, the Department feels that new regulations are necessary to assure that the program can be prudently administered to meet continuing demand. The regulations will be available on line at the DHSS website, or by contacting Barbara Knapp at 465-3358 public comment period will be open through July 21, 2003. There will be two public hearings: July 15 a face-to-face hearing will be held in the Frontier Building Room 890 in Anchorage. July 16 a statewide teleconference will be held through the Legislative Teleconference Network.
Source of News Release:
|