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RES HAB RATE REDUCTIONS POSTPONED BY APD
Director Johnson gives developmentally disabled consumers an extension until December 1st.
CLick Here to View 'Florida ARF Res Hab Savings Plan'
Two weeks ago APD announced significant rate cuts and limited hours in residential habilitation services for developmentally disabled consumers being served in group homes. APD indicated it must reduce the program by $20 million. Although the consumers were not officially notified, the chaos prompted by the announcement which took place within the provider community, caught the attention of APD Director Jane Johnson. Fortunately, after a meeting last Friday with providers from across the state, the cuts were postponed until December 1st, 2007. Florida ARF, an association of provider organizations, worked with APD in an effort to examine methods of reducing res hab allocations, without hurting those they serve. Their goal was to work proactively to streamline costs and create efficiencies within the beleaguered system.
Following up on last weeks news of Florida ARFs submission of a modified savings plan to APD, good news followed. Director Johnson kept an open mind and delayed the scheduled cuts. The following is her response to Florida ARF director, after the meeting.
"We are working on a revised rate restructuring proposal in response to the input we received from providers as well as a recognition that our original proposal appeared to have a disproportionate impact on individuals with the most intense needs, which was not an intended outcome. We hope our revised proposal mitigates the impact on those who are most vulnerable and would have the most difficulty finding another place to live.
In the meantime, we have also made an administrative decision to postpone the implementation of the revised rate schedule until December 1st so that providers have more time to make any necessary adjustments. We will be announcing that decision to our Area Offices later this afternoon.
Thank you again for giving APD the opportunity to have an open and positive discussion with your members. It was very helpful to me and my staff and we hope we can continue to pursue solutions through dialogue and compromise in the future.
I will be back in touch as soon as the revised proposal is finalized."
Consumers, their families and providers appreciate the caution and concern demonstrated by Director Johnson and encourage a vigilant and individualized approach to cuts that raise such serious life safety issues for this fragile and vulnerable developmentally disabled community.
Source:
FFDDNews.com
APD
Florida ARF
Date: October 15, 2007