[tabi] Re: Gov Scott's Transition Team may be thinking about if one agency should serve all disabilities...
- From: "Allison and Chip Orange" <acorange@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Thu, 9 Dec 2010 21:21:58 -0500
It's fine by me William.
Chip
-----Original Message-----
From: tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of
blindwilly
Sent: Thursday, December 09, 2010 8:40 PM
To: tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [tabi] Re: Gov Scott's Transition Team may be thinking about if one
agency should serve all disabilities...
Barbara,
I did send a post and if it is the right address I will let you know what I
said and how it came out.
I also hope you will come to our Christmas party. Is using TABI o-k or should
I send invitations like this to you at the Light House directly?
Hope to see you soon.
William
----- Original Message -----
From: "Lighthouse of the Big Bend" <lighthousebigbend@xxxxxxxxx>
To: <tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Thursday, December 09, 2010 12:17 PM
Subject: [tabi] Re: Gov Scott's Transition Team may be thinking about if one
agency should serve all disabilities...
> Hi William,
> I think the paper may have come from Bryan F. Vaughan, Executive
> Director at Florida's Governor's Commission on Disabilities
>
> Had a hard time finding an email, but it may be:
> bryan.vaughan@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>
> A biography is here:
> http://fldisabilityinfo.com/Staff/BrianVaughan.aspx
>
> Bryan F. Vaughan
> Executive Director, Governor's Commission on Disabilities
>
> Mr. Vaughan was appointed by Governor Charlie Crist to serve as
> executive director of the Governor’s Commission on Disabilities in
> January 2008. He has a long history of political and disabilities
> involvement.
>
> He obtained his bachelor of arts degree in political science from
> Mercer University, possesses a master of science degree in clinical
> psychology from Troy State University, and is a board-certified expert
> in traumatic stress. He was awarded the Outstanding Achiever Award by
> the Georgia Association of Rehabilitation Facilities for developing
> Georgia's Ex-Offender Employment Program, which assists released
> felons in securing permanent employment. During his successful career
> in law enforcement, he received numerous honors including the Silver
> Cross Medal, Bronze Cross Medal, Officer of the Year from the American
> Legion, Certificate of Meritorious Service from the U.S. Customs
> Service, and two Officer of the Month Awards from the Pensacola Police
> Department in Pensacola, FL.
>
> At the height of his law-enforcement career, Mr. Vaughan was diagnosed
> with multiple sclerosis. Over the next few years, he was hospitalized
> many times due to exacerbations from the MS, leading to an 18-month
> period in a wheelchair. In 2001, the effects of the disease caused
> deterioration of his vision to the point that he was determined
> legally blind.
>
> Since 1996, Mr. Vaughan has worked with a variety of clients—from
> ex-felons to persons with physical, mental, and emotional illnesses—to
> help them overcome barriers to employment. As a recipient as well as
> a provider of services, he has a personal understanding of the various
> difficulties faced by people with disabilities. Although he has
> visual and physical limitations, he has been able to thrive in work
> environments which are not traditional for persons with disabilities.
> He is a living example that a person with disabilities can progress
> beyond what society presently views as norms, achieve the exceptional,
> and live a life that is fulfilling and rewarding.
>
>
> On 12/9/10, blindwilly <blindwilly@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>> Barbara,
>>
>> What is the e-mail address where I might send a post speaking against
>> this proposal. I do not want to be put in the category of people
>> with autism and mentally disable. Please God, don't put me in the
>> category of people who can't tie there shoes.
>>
>> William
>>
>>
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Lighthouse of the Big Bend" <lighthousebigbend@xxxxxxxxx>
>> To: <tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
>> Sent: Wednesday, December 08, 2010 3:56 PM
>> Subject: [tabi] Gov Scott's Transition Team may be thinking about if
>> one agency should serve all disabilities...
>>
>>
>>> Consumer groups of the Blind/VI may want to get involved, as it
>>> looks like Gov Scott's Transition Team may be thinking about whether
>>> one agency should serve everyone with disabilities...
>>>
>>> 12-8-10
>>> Single Department Concept
>>> A New Service Delivery System for the 21St Century
>>>
>>> The purpose of this proposal is to illustrate a method by which
>>> Florida can create a single, efficient, consumer driven and
>>> community
>>> -- based service delivery system to provide services to the over 6
>>> million persons with disabilities in Florida. The ultimate goal is
>>> to reduce administrative costs and increase access to services and
>>> service dollars; create a more efficient, fraud resistant billing
>>> system and create an economic stimulus creating new private sector
>>> jobs.
>>> • Combining all of the programs and services for persons With
>>> disabilities, including the Florida Medicaid Waiver programs, under
>>> one department`-. will enable the State to move precious resources
>>> to actual service delivery for persons with:.disabilities and
>>> seniors across the disability spectrum and Recycle.
>>> • This department can have one point of entry with a standardized
>>> application, eligibility criteria, provider qualifications, and
>>> provider rates for all services and programs.
>>> • Creation of new jobs in the areas of core munity - based service
>>> delivery and fraud prevention methods. This would mean the
>>> recruitment of new entrepreneurial minded providers into the system
>>> statewide.
>>> To accomplish this goal, certain units can be removed from current
>>> departments and placed in the new departmental structure. Personnel
>>> requirements will then be determined, based on the overall
>>> organization. Departments effected:
>>> • Agency for Healthcare Administration (AHCA), the • Department of
>>> Health (DOH), the • Department of Children and Families (DCF), the •
>>> Department of Eider Affairs(CARES), the • Department of Education
>>> (Vocational Rehabilitation and Division of Blind Services), and •
>>> The Agency for„Persons with Disabilities As this new department is
>>> being physically formed, a new philosophy will also be nurtured. A
>>> philosophy of ingenuity, creativity, and an entrepreneurial spirit,
>>> where employees are encouraged to think "outside of the box" to
>>> solve the problems we will face in the coming years. We must
>>> encourage unique, public - private partnerships at every level, in
>>> order to maximize our precious resources. This includes private
>>> entity investment into not only service provision but employment
>>> opportunities for persons with disabilities. It is only through this
>>> "rebirth" of the physical and philosophical can we have a department
>>> that is truly responsive to our citizens.
>>>
>>> In Florida, every day over 6 million persons, with identified or
>>> self-reported disabilities study, live, play, and work. The vast
>>> majority of persons with disabilities can secure and maintain full
>>> or part -- time competitive employment. They exhibit more courage
>>> and fortitude daily than some people do in a lifetime. These
>>> Floridians do not want a hand out but a hand up, a chance to
>>> maximize their individual independence and to be as included in
>>> their community as they wish, This untapped resource of ready and
>>> willing potential employees should not be ignored.
>>>
>>> Having all disability programs and services, including Medicaid
>>> Waivers located within one department, will:
>>>
>>> Streamline the application, eligibility, and acceptance process for
>>> consumers and providers.
>>>
>>> Eliminate the "silo" effect, bringing all state organizations
>>> working with persons with disabilities under one organizational plan
>>> and chain of command.
>>>
>>> Reduce redundant administrative costs to include office space and
>>> other such equipment.
>>>
>>> Create new private sector opportunities for persons who become
>>> disabled as adults. Require anyone wishing to file for federal
>>> disability programs to register with Vocational Rehabilitation.
>>> Begin early working with the person focusing on ways to maximize
>>> his/her abilities. in many cases, it may be possible for the person
>>> with the disability to emerge with a better, more lucrative career.
>>>
>>> The department will maximize existing resources, such as using the
>>> Clearinghouse on Disability Information to:
>>> Maintain one website for all information on disabilities.
>>> Operate a single toll-free phone number with accessibility built
>>> into the system. Have a dedicated information referral system that
>>> not only serves consumers, but providers and other state agencies.
>>>
>>> ❖ Allow the department to standardize the processes to determine
>>> eligibility (one assessment instrument), provider qualifications and
>>> enrollment, service limitations, rates of pay, nursing home
>>> transition initiatives, etc.
>>>
>>> ❖ Reduce or maintain turnaround time in billing to enable providers
>>> to receive pay for services in a timely fashion, while cutting down
>>> on potential fraud.
>>>
>>> Through a coordinated, functional needs based system, all
>>> individuals with disabilities will have their needs assessed and
>>> identified by a Global Assessment with a single Case Plan.
>>>
>>> Bryan F. Vaughan, MS Executive Director Commission on Disabilities
>>>
>>> 1217/2010 Page 2 of 4
>>>
>>> •:• Adapt the existing iBudget algorithm across the disabilities
>>> spectrum to ensure a consistent and efficient distribution of scarce
>>> resources.
>>>
>>> :• Serve consumers and providers will be served in a timelier and
>>> more consistent manner statewide.
>>> One standardized assessment instrument to determine risk of
>>> institutionalization and eligibility for waiver services would
>>> ensure services are provided to those most in need and would reduce
>>> the number of individuals currently on wait lists for the various waivers.
>>> Provider qualifications and rate of pay will be consistent and allow
>>> them to serve all populations without having to apply to work with
>>> multiple waivers and organizations. The Legislature will only need
>>> to deal with one budget to fund all the waivers. The processes for
>>> being placed on a wait list will be standardized throughout all the
>>> individual waivers.
>>> Funding for community-based, long-term care services would be more
>>> equitable for each of the disability groups competing for limited
>>> resources.
>>>
>>>
>>> Note: Some agencies may be reluctant' to relinquish administration
>>> of their waiver programs. Consumers and providers currently being
>>> served by the various waivers may be impacted if service limitations
>>> and rates of pay are standardized. Use of the iBudget algorithm will
>>> ensure a person's needs are met in an effective manner. Some
>>> individual disability groups may be concerned about any change in
>>> the current structure which can be mitigated through an appropriate
>>> public information program.
>>> Evidence to Support Single Department
>>>
>>> The states of Illinois and Vermont have already gone to the single
>>> entity system with good results. Real Choice Systems Change Grant
>>> Program, Third Year Report: Progress and Challenges of the FY 2002
>>> and FY 2003 Grantees: (October 1, 2003 -- September 30, 2004) Final
>>> Report.
>>> Consolidation
>>>
>>> The Governor's Commission on Disabilities, along with personnel from
>>> the effected departments, advocates, and providers could work
>>> towards the planning, development, and implementation of this single
>>> department.
>>>
>>> Planning & Timeline
>>> Planning could begin to consolidate all programs and services,
>>> including waivers under one department in the 2010 - 2011 fiscal
>>> year, with implementation occurring in an on-going basis. Full
>>> consolidation could take until the 2011 -- 2012 fiscal year.
>>> Estimated Potential Savings
>>> ❖ A coordinated waiver program would require fewer administrative
>>> staff, intake and referral staff, provider enrollment staff and
>>> fiscal staff to moriitorexpenditures.
>>> ❖ There would be a reduction in allocated office space, expenses;,
>>> and equipment allocations for personnel due to consolidation into
>>> one agency. Multiple websites dedicated to the various waivers would
>>> be reduced.to>one. This would also create a more user friendly,
>>> accessible system of delivering information. **g Consolidating
>>> multiple call-centers for consumers and providers would still allow
>>> calls to be channeled from one line directly to the appropriate
>>> waiver specialist.
>>>
>>>
>>> Florida currently has a great need for more community - based
>>> service providers. Partnerships with Colleges of Business at our
>>> State Universities, as well as the Chamber of Commerce for Persons
>>> with Disabilities, can promote an entrepreneurial effort to create
>>> these small provider businesses.
>>>
>>> To reduce fraud, a "call and verify" system can be included as part
>>> of the billing cycle. When a provider bills the department, a random
>>> verification system will identify a consumer to be called and asked
>>> if helshe has received the items or services as billed. This process
>>> will help prevent discrepancies and false claims as are potential
>>> risks under the current system. The department can either decide to
>>> use one or multiple verifying agencies. This can be performed by
>>> workers from home (enabling persons with disabilities, seniors, or
>>> others who are transportation
>>> disadvantaged) or a central location.
>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> Lighthouse of the Big Bend
>>> Guiding People Through Vision Loss
>>> 3071 Highland Oaks Terrace
>>> Tallahassee, FL 32301
>>> (850) 942-3658
>>> www.lighthousebigbend.org
>>> Check out the TABI resource web page at
>>> http://acorange.home.comcast.net/TABI
>>> and please make suggestions for new material.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> if you'd like to unsubscribe you can do so through the freelists.org
>>> web interface, or by sending an email to the address
>>> tabi-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word "unsubscribe" in the subject.
>>
>> Check out the TABI resource web page at
>> http://acorange.home.comcast.net/TABI
>> and please make suggestions for new material.
>>
>>
>>
>> if you'd like to unsubscribe you can do so through the freelists.org
>> web interface, or by sending an email to the address
>> tabi-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word "unsubscribe" in the
>> subject.
>>
>
>
> --
> Lighthouse of the Big Bend
> Guiding People Through Vision Loss
> 3071 Highland Oaks Terrace
> Tallahassee, FL 32301
> (850) 942-3658
> www.lighthousebigbend.org
> Check out the TABI resource web page at
> http://acorange.home.comcast.net/TABI
> and please make suggestions for new material.
>
>
>
> if you'd like to unsubscribe you can do so through the freelists.org
> web interface, or by sending an email to the address
> tabi-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word "unsubscribe" in the subject.
Check out the TABI resource web page at http://acorange.home.comcast.net/TABI
and please make suggestions for new material.
if you'd like to unsubscribe you can do so through the freelists.org web
interface, or by sending an email to the address tabi-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
with the word "unsubscribe" in the subject.
Check out the TABI resource web page at http://acorange.home.comcast.net/TABI
and please make suggestions for new material.
if you'd like to unsubscribe you can do so through the freelists.org web
interface, or by sending an email to the address tabi-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
with the word "unsubscribe" in the subject.
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