Disabilities Rights Center

7-24-07: The bill has passed and been signed into law by the governor on July 17.

5-27-2007 article from the Concord Monitor about the waiting list: “Adults with disabilities need help, but the state may not be there”

5-17-2007 Update: SB 138-FN-A, relative to the waiting list for services to persons with developmental disabilities and acquired brain disorders and making appropriations therefore passed the full house by a roll call vote of YES: 300 NO: 5. An earlier amendment, SB 138-FN, to add additional funding. failed by a roll call of YES:142 NO:162. The bill was referred to finance.

5-4-2007 Update: There was a hearing on SB 138-FN yesterday. The Subcommittee will meet on May 8 at 10 AM in room 205 of the Legislative Office Building. The full committee will vote and make a recommendation to the full on house in Executive Session on May 9 at 9 AM in Room 205 of the LOB. It is expected that the NH House of Representatives will vote on the bill May 16.

4-13-2007 Update: The full Senate passed SB138-FN-A–. relative to the waiting list for services to persons with developmental disabilities and acquired brain disorders and making appropriations therefor. As passed, the bill requires the department of health and human services to provide services to persons with developmental disabilities and acquired brain disorders within certain time limits. Increases the salaries for certain direct care support staff of area agencies. Establishes a committee to develop a plan to address long-term workforce and related human resource issues and to develop a quality assurance and enhancement plan and makes appropriations to the end waitlist over 3 years. The bill passed on a voice vote. It will now be sent to the House Health and Human Services Committee.

3-22-2007 Update: The Full Senate passed SB 138-FN relative to the waiting list for services to persons with developmental disabilities and acquired brain disorders and making an appropriation therefor. By a vote of 23-0, the bill passed with an additional floor amendment which adds a nationally recognized consultant to review the NH DD System. The bill has been referred to Senate Finance; a hearing is very likely next week.

Sean Magoon testified at the March 6 hearing about his son, Sean Jr.'s services through an Area Agency. The neglect of Sean's medical needs, and the indifference of QA and complaint investigators, almost cost him his life. Read his full testimony here.

SB 138:

• Phases out the waitlist (consisting of almost 475 individuals) over 3 years.
• Has additional guarantees to individuals and families, including a provision binding future legislatures.
• Has resources and actions to improve the workforce and services for those coming of the waitlist, and those currently receiving services, especially in regard to supported employment opportunities for all eligible individuals. It also has additional resources and initiatives for individuals with complex medical, multiple, or behavioral needs as well as those who have assistive technology needs.
• Provides for methods to improve quality assurance and other safeguards.

Also see the report from the Governor's Study Commission on Area Agencies