Developmental Disabilities Compact Workgroup/Consumer Advisory Workgroup Meeting Report: September 18
Sep 19, 2008
On Thursday, September 18, 2008, the Developmental Disabilities Compact Workgroup and the Developmental Disabilities Compact Consumer Advisory Workgroup jointly held their first meeting met in Tallahassee for the purpose of developing a Compact pursuant to Senate Bill 2654 (SB 2654), which was passed during Florida’s 2008 Regular Legislative Session.
The bill mandates health insurance coverage for autism and requires the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (“OIR”) to convene a Workgroup to meet for the purpose creating a Compact to provide coverage for autism and other disabilities. If a Compact cannot be agreed upon, then the autism mandates in SB 2654 will become effective on April 1, 2009. The OIR also is charged with convening a Consumer Advisory Workgroup to provide a forum for comment on the negotiated compact.
OIR Deputy Commissioner Mary Beth Senkewicz presided over the meeting, which is comprised of various healthcare representatives, state legislators (Senator Steve Geller and State Representative Andy Gardiner), and other interested parties. To view the complete membership roster, click here.
The Workgroup’s first meeting was informational in nature and included presentations by many industry representatives.
Dr. Phyllis Sloyer, Florida Department of Health Children’s Medical Services Division Director, provided an overview of children’s special needs programs.
Florida Agency for Health Care Administration Counsel, Shachi Mankodi, provided an overview of the Medicaid system and its role regarding children with disabilities.
Jim DeBeaugrine, Executive Director, Agency for Persons with Disabilities, provided a review of his agency’s services and spoke about the importance of timely care and benefits for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Dr. Lindee Morgan from the Autism Institute gave a presentation on research regarding best practices.
Stacy Taylor, Director of Behavioral Services, Behavioral Associates of Central Florida, provided information on applied behavioral analysis.
Dr. David Wood, Medical Director, Jacksonville Health and Transition Services, provided a firsthand perspective on medical necessities of the developmentally disabled.
Further information about the Workgroup is available at http://www.floir.com/ddcompact.aspx.
To read a report from the Joseph P. Kennedy Foundation entitled “Defining Medical Necessity: Strategies for Promoting Access to Quality Care for Persons with Developmental Disabilities, Mental Retardation, and Other Special Health Care Needs,” click here.
Should you have any further questions, please feel free to contact Colodny Fass.
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