FRIENDS OF RESIDENTS 2007-2008 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES

Priorities forwarded from the Policy Committee to the FORLTC Board of Directors;
approved January 12, 2007.

1. Revamp the current Penalty Review Committee process with the following changes:

§ Restore more frequent meetings (at least 10 per year);

§ Restore PRC’s review as defined in the old statute;

§ Increase those to be notified to include residents, former residents, family members, guardians of former residents, estate administrators, executors, family members and guardians of deceased residents and ombudsmen who have been involved in citations that created the penalty;

§ Require a proposed penalty to be considered at a meeting immediately following notice to the operator of a proposed penalty, as long as the notice is sent at least two weeks prior to the PRC meeting;

§ If training is imposed, it be in addition but not in lieu of fine; and

§ If there is an administrative appeal of the penalty pursuant to Chapter 150B, a local department of social services, resident, ex-resident, family member, guardian or personal representative of a deceased resident who has been involved in citations that created the penalty shall have a right to intervene in the contested case hearing and subsequent appeals and participate in all settlement negotiations.

2. Support labor enhancement for direct care workers including support of N.C. NOVA.

3. Support measures that will meet the needs of medically diverse populations by ensuring individuals are placed in appropriate settings, appropriate groupings, or provided specialized services. This shall be accomplished through appropriate reimbursement levels and assessment. Assessments should provide that:

§ When a person’s mental health needs override physical care needs, the person should be served in settings licensed by G.S. 122-C, administered through the State Mental Health Commission.

§ When a person’s physical care needs override mental health needs, an adult care home or nursing home should serve the person.

§ To meet the needs of aggressive persons or sexual offenders, a Pre-Admission Screening and Resident Review-type evaluation should be conducted to determine how best to meet the needs of such individuals.

4. Support legislation that would increase the number of ombudsmen by 10.

5. Support legislation that would increase the personal needs allowance for nursing home residents from the current $30 per month to $50 per month.

6. Pass legislation to reduce institutional bias by increasing the Community Alternatives Program/DA through:

§ Increasing the number of slots;

§ Increasing the use of the slots; and

§ Increasing the availability of case management.

There are a number of other important issues and goals that FOR will monitor and work with other groups to accomplish during this upcoming session and other sessions. They include:

1. Work for changes and support reports that improve the state’s antiquated guardianship statutes.

2. Support the enhancement and provision of new dental services in long term care facilities.

3. Support efforts to require and improve disaster preparedness for the disabled and the elderly including those in facilities.