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800 Preston Ave Charlottesville, VA 22903 434-972-1800 Toll Free 866-694-1605 TTY 434-220-2842 |
| Board
Meeting Minutes- July 12, 2004 |
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| Location 800 Preston Avenue Charlottesville, Virginia Members Present Susan Garrett, Chairman Members Absent Rev. David M. Cameron Others Present James R. Peterson, Executive Director Evelyn Cotton, Mental Retardation Residential Services
Ms. Garrett, chairman, called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m.
Ms. Garrett welcomed Mr. Steven Stern who was recently appointed by the Charlottesville City Council to replace Mr. John Trippel. Mr. Stern has been a professor of economics at the University of Virginia since 1985, and has a long history of community involvement and related research. His work has included the researching of lengths of stays in psychiatric hospitals and in the community. He also received a National Institutes of Health grant to study the outcomes of rural health delivery. He served on the city’s Social Development Commission for 20 years. He was a founding member of a program to address teen pregnancy prevention and was instrumental in securing funds for that program. The other members of the board introduced themselves to Mr. Stern.
Ms. Garrett asked if there were any comments from the public. There were none.
Ms. Garrett asked if there were any items to be added to the agenda. Ms. Hammond said that the daughter of a friend was involved with crack cocaine and needed a bed at New Hope detox center, but a bed was not available, and so the opportunity to get her into treatment was lost. She said that there is no emergency place for women who are ready for treatment, and the Mohr Center only serves men, and that discriminates against women. This topic will be added to “Other Business.” Ms. Barrett said that she would like to discuss the Mental Retardation Services Advisory Committee. This will be considered under the agenda item for the Mental Retardation Services Advisory Committee.
Ms. Garrett deferred any remarks at this time.
It was noted that in the minutes for the June 14 meeting, at the beginning of the first sentence in Section VII (Elections), it should read Ms. “Garrett” instead of Ms. “Barrett.” Also, Dr. Jane Lewis is sometimes referred to as “Ms.” and sometimes as “Dr.” and this is also the case in the minutes of the Personnel Committee minutes. This will be changed so that she is consistently referred to as “Dr.” ON A MOTION BY MR. BELAIR, SECONDED BY MS. HAMMOND, THE MINUTES OF THE JUNE 14 AND JUNE 23, 2004, BOARD MEETINGS WERE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED AS CORRECTED.
Ms. Garrett distributed the notes from the June 30 meeting of he Search Committee (see attached). She said that all board members were invited to attend the meeting at which the selection of Mr. Campbell was discussed and members held a lengthy telephone conversation with Mr. Campbell. One hundred percent of the board members supported the selection. Mr. Campbell will begin on September 15 and will make two visits to the area in August, on the 6th and the 27th.
Ms. Garrett said that the committee had discussed streamlining the conduct of the board meetings by having all public comment come at the public input session at the beginning of the meeting, and then if board members have questions of staff later in the meeting, the questions should be directed to the executive director. Mr. Kelley said that he likes the input from staff and would not like to see them cut off from the discussion. Mr. Murphy said that the public comment period is intended to receive input from the public, and not be a question-answer period. Ms. Gibson asked if this meant that the division directors would attend the board meetings but not speak, and Ms. Garrett responded that the division reports would still be an agenda item. Ms. Gibson asked if staff are considered members of the public, giving the example that Ms. Maltais is present in the role of a staff director, not a member of the public. Mr. Belair said there is a chain of command, and it is more appropriate to direct questions to the executive director, that it is not fair for board members to turn to directors and say, “What are you going to do about this?” Instead, the questions should be addressed to the executive director who may answer them or may direct them to a member of the staff, but often would wait until the next board meeting to make a report. Ms. Barrett asked if a division director is making a report, then who gets the question. Ms. Garrett said in that case it would go to the division director. Mr. Kelly said that he was OK with this if the dialogue comes during the division reports. Ms. Garrett noted that this recommendation was coming from a committee and therefore did not require a second. IT WAS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADOPT THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE FOR CONDUCT OF BOARD MEETINGS. Ms. Garrett reminded board members to attend the eleventh annual Softball Extravaganza to be held at McIntire Park on Sunday, July 18, 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.
Ms. Hammond reported that four venders were selected to make presentations on their proposals for the classification and compensation study, with the final selection by August. She added that the committee is also following up on the staff benefits survey and are analyzing the results and will report back to the staff to let them know what is under consideration.
Ms. Barrett reported that she had attended the meeting of the Mental Retardation Council of the Virginia Association of Community Services Boards (VACSB), and learned at that time that an analysis is underway to establish the cost to implement the 201 different services recommended in the Olmstead plan. Mr. Murphy asked who from the VACSB served on the task forces, and Ms. Barrett said that Ms. Nita Grignol, immediate past chair of the VACSB, Ms. Mary Ann Bergeron, executive director, and one other representative from the association. Ms. Barrett said that a report will be made to the General Assembly on the projected cost which is expected to be substantial. The intent is to build an infrastructure in the communities to support ongoing long term services. Ms. Garrett asked if the report will also stress that Virginia is 47th among the states in support of community services. Mr. Murphy asked if the recommendations pertained to all ages, and Ms. Barrett responded that they did, and also to all disabilities. Mr. Belair asked if there had been any discussion on the absurdity of having 201 recommendations, and Ms. Barrett said there had, but that all disabilities wanted to be sure that they were covered.
Mr. Peterson referred to the information included in the board mailing proposing the purchase of three wheelchair accessible minivans (at $40,000 each) and two 15-passenger activity busses (at $33,000 each). Mr. Belair asked how these purchases would help increase services in the counties, and Ms. Hammond asked if it would then be possible to make a van available for Louisa and Fluvanna. Mr. Belair observed that typically, Charlottesville and Albemarle get more than the rural counties, and that transportation is not good in the counties. He said he would like to see a plan of how this will impact on the counties. Mr. Murphy asked about the length of the term of the loans, indicating that it would be unwise if the length of the term was longer than the useful life of the vehicles. He also asked if Waiver and other funding would cover the cost. Mr. Peterson responded that the terms are for three years, and that the services provided under the new Waiver slots, and the expanded mental health services, would fund the debt service. ON A MOTION BY MS. JOHNSTON, SECONDED BY MR. KELLY, IT WAS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF THREE WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MINIVANS AND TWO 15-PASSENGER ACTIVITY BUSSES AT A TOTAL COST OF $186,000.
Ms. Maltais reported that the committee has not met since the last board meeting. Ms. Barrett asked if there was a reason to maintain the committee, that the purpose of the committee was to bring recommendations back to the board, yet the committee has never come back to the board with recommendations. On the other hand, the maintenance of the committee takes a lot of valuable staff time away from other responsibilities. She recommended that the board dissolve the committee, but continue the Friends of Meadowcreek. She would like to hear how other board members view this, that either the purpose should be changed, or dissolve the committee. Ms. Hammond asked what the committee has been doing, and Ms. Barrett replied that they discuss what they should be doing but have not achieved agreement, and they have not done what they were established by the board to do, to advise as to unmet needs. Rather, the staff do a good job of that and also there are other mechanisms to get input. The last dialogue was to maybe look at dental services, a valid issue but not a Region Ten issue. Dr. Sheras asked if the board needed to empower the committee, and Ms. Barrett thought not, but maybe give them more direction. Dr. Sheras suggested that they could be asked to attend board meetings and give input, and he also asked if the existence of such a committee was a CARF requirement. Mr. Peterson responded that it was not. Mr. Belair said that maybe the board just needs to educate the public that there are opportunities to come to board meetings and provide input. Ms. Barrett said that she had suggested some time back that the board should conduct community forums to further communication and coordination. Mr. Murphy observed that when the committee was reformed, his primary interests were public education, interagency coordination and program evaluation. However, there has been little interest on the committee to address these. Ms. Barrett said that this was a good time to reevaluate with the new executive director coming on. Dr. Sheras suggested that committee members should be invited to participate in some other way. Ms. Barrett said that a meeting was scheduled for August, and they could discuss it then. Mr. Murphy said that at the retreat after the arrival of the new executive director, the issue could be examined more globally. Ms. Maltais commented that the Friends of Meadowcreek has been very valuable. Ms. Gibson said the board would be looking at the committee structure, and the committee could be reconstituted to give information to the board and executive director. Ms. Barrett clarified that in any event, the Friends of Meadowcreek would continue, and there was an affirmative consensus in response.
Dr. Becker deferred on providing a report for the Division of
Access and Quality Assurance. Mr. Pezzoli reported for the Division of Mental Health Services that DRS (Department of Rehabilitative Services) had responded to state funding cutbacks by eliminating contracts such as the employment contract for services at Blue Ridge House, but that Region Ten subsequently was awarded funding from DRS on a competitive bid basis. He added that Region Ten also has two positions jointly funded by Region Ten and the Department of Social services, but in spite of state cuts, these positions will be maintained. In another matter, Mr. Pezzoli commented that historically, Mr. Bob Taibbi, director of Children’s Services, had provided public service announcements (PSAs) to local radio stations, but now Region Ten was selected by Eure Communications to receive $55,000 worth of air time for PSAs. Ms. Garrett said that radio station WINA does a good job at getting information out to the public about what we do, and Ms. Barrett added that she has heard the announcements three times. Mr. Pezzoli also commented that the Housing and Urban Development grant for housing in Louisa will be in the running. Ms. Davis, in reporting for the Division of Substance Use Disorders, said that Ms. Cara Marinucci has been appointed to the position of prevention director. With regard to various grant submissions, Ms. Davis said that a grant proposal to BAMA Works (Dave Matthews) of the Charlottesville-Albemarle Community Foundation as a start to meeting women’s residential needs was awarded. Also, the federal SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) grant application to expand treatment for homeless persons was submitted with the help of Finnegan and Associates, but the SAMHSA grant for women’s residential treatment did not make the deadline. Dr. Sheras asked if this could be used to submit another proposal, and Ms. Davis said that they will reapply in the upcoming cycle.
Ms. Barrett said that the next meeting of the VACSB board of directors will be held in Henrico on July 28, 10:30 A.M. The Public Policy Committee will meet on July 20 and start on legislative issues and budgeting for the upcoming year.
Ms. Gibson said that Greene County recently conducted a competitive process for educational support services in the school system, services for which Medicaid reimburses. Region Ten gave an excellent presentation and was awarded the contract. She added that this was an example of how Region Ten listens in the community to the needs and then develops services to meet those needs. Ms. Barrett said that she was very proud of how staff presented themselves during the candidate visits for the executive director. She said that Region Ten has an excellent staff that do phenomenal work.
Ms. Hammond said that when it comes to treatment for addictions, there is a need for a place to provide an immediate response. She has heard talk about the needs and plans for a year now, but nothing concrete has resulted. Ms. Davis responded that detox is unavailable for both men and women in our community, and we have to use the regional detox at New Hope located on the grounds of Western State Hospital. What we have at Region Ten is a men's substance use disorders residential program and four police diversion beds (which is not at all the same as a detox--and at the city's request). Immediate response to those needing detox is the same for both men and women, and problems are experienced across our region. Transportation to this facility is also a problem, for both men and women, and we often rely on volunteers. Ms. Hammond said that she would like to assist with volunteers for transportation, and Ms. Davis said that she would get with Ms. Hammond after the meeting. Mr. Peterson noted that Region Ten has placed a priority on developing women's residential treatment services, and a number of grants have been pursued to further this. The meeting was adjourned at 7:14 p.m. Respectfully submitted,
June 30, 2004
Present: Peter Sheras, Michael Murphy, Roxanne White, Michael Kelly,
Angela Report to the Board: Three members of the Search Committee Peter Sheras, Michael Murphy, Susan Garrett met earlier today to discuss the choice of Philip Campbell as executive director. We spoke with Philip at length on the telephone and questioned him about his resignation as commissioner of the Department of Mental Retardation in Massachusetts. The Search Committee has done an extensive reference check on Philip, using the references he provided and extending to others he did not provide, such as the ARC of Massachusetts and the Board President of Family Services of Western Pennsylvania. He has received only excellent references. The Committee expressed to the Board its belief that Philip is a strong candidate, dedicated, willing to address difficult questions with straightforward honesty. All Board members present were in favor of supporting the choice of Philip Campbell. In addition, three Board members Paul Belair, David Cameron, Carole Wernstrom emailed their support of the Search Committee' s decision. Philip Campbell looks forward to meeting and talking with Region Ten staff. The Board greatly appreciates the staff's concern and thanks its members for forwarding the information. Susan Garrett, Board Chair REGION TEN COMMUNITY SERVICES BOARD EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING September 7, 2004 Susan Garrett, Chairman Other Board Members Present James Peterson, Executive Director
1. Introductions Mr. Peterson introduced Ms. Keener to the Group. She is the new executive director’s administrative assistant. Dr. Sheras was absent due to a death in the family. Mr. Belair was absent due to illness. 2. Planning for the September 13th Region Ten and Region Ten, Inc.,
Board Meetings 4. Proposed agenda for the September 13th Region Ten and Region Ten Inc meetings. A report of the Olmstead Initiative was added. 5. Annual Board Calendar It was noted that a draft of FY05 Board Calendar is in the board mailing and will be discussed at the board meeting. Board members will also receive updated inserts for their manuals. 6. Report on Crisis Stabilization Task Force Ms Garrett requested that an update on the task force be provided at the previous board meeting. A report on the distribution and vehicle needs has been prepared in response to the request at the previous board meeting. 8. Region Ten, Inc. A. Annual Budget- a proposed annual budget for Region Ten, Inc. will be considered. B. Finnegan & Associates –The one-year grant-writing contract expires on October 1, 2004. Mr. Peterson will be contacting Finnegan & Associates to see what our options are for this coming year.
REGION TEN COMMUNITY SERVICES BOARD PERSONNEL COMMITTEE MEETING Angela Hammond, Chair
James Peterson Ms. Hammond convened the meeting and noted that Ms. Bondy Gibson had notified the committee that she would be unable to attend the meeting. Mr. Peterson introduced Ms. Meg Keener, the new administrative assistant to the executive director. Dr. Lewis reported that the selection committee completed the interviews of the consultants for the classification and compensation study, and a consultant, MGT of America from South Carolina, has been awarded the contract. Dr. Lewis is already in the process of compiling information requested by the consultant. The estimated time to complete the study is three months, and the projected completion date has been shifted back a month in order to include Mr. Phil Campbell in the initial process with the consultant. The members of the Quality Management Council and Dr. Lewis will meet with the consultant on Thursday, September 16, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. to discuss the range of issues related to classification and compensation and to finalize the scope of work. Mr. Stern asked about the purpose of engaging the outside consultant, and Ms. Hammond showed Mr. Stern minutes from an earlier meeting when this had been addressed. Committee members requested copies of the consultant’s proposal. Dr. Lewis will arrange to have copies sent to the members. 2. Staff benefits survey Ms. Hammond asked about the status of follow up to the staff benefits survey. Dr. Lewis described the prior “sabbatical” benefit that provided a month of leave (in addition to regular annual leave) when a staff member achieved their 10th anniversary of service with Region Ten. Another one-month leave was granted on every fifth anniversary after the 10th (15th, 20th, etc.). Because the time off does not represent a “sabbatical” in the usual sense of the term, Ms. Hammond suggested that the benefit could more properly be termed “paid leave incentive.” Mr. Peterson recapped how this benefit had originally been adopted by the board back when most programs were grant funded and salaries were frozen. The extra time off was seen as a reward and recognition that could be provided at little cost to the agency. Four years ago, when the board sought to bring salaries into line, and also, the majority of revenues were no longer coming from grant sources but rather needed to be earned through fees, the board voted to discontinue this benefit. Dr. Lewis and Mr. Peterson both described how valued this benefit had been to staff, and indeed contributed to staff retention. A recommendation will be developed for consideration by the Personnel Committee. 3. Policy reviews The committee reviewed four policies: (a) “Dress Code Policy:” a new policy initiated by the Quality Management Council in response to concerns from directors and staff regarding the importance of maintaining a professional work environment; (b) “Smoking Policy:” there were two smoking policies in the past, one for substance use disorders staff and another for all other Region Ten staff. This revised policy would establish one consistent policy for all staff and for all Region Ten sites; (c) “Workers’ Compensation Policy:” Region Ten’s annual premium for Workers’ Compensation insurance had soared to $250,000, and even this was available only through assigned risk. The results of recent efforts to reduce claims has enabled Region Ten to come out of the assigned risk category and is now insured through the Virginia Association of Counties policy. The administrators of that plan have been very responsive and helpful in recommending changes intended to continue the trend to keep the premiums in check, and they recommended changes in Region Ten’s policies that would mirror the actual requirements of Virginia’s Workers’ Compensation Act, but no longer exceed those requirements; and (d) “Training Policy:” Region Ten’s training plan has been revised in accordance with outcomes of the David Lloyd process (the “Service Process Quality Management Initiative”) which ties staff training requirements directly to specific job requirements and performance measures. The revised policy outlines the training requirements applicable to all staff, and also the training requirements specific to four categories of staff (direct care staff, administrative staff, clinical staff, and management staff). On a motion by Mr. Stern, seconded by Mr. Kelley, it was unanimously voted to adopt the revised policies as distributed. 4. Future meeting schedule The September, October and November meetings of the Personnel Committee will be held on the third Tuesday of each month at 5:15 p.m. Beginning in December, the meetings will be held on the third Monday of each month beginning at 4:30 p.m. Therefore, the next meeting of the Personnel Committee will be held on Tuesday, September 21 at 5:15 p.m. The meeting was adjourned.
To: James R. Peterson The following was developed with input from all the division directors Private Vehicle Use Any assessment of vehicle needs at Region Ten should begin with a review of agency reliance on staff automobiles for agency business. In FY 2004 a total of $133,670 was spent board-wide for reimbursement of private automobile use by staff. At the current reimbursement rate of 32.5 cents per mile this amounts to over 411,000 miles. Alone among major public agencies in the area, Region Ten relies mainly on staff use of their own cars for work-related travel, including transportation of consumers. Most public agencies provide agency cars for most staff travel and restrict if not forbid staff use of private autos. By comparison, the Albemarle County Department of Social Services serves more limited area (711 square miles) but strictly limits staff use of their own cars for official business. It operates a fleet of 14 cars for a staff of 93. Charlottesville DSS, serving only 11 square miles with about 100 staff have about the same number of cars and operates under similar policies. Region Ten has 550 employees and 49 vehicles. To achieve the ACDSS/CDSS ratio of vehicles to staff, we would have to operate well over 80 vehicles. But there are major differences among the agencies. ACDSS and CDSS
each have one main program site - Region Ten operates out of over
30 sites, serving an area of 2158 square miles. Most agencies base
all their vehicles at one site, allowing maximum efficiency in use.
Region Ten now bases its fleet of 49 vehicles at 11 sites. Region
Ten operates congregate client service sites that require transportation
of consumers to programs and out into the community during program
operation, most public agencies do not. Most of our vehicles are
assigned to client transportation. Our vehicle fleet includes 28
vans and other vehicles used for this purpose, and only 21 cars
for staff transport to appointments, outreach, etc. Most other agencies
provide predominately center-based services, for consumers who can
drive to their sites; with RT this is only true of MH and SA adult
outpatient services. All agencies have significant numbers of employees
who do not have to travel during the day. The full replacement of staff vehicle use by agency cars has never been proposed, largely due to the extraordinary costs and complexity. Agency liability is greater with the use of a variety of staff automobiles, as is staff liability. The safety and reliability of staff vehicles vary greatly. Priority in purchasing and allocating use of cars for staff outreach travel has been based on mileage, revenue generation, and likelihood of carrying clients. Many vehicles were donated and are of marginal value. Many agency vehicles are older and/or have high mileage. There is no plan for replacement of existing vehicles. While making agency vehicles available appeals to staff, there are some who prefer using their own cars (especially if they do not have to carry clients), as they can run errands, go home from evening appointments without going to the RT site to return the agency car and retrieve their own, and because it puts cash in their pockets (whether this really covers their long term costs or not, people like the mileage money). Multiple sites mean cars may have to be based at sites that may not support maximal efficiency of usage. Sharing of vehicles among sites is often difficult due to distances, scheduling conflicts, and inconvenience Logisticare Transportation Providers Medicaid pays for the provision of transportation of Medicaid recipients to medically necessary appointments. Medicaid contracts out management of transportation services to private sector managed care “brokers” that in turn contract with transportation providers to provide transportation services to Medicaid recipients. Logisticare is the broker for our area. Logisticare brokers transportation for many Region Ten services, but especially to and from our major congregate service sites: Meadowcreek, Blue Ridge House, Friendly Oaks, and Horizon House. The rocky record of these brokers and the providers they have chosen has been a matter of statewide controversy and has often been discussed at the Region Ten board. Current arrangements are relatively stabile, but service quality varies greatly and periodic crises occur. Mental Health Vehicle Needs Charlottesville/Albemarle operations PACT Current needs are adequately met. County operations Greene 1 car for outreach, 1 12-passenger van when clubhouse starts MR vehicle needs With recent board-approved purchase of 3 wheel chair equipped vans, current needs are adequately met. SA vehicle needs Current needs are adequately met. ACCESS including MH/MR case management 3 cars are needed for case management outreach staff use Administration With recent purchase of used vehicles and a utility trailer, current
needs are adequately met. REGION TEN COMMUNITY SERVICES BOARD LOCAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE
Phil Carr, Chairman
Philip Campbell, Executive Director (effective From Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation Ron Pulliam, Gallastar Counseling Services 1. Affiliate Agreements Mr. Carr welcomed everyone present. Ms. Sylvia Milner had called prior to the meeting indicating she would be unable to attend. Mr. Peterson introduced Mr. Philip Campbell who has been selected by the Region Ten board to replace Mr. Peterson who is retiring at the end of September. Mr. Peterson noted that this is the first Region Ten meeting attended by Mr. Campbell, and it demonstrates his long standing commitment and advocacy for human rights. Mr. Carr then asked everyone to introduce themselves. Mr. Carr asked if the members have had an opportunity to review the revised proposed draft of the affiliation agreement, and if anyone wished to make a motion to approve the agreement. On a motion by Ms. Hymes, seconded by Mr. Patrick, it was unanimously agreed to approve the Affiliate Agreement. Mr. Peterson suggested that although the agreement calls for each affiliate to pay an annual fee of $100.00 beginning in July, that since we are already into the year, this first year’s fee should become effective in January and be reduced to $50.00 to cover the six months left in the year. On a motion by Ms. Hymes, seconded by Mr. Patrick, it was unanimously agreed to make this year’s affiliate fee due January 1, 2005, and to reduce it to $50.00 to cover the period January 1 through June 30, 2005.
Mr. Carr asked Mr. Pullium to give an overview of the program, and Mr. Pulliam described the mission as providing intensive in-home and day treatment services to children and adolescents in rural Virginia. The services focus on youth that are struggling with behavioral and emotional problems and mental disorders that result in significant and serious functional impairments in major life activities, such as family and school adjustment, and who may be at risk of alternative school placements, out of home placements, or psychiatric hospitalization. The in-home services are designed to offer a continuum of counseling interventions including individual therapy, family therapy, and case management. The basic philosophy is the belief in the inherent value of maintaining the child with the family unit and in the community to maximize the opportunity for positive growth and development. The day treatment services are provided by a behavioral counselor placed in the child’s home school to provide intensive mental health support to assist in the child’s adjustment to school and prevent alternative placements. The structured program includes individual and group therapy, family interventions, psycho-educational interventions, and social and recreational therapy and activities. The basic philosophy is to assist the child in recognizing and experiencing school as a positive and successful area of his life. Mr. Pullium indicated that the services are in process of being licensed, and the human rights policies and procedures have not yet been approved. Mr. Seymour reported that he has fully reviewed the proposed human rights plan and had suggested six semantic changes, all of which have been incorporated into the document. Mr. Seymour said he is very comfortable with the plan. Mr. Carr asked about the expertise of the program’s leadership, and Mr. Pullium responded that his own professional background includes 15 years of clinical and administrative experience with the Rockbridge Area Community Services Board. Mr. Carr asked for comments from the members. Ms. Hymes noted that in item 8 under “Assurance of Rights,” the reference to the Department for Rights of Virginians with Disabilities should be stricken because that department no longer exists. She also sought clarification on the restrictions of freedoms. Mr. Carr asked about the policy to handle a child who gets out of hand, and Ms. Hymes followed up with a question about the length of time out, if it varies by age. Mr. Pullium responded that the guideline for the maximum length of time out is one minute per year of age of the child. Ms. Hymes requested that this guideline be incorporated into the written plan. Ms. Bruns asked if a sample were available of the display information regarding the assurance of rights. Mr. Seymour said this was available on-line, but he encouraged programs to tailor the information for their consumers. Mr. Veerhoff offered to share copies of the material developed by the Arc of the Piedmont, and copies of this were then made and distributed to everyone present.
Dr. David Moody, Region Ten’s medical director, was originally scheduled on the agenda to respond to questions about psychiatric services, but he was subsequently called out of state and therefore to attend the meeting. Members asked about the nature of the issues, and Ms. Hymes said that a patient who wished to remain anonymous had indicated that patients are not given choices regarding their medication, and specifically that they are told that they had to be on medications they did not want to be. Mr. Seymour said this would come under the “right to refuse” provisions. There was discussion whether to hold a special meting to consider this further, or to invite Dr. Moody back for the next regular meeting, and the consensus was to invite Dr. Moody to the next regular meeting.
Ms. Hymes said that she was concerned about the number of affiliates who apparently have not had their human rights policies reviewed by the committee since the time the new regulations were revised and came into effect July 2002. The Pantops Clinic lost its license and is now under new ownership. On the other hand, she pointed out that the policies of DePaul Family Services had been reviewed although this was not shown on the listing of affiliates. There were also questions as to whether all of the affiliates listed were still in operation. Mr. Peterson will contact the organizations shown on the list of affiliates to determine their status, and also to inform them of the need to enter into an affiliate agreement. On behalf of the Arc of the Piedmont, Mr. Veerhoff presented Mr. Carr with an executed affiliate agreement.
Mr. Seymour reported that the chair of the State Human Rights Committee (SHRC) has noted that with the funding of 860 new Medicaid Waiver slots statewide (with twice as many still remaining on the urgent waiting list), it is very likely that a number of new providers will come forward to meet the demand, and Local Human Rights Committees should be aware that they might be approached for affiliation. DMHMRSAS has requested funding to establish a part time position to assist providers in establishing Local Human Rights Committees, but in the meantime, existing committees will likely be approached by providers seeking affiliation. Mr. Seymour read from a memo from Ms. Margaret Walsh, director of the SHRC, soliciting nominations of a consumer who is a current resident of a state inpatient facility for appointment to the Olmstead Oversight Committee. He asked that if any of the members had suggestions of someone to nominate, to please let him know. Mr. Campbell described the response of other states to the Olmstead decision. He also noted that the state’s position in maintaining a waiting list for Medicaid services discussed earlier may very well be problematic.
The next meeting of the Region Ten Local Human Rights Committee will be held on Friday, November 19, 2004, 3:30 p.m. at a location to be announced. The meeting was adjourned. July 12, 2004, BOARD MEETING MINUTES Members Present Susan Garrett, Chairman Members Absent Rev. David M. Cameron Others Present James R. Peterson, Executive Director
Ms. Garrett, chairman, called the meeting to order at 7:14 p.m.
On a motion by Dr. Sheras, seconded by Ms. Barrett, the minutes of the June 14, 2004, board meeting were unanimously approved as corrected.
Mr. Peterson reported that Region Ten closed on the Louisa property on July 16. In a related matter, he said that in completing the HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development) grant application for possible funding of the residential program, Mr. Pezzoli found two additional resolutions that were required for board action. On a motion by Ms. Barrett, seconded by Ms. Hammond, it was unanimously voted to adopt the Sponsor’s Resolution for Commitment to Project.
Mr. Peterson reported that the a resolution is also required for the submission of the loan and grant to the Rural Development Fund of the Department of Agriculture. On a motion by Ms. Barrett, seconded by Mr. Belair, it was unanimously
voted to adopt the Code of Conduct Resolution. The closing on this property was held on June 25, 2004. The purchase price was $42,500. The fund raising drive spearheaded by Ms. Owie Samuels has raised a total of $30,000 toward the lot purchase and landscaping. Ms. Samuels also reported that the Worrell foundation and Mr. Worrell will sponsor the planting of the back portion of the club house gardens including terracing the new lot, putting in good soil, planting fruit trees (pear, cherry, plum), terracing for a vegetable garden, and possibly a water feature. Ms. Samuels has also found a sponsor for the pergola over the new terrace, and Mrs. George Palmer will cover the cost of the architectural drawings to be prepared by Ms. Candice Smith.
The officers elected for the Region Ten Community Services Board also serve as the officers for Region Ten Community Services Board, Inc. Ms. Garrett called for a motion to ratify the election of officers. On a motion by Ms. Barrett, seconded by Ms. Hammond, it was unanimously voted to ratify the election of the officers for the year July 1, 2004 through June 30, 2005: Susan Garrett, president and chairman; Michael Murphy, vice president and vice chairman; Carol Johnston, secretary; Paul Belair, treasurer, and Peter Sheras, past president. The meeting was adjourned at 7:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Carol Johnston |
