State Rep Staneski Backs Bill on Medical Transparency

From CT State Rep Pam Staneski's Office: To better serve its most vulnerable citizens, State Rep. Pam Staneski (Milford & Orange) strongly supported a bill in the Public Health committee today which ensures that the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (DDS) provides accurate and up-to-date information on family needs regarding the residential waiting list and other services.

The proposal, SB 246, An Act Concerning a State-Wide Waiting List for residential Placement for Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities was crafted by Rep. Pam Staneski with the assistance from CT DDS Families First, the state-wide family advocacy group for families of the intellectually and developmentally disabled.

The bill requires DDS to provide accurate and up-to-date information on family needs regarding the Residential Waiting List and other services by requiring a yearly census conducted when families meet with DDS for their annual review. By July 2018, DDS must develop a five and 10 year plan for each individual with intellectual disability who is eligible for DDS services and who has an individual plan from DDS.

State Rep. Pam Staneski worked last session on a bipartisan bill with families of the developmentally disabled to pass legislation improving communication and transparency at the Department of Developmental Services.

Rep. Staneski said, “Helping these families by provide more update information is always good public policy. The legislation would not add any cost to the state and is vital in providing information to both the legislature and to DDS. It is an important building block in being able to plan for the future for both the families and the state.”

The bill now heads to the State Senate for a debate, where Senate Leader Len Fasano is a major proponent of the legislation.

Image Courtesy Of Ct State Rep Pam Staneski's Office