Meeting Summary
The purpose of the Council is to advise HHSC on the development, implementation, expansion, and delivery of services through consumer direction, in all programs offering long-term services and supports that enhance a consumer’s ability to have freedom and exercise control and authority over the consumer’s choices, regardless of age or disability. Visit the Consumer Directed Services (CDS) homepage for more information about the CDS option.
Introduction
Mika Bradford convened the meeting and members introduced themselves. The minutes from the meeting on April 13, 2018, were approved as written.
Policy issues and Meeting Highlights
The Council met in their quarterly meeting and adopted bylaws. They received the following updates:
Provider Investigation (PI) transitioned to HHSC as a result of S.B. 200, 84th Regular Session (Sunset Legislation) and joined the HHSC Regulatory Division on September 1, 2017. PI investigates allegations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation involving an employee, fiscal agent, case manager, or service coordinator of an individual employer participating in the consumer-directed service option, as defined by §531.051, Government Code. Investigations include:
- Physical Abuse
- Sexual Abuse
- Verbal/Emotional Abuse
- Neglect
- Exploitation
The Council received information on Mental Health Self-Direction “My Voice My Choice” which provides the individual with more choice and control over:
- purchasing services and supports
- Personal budget authority
- Person-centered (recovery) planning process
- Information and assistance (advisors, fiscal intermediaries)
- Funds may be used for:
- in-network outpatient mental health services
- out-of-network outpatient mental health services
- non-traditional goods and services
- All purchases must be related to individual recovery goals