Arkansas Olmstead Plan Governor's Integrated Task Force Meeting Minutes Website

Attending were Billie Jeanne Dougherty, Brenda Stinebuck, M. McMillan (for Charlie Green), Dusty Maxwell, Herb Sanderson, Jay Bradford, Joyce Soularie, Hollis-Hatfield (for Kim Arnold), Larry Brewster, Pat Jones (for Maria Diaz), Mike McCreight, Carol Sherman (for Steve Wilson), and Jim Moreland.

Absent were David Sneed, Grover Evans, Jennifer Dillaha, and Roy Jeffus.

Minutes were approved.

Joyce Soularie and Carol Lee discussed the history and current status of the Arkansas System of Care. Act 1593 of 2007 expanded the principles of a System of Care for behavioral health care services for children and youth as the “Public Policy of the State.” They presented a PowerPoint presentation as well as information on the use of in- and out-patient services.

The GIST next began reviewing the “Status of Action Steps in the AR Olmstead Plan” dated February 2008.

The GIST decided to complete the review at the May meeting.

Future GIST 2008 meeting dates to be held at AARP's Office:

May 5th

August 4th

November 3rd

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GIST Minutes
October 1, 2007 Meeting

Attending were Billie Jeanne Dougherty, Traci Harris (for Charlie Green), David Sneed, Dusty Maxwell, Grover Evans, Herb Sanderson, Vanessa Davis (for Jay Bradford), Joyce Soularie, Larry Brewster, Sam Sellers (for Maria Diaz), Mike McCreight, Roy Jeffus, Steve Wilson, and Jeanette Davies (for Sue Gaskin).

Absent were Anna Riggs, Billy Altom, Brenda Stinebuck, Kenny Whitlock, Kim Arnold, and Roger Isbell.

Minutes were approved as distributed.

The Chair welcomed Jennifer Dillaha, MD as a new member of the GIST.

Krista Hughes reviewed the first draft of the Money Follows the Person (MFP) Operational Protocol. MFP is a five-year, $20,923,775 grant. Objectives of the grant are: A) Rebalance the long-term care support system so that individuals have a choice of where they live and receive services. B) Transition 305 individuals from institutions back into the community. C) Promote a strategic approach to implement a system that provides person centered, appropriate, needs based, quality of care \quality of life services and a quality management strategy that ensures the provision of, and improvement of such services in both the home and community-based settings.

Krista covered the draft Operational Protocol in detail and answered questions as well as took recommendations from members.

Members were encouraged to submit additional comments and to view the DAAS web page for updates. The final draft will be discussed at the next GIST meeting on December 3rd.

Krista announced on November 7, 2007 at 9:30 am agencies, advocates and the public are invited to participate in an interactive video conference on MFP. Individuals attending the video conferences will be able to actively participate by asking questions and making comments. Locations of the video conferences will be held at the following AR Department of Health facilities:

Batesville--120 Weaver Avenue
Fort Smith--3112 South 7th
Harrison--1622 Campus Dr
Hot Springs--1425 Malvern Ave.
Jonesboro--611 E. Washington, Suite B
Pine Bluff--2306 Rike Drive
Little Rock--5800 West 10th Street - Room 906

The Chair announced the Division on Aging and Adult Services was awarded a $500,000 Nursing Home Diversion grant from the Administration on Aging.

The next meeting was scheduled for 11:00 am Monday, December 3, 2007 at AARP’s conference room.

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GIST Minutes
June 11, 2007 Meeting

Attending were Billie Jeanne Dougherty, Brenda Stinebuck, Charlie Green, David Sneed, Dusty Maxwell, Herb Sanderson, Jay Bradford, Joyce Soularie, Steve McDermott for Kim Arnold, Maria Diaz, Roy Jeffus, Steve Wilson and Jennet Davies for Sue Gaskin.

Absent were Anna Riggs, Grover Evans, Kenny Whitlock, Larry Brewster, Mike McCreight and Roger Isbell.

Joyce Dees with Governor Beebe’s Office and AR DHS Deputy Director Janie Huddleston also attended.

David Goodson, Deputy Director of the Division of Aging and Adult Services and retired Circuit Judge, gave an overview of guardianship laws and practices in Arkansas. He also discussed power of attorney. Hand outs were distributed on both subjects.

Kris Baldwin gave an update on the Direct Service Workers Registry rollout.

Scott Holladay discussed the Medicaid Infrastructure Grant. The GIST voted to have the chair send a letter of support for the grant renewal on behalf of GIST.

Krista Hughes was introduced as the Project Director for the Money Follows the Person demonstration grant. A discussion of the grant followed. It was agreed that the GIST would review the MFP Operational Protocol at the next two meetings.

The GIST agreed that Chair Larry Brewster would set the dates for the next two meetings after consulting with Maria about the availability of AARPs conference room. (On August 14, 2007 the GIST was notified the meetings had been set for October 1 and December 3, 2007, 11:00am to 1:00pm)

Meeting adjourned.

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GIST Minutes
March 12, 2007 Meeting

Attending were Billie Jeanne Dougherty, Charlie Green (Traci Harris) Dusty Maxwell, Grover Evans, Herb Sanderson, Joyce Soularie, Kim Arnold (Hollis-Hatfield), Maria Diaz, Mike McCreight, and Steve Wilson.

Absent were Anna Riggs, Billy Altom, Brenda Stinebuck, David Sneed, John Althoff, Kenny Whitlock, Larry Brewster, Roger Isbell, Roy Jeffus, and Sue Gaskin.

Minutes were corrected and approved.

The Nominating Committee gave its report: Larry Brewster, Chair; Joyce Soularie, Vice-Chair. No nominations were made from the floor. Dusty Maxwell moved the election of Larry Brewster, Chair and Joyce Soularie, Vice-chair. The vote was by unanimous consent.

Maria Diaz also reported that the Committee recommended:

Invite the Governor’s designee to attend our meetings in order to keep Governor aware and involved.
Invite the First Lady or her designee to address and or work with us on mental health issues
Revisit Olmstead recommendations and provide an update as to progress made providing updated copy to members.

That the GIST look into these issues;

Guardianship
Mental health services in prisons
Mental health insurance parity

Herb Sanderson reviewed the Money Follows the Person Demonstration Project Operational Protocol and timeline.

The next meeting was scheduled for 11:00 am Monday, June 11, 2007 at AARP’s conference room.

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GIST Minutes
December 18, 2006 Meeting

Attending were Anna Riggs, Brenda Stinebuck, Charlie Green (Traci Harris), Dusty Maxwell, Herb Sanderson, Kim Arnold, Larry Brewster, Maria Diaz, Steve Wilson, and Sue Gaskin.

Absent were Billie Jeanne Dougherty, Billy Altom, David Sneed, Grover Evans, John Althoff, Joyce Soularie, Kenny Whitlock, Mike McCreight, Roger Isbell, and Roy Jeffus.

Minutes were corrected and approved.

Sara Braswell, AR Development Finance Authority (ADFA) Vice President for Housing presented information on ADFA’s housing programs. She discussed the Single Family Homebuyer Program, Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and the HOME program. She explained the HOME program has several components: Single Family Projects, Multifamily/Rental Projects and Tenant-Based Rental Assistance.

Herb reported DHHS submitted the Money Follows the Person application to CMS and that CMS had called and asked for additional information. CMS is to announce which states will be awarded grants in January 2007.

Next discussed was the DHHS budget. Budget manuals have been produced that show “agency request” and “executive recommendations.” That is, the manuals show what all agencies have requested and what the Governor recommended be funded in order to produce a balanced budget. The current executive recommendations are those of Governor Huckabee. Governor-elect Beebe may alter the executive recommendations after taking office. Ultimately the Legislature will adopt the state budget. The budget manuals and Governor’s balance budget are available online: http://www.arkansas.gov/dfa/budget/budget_index.html

Anna announced she was stepping down as Chair. She appointed the following nominating committee: Maria Diaz, Chair; Dusty Maxwell and Joyce Soularie.

The GIST decided to meet quarterly in 2007 unless there was a need for the Chair to call a meeting.

The next meeting was scheduled for 11:00 am Monday, March 12, 2007 at AARP’s conference room.

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GIST Minutes
September 25, 2006 Meeting
(Corrected)

Attending were Anna Riggs, Pat Dahlgren, Billie Dougherty, Sue Gaskin, Charlie Green, Roy Jeffus, Dusty Maxwell, Maria Reynolds-Diaz, Herb Sanderson, Brenda Stinebuck, Marin Hill for Steve Wilson, Kim Arnold, Joyce Soularie, Larry Brewster, David Sneed, Kenny Whitlock, Roger Isbell, and Billy Altom.

Absent were Roy Jeffus, Grover Evans, and Mike McCreight.

Joyce Soularie, Larry Brewster and Kim Arnold were introduced and welcomed as new members.

Minutes were approved.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Money Follows the Person (MFP) Request for Proposal was discussed. The grant requirements, scope and limitations were reviewed. An overview of the ARHome proposed waiver that parallels the RFP requirements was provided by DAAS staff. The Department’s stakeholder meeting and comment period was discussed as well as the role of the GIST. It was decided each GIST committee (Mental Health, Aging & Adult Services and Developmental Disabilities) would meet after the public comment period to process all comments and give further direction on the grant application.

After many months, it was reported the Rules Committee of the Arkansas Legislature approved the final polices for PACE.

It was agreed the next meeting would be 11:00 am December 18th at AARP’s offices.

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GIST Minutes
July 10, 2006 Meeting

Attending were Anna Riggs, Maria Diaz, Charlie Green, Steve Wilson, Marge Easley, David Sneed, Billie Jean Dougherty, Dusty Maxwell, Sue Gaskin, Herb Sanderson, Brenda Stinebuck, Grover Evans, Vanessa Davis for Pat Dahlgren, and Roy Jeffus.

Absent were Billy Altom, Kenny Whitlock, Roger Isbell, and Mike McCreight.

The minutes were approved as mailed.

Gail Gannaway introduced Loretta Alexander with the Division of Health who gave a report on the Traumatic Brain Injury Partnership Implementation Grant.

Scott Holladay gave an update on the Medicaid Infrastructure Grant. The GIST approved sending a letter of support for the grant renewal application.

Herb Sanderson, DAAS, handed out and reported on Medicaid Data released by Medstat on CMS and distributed a copy of the AR Long-Term Care System Report prepared by the University of Minnesota. Herb also discussed PACE regulations pending before the Rules and Regulation Committee of the Legislature.

The next meeting was scheduled for 11:00 am, Monday, September 25, 2006 at AARP’s State Office.

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GIST Minutes
June 20, 2005 Meeting

Attending were Charlie Green, Billy Altom, Steve Wilson, Maria Diaz, Brenda Stinebuck, Kenny Whitlock, Roger Isbell, Debbie Hopkins for Roy Jeffus, Betsy Bond for Cynthia Stone and Herb Sanderson.

Absent were Cliff Coates who is hospitalized, Anna Riggs, David Sneed, Dusty Maxwell, Sue Gaskin, Billie Jean Dougherty, Grover Evans, and Mike McCreight.

The minutes were approved as mailed.

Herb Sanderson , Kris Baldwin, Debbie Hopkins and Scott Holladay discuss the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Systems Transformation Grant. After a presentation and discussion, the GIST authorized Maria Diaz to write a letter of support for the grant in the name of the GIST.

A discussion of the future direction of the GIST occurred next. It was decided that the next meeting would be devoted to reviewing the 114 GIST Recommendations and 30 Action Steps in the GIST Plan.

The GIST agreed on the following meeting dates for the remainder of 2005. All meetings will be held from 10:00 am until Noon in DHHS Conference Rooms A&B, 700 South Main, Little Rock, AR:

No July meeting
Monday, August 22
Monday, September 19
Monday, October 17
No November meeting
Monday, December 12

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GIST Minutes
May 23, 2005 Meeting

Attending were Anna Riggs, James Hayden for Charlie Green, David Sneed, Steve Wilson, Maria Diaz, Dusty Maxwell, Brenda Stinebuck, Vanessa Davis for Pat Dahlgren, Roger Isbell, Roy Jeffus, Sue Gaskin, Billie Jean Dougherty, and Herb Sanderson.

Absent were Billy Altom, Cliff Coates who is hospitalized, Cynthia Stone, Grover Evans, Kenny Whitlock, and Mike McCreight.

The minutes were approved as mailed.

The following guests were introduced: Rosalie Kane, PhD, University of Minnesota, Robert Kane, MD, University of Minnesota, Dann Mile, PhD, Consultant, Denver, Colorado, Martin Kitchener, University of California, San Francisco, Mary Beth Ribar, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS).

Rosalie and Robert Kane explained they were under contract with CMS to conduct research on program and management techniques by states to rebalance their long term care systems. At their request the GIST members discussed progress to date, what progress has not been made and barriers to progress.

Herb Sanderson discussed the current round of Real Choice System Change Grants and the state’s intent to apply for a Systems Transformation Grant. Include in this would be a “one stop” call center.

A legislative report was given with all participating. The DHHS budget, Act 1670, Act 1440 and the failure of the GIST resolution were discussed.

It was agreed the next meeting would be Monday, June 20, 2005.

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GIST Minutes
March 21, 2005 Meeting

Attending were Anna Riggs, Charlie Green, Steve Wilson, Marge Easley (For Maria Diaz), Dusty Maxwell, Brenda Stinebuck, John Althoff for Pat Dahlgren, Cliff Coates, Billy Altom, Sue Gaskin, Lee Thalheimer, and Herb Sanderson.

Absent were Roy Jeffus, Billie Jean Dougherty, Roger Isbell, Mike McCreight, David Sneed, Kenny Whitlock, Grover Evans, and Cynthia Stone.

The minutes were approved as mailed.

The GIST Resolution was next discussed. A motion was made to strike “because paid care is supplemented by informal care by family and friends” from paragraph four. Motion passed.

A motion was made to replace “typically prefer” in paragraph four with “often choose” and to delete “as the first choice” in paragraph seven. Motion passed (The final resolution with these changes is attached to these minutes)

Charlie Green and Arnold Hurst made a presentation on the Developmental Disability Waiver submitted to CMS. Revisions included:

Self-directed Option Included with Support Broker and Fiscal Intermediary.
Daily cap replaced with an annual cap (see levels of care/funding below)
Supported Living Service can be adjusted as need throughout the year.
Client funds separated from provider funds.
Skilled nursing added as a service.
Prescription drugs added as a service.
PERS now specifically covered.
Working Disable category made eligible.
“Legally Responsible Person” clarified.
Waiver staff can accompany client to hospital.
Pervasive level of care funded.

Levels of Care/Funding

Level I	Pervasive	$130,056.80
Level II	Extensive	$58,400.00
Level III	Limited
	Moderate	$10,800
	Minimal	$4,800
	Supplemental Supports	$3,600
	Other	$35,040

A legislative report was given by Herb Sanderson.

Next meeting scheduled for 10:00 am, Monday, April 25, 2005, DHHS conference room A&B.

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GIST Minutes
February 23, 2005 Meeting

Attending were Anna Riggs, David Sneed, Mike McCreight, Roger Isbell, James Haden for Charlie Green, Marian Hill for Steve Wilson, Marge Easley (For Billie Jean Dougherty) Anna Riggs, Dusty Maxwell, Brenda Stinebuck, Marilyn Strickland for Roy Jeffus, John Althoff for Pat Dahlgren, Maria Diaz, Cliff Coates, Billy Altom, and Herb Sanderson.

Absent were Kenny Whitlock, Sue Gaskin, Lee Thalheimer, Grover Evans, and Cynthia Stone.

The attached resolution was discussed and approved.

The following House bills were discussed: 1005, 1007, 1008, 1021, 1024, 1031, 1064, 1241, 1250, 1259, 1270, 1311, 1392, 1397, 1442, 1470, 1488, 1498, 1590, 1605, 1612, 1691, 1734, 1785, 1908, 1946, 1955.

The following Senate bills were discussed: 44, 100, 110, 111, 204, 206, 310, 380, 382, 426, 431.

No committee reports given.