SB2009 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB102 16411 KTG 21801 b

102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2021 and 2022
SB2009

Introduced 2/26/2021, by Sen. Thomas Cullerton

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

20 ILCS 1305/10-26a new

Amends the Department of Human Services Act. Provides that by June 30, 2022, the Department of Human Services shall reduce the number of individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities on the Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services (PUNS) database by no fewer than 800 persons. Provides that the number of persons listed shall be reduced each year by the following amounts: no fewer than 1,000 persons between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023; and no fewer than 1,200 persons beginning July 1, 2023, and every July 1 thereafter, until the list of persons on the PUNS database awaiting State services is exhausted. Requires the Department to apply for all available federal funding options to increase services and supports for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Provides that for future applicants, the Department shall provide adequate funding for the required services and supports for each individual listed in the seeking services category on the PUNS database within 90 calendar days after the individual is placed on the PUNS database after completing an enrollment form with a Department pre-admission screener. Provides that for future applicants, the Department shall identify the required services and supports for each individual listed in the planning for services category on the PUNS database within 180 calendar days after that individual is placed on the PUNS database after completing an enrollment form with a Department pre-admission screener. Requires the Department to annually report to the General Assembly, beginning September 30, 2022 and every September 30 thereafter, on the progress made in implementing the provisions of the amendatory Act. Effective immediately.

FISCAL NOTE ACT MAY APPLY

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning State government.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Department of Human Services Act is amended by adding Section 10-26a as follows:

(20 ILCS 1305/10-26a new)

Sec. 10-26a. Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services.

(a) Definitions. As used in this Section:

"Department pre-admission screener" means an entity that contracts with the Department of Human Services to provide coordination services as outlined in Section 10 of the Disabilities Services Act of 2003. The Department pre-admission screener is also known as an Independent Service Coordination Agency or a Pre-Admission Screening Agency.

"Enrollment form" means the Prioritization of Urgency of Needs for Services (PUNS) database enrollment form.

"Planning for services category" means a PUNS database category for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities who do not currently need services and supports but may in the future.

"PUNS database" means the Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services database established under Section 10-26.

"Seeking services category" means a PUNS database category for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities who currently need or desire services and supports.

(b) By June 30, 2022, the Department shall reduce the number of individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities on the PUNS database by no fewer than 800 persons. The number of persons listed shall be reduced each year by the following amounts:

(1) no fewer than 1,000 persons between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023; and

(2) no fewer than 1,200 persons beginning July 1, 2023, and every July 1 thereafter, until the list of persons on the PUNS database awaiting State services is exhausted.

(c) The Department shall apply for all available federal funding options to increase services and supports for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, including, but not limited to, applying to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for:

(1) a demonstration waiver under Section 1115 of the Social Security Act to expand housing options and relevant support services for persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities; and

(2) approval of a Title XIX State Plan amendment to implement the Community First Option in accordance with Section 1915(k) of the Social Security Act.

(d) For future applicants, the Department shall provide adequate funding for the required services and supports for each individual listed in the seeking services category on the PUNS database within 90 calendar days after the individual is placed on the PUNS database in the seeking services category after completing an enrollment form with a Department pre-admission screener. The enrollment form must be completed by the individual along with his or her primary caregiver or guardian in the presence of a Department pre-admission screener.

(e) For future applicants, the Department shall identify the required services and supports for each individual listed in the planning for services category on the PUNS database within 180 calendar days after the individual is placed on the PUNS database in the planning for services category after completing an enrollment form with a Department pre-admission screener. The enrollment form must be completed by the individual along with his or her primary caregiver or guardian in the presence of a Department pre-admission screener.

(f) The Department, in consultation with all relevant State agencies, shall annually report to the General Assembly on the progress made in implementing the provisions of this Section. The Department shall submit its first report no later than September 30, 2022 and every September 30 thereafter.

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.