§ 7A-3

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028) Sec. 7A-3. Short-Term Stabilization Support Program. (a) Subject to appropriation or the availability of other funds for these purposes at the discretion of the Department, the Department shall establish the Short-Term Stabilization Support Program consisting of at least 10 homes across the State, in accordance with this Article and the following requirements: (1) The Short-Term Stabilization Support Program shall serve individuals with intellectual disabilities or developmental disabilities who are currently receiving home and community-based services and are at risk of facility-based care due to significant behavioral challenges for a period ranging up to 90 days with an option to extend if appropriate for the individual. (2) The program shall be regulated by the Department in accordance with the community-integrated living arrangement guidelines set forth under the Community-Integrated Living Arrangement Licensure and Certification Act and any applicable rules or policies or shall be regulated by the Department of Children and Family Services in accordance with child group home guidelines set forth under the Children and Family Services Act and any applicable rules or policies. (3) Each home shall support no more than 4 residents, each having his or her own bedroom. (4) If an individual is in need of this program, it must be reflected in his or her individual plan. (5) The individual, in conjunction with his or her guardian, if applicable, may change his or her home and community-based services, including his or her participation in this program, including requesting alternate placement when the wants or needs of the individual, as reflected in the individual's personal plan, would be better served in another setting along the full spectrum of care. If an individual, his or her guardian, if applicable, or family caregivers, in conjunction with the independent service coordination agency, the provider, and clinical staff, believe the individual's wants or needs, as reflected in the individual's personal plan, would be better served in an alternate setting along the full spectrum of care, those opportunities shall be discussed as they are identified. The request may be made at any point during the period specified in paragraph (1) or at the conclusion of that period, when assessing whether continued participation in the program would be appropriate for the individual. (6) The Department shall ensure providers have adequate resources, experience, and qualifications to serve the population targeted by this program. (7) The Department shall lead the providers in an ongoing collaboration, whereby best practices and treatment experiences shall be shared and utilized. (8) The providers shall propose home locations in collaboration with other community stakeholders. (b) Beginning March 31, 2025, the Department shall publish quarterly reports on the following: (1) the number of individuals participating in the program; (2) the number of individuals transitioning from the program; (3) the location where individuals transition to during and after participation in the program; and (4) the length of time individuals are participating in the program. The report to the General Assembly shall be filed with the Clerk of the House of Representatives and the Secretary of the Senate in electronic form, in the manner that the Clerk and the Secretary shall direct. (c) The Department shall adopt rules to develop and implement this program.

Legislative History

(Source: P.A. 103-493, eff. 1-1-24 .)