Senate Bill 1, Section 48, 81st Texas Legislature, mandated the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) transfer case management functions in the Home and Community-based Services (HCS) program from the HCS provider to the state's Mental Retardation Authorities (MRAs). Implementation will occur statewide on June 1, 2010.
Management at Texas Panhandle MHMR has been working hard in preparation for the changes with HCS Case Management. Planning began last summer when the fiscal year 2010 budget was prepared. The following transition timeline is in progress:
February
Initial MRA transition meetings
Renovation of records room
Service Coordination office space complete
Obtain access to Electronic Data Transfer System (EDTS)/CARE
Post four Service Coordination positions
Develop a MRA SC for HCS transition webpage on Center’s website
Develop HCS Service Coordination job duties and job descriptions
March
Revise policies and procedures as needed
Develop HCS SC training plan & curriculum
Post four additional Service Coordination positions
March/April- Begin training HCS Service Coordinators
April
MRA consumer records completed
Assign SCs to HCS participant caseloads
Lubbock DADS training for Service Coordinators/Providers
May
Create provider/MRA contact list
Educate local Advisory Boards, PNAC and Center Board of Trustees
The Department of Aging and Disabilities has an excellent web site that gives much more information regarding the transition. It includes the draft rules, frequently asked questions, time frames and much more. The web site is www.dads.state.tx.us/hcscmtransition .
