| Action | Omnibus Waiver Regulatory Changes |
| Stage | NOIRA |
| Comment Period | Ended on 7/9/2008 |
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encompassing role of the CSB case managers has been successful in managing both the waiver access and the needs of consumers in conjunction with state agencies
In addition, an unequaled system for developing, managing and maintaining a statewide-but-locally-driven Waiting List has been established and tested over the past 18 years. Given the chronic state-wide shortage of slots, this system has proven essential in securing Waiver services for persons with Intellectual Disabilities in as fair a manner as possible. Bottom line; the CSB boards and staff, consumers and families, and the Office of Mental Retardation has worked for years and invested signficant amounts of effort to create a system to effectively manage the distribution and use of the MR Waivers. MR Waivers and the MR Day Support Waivers need to remain separate from other DMAS Waivers. Regarding the Omnibus Waiver Regulation: While GPCS can understand the intent to consolidate DMAS’ seven Waiver programs into one regulation, we strongly oppose the inclusion of the MR Waiver and the MR Day Support Waiver into this regulation. We concur with other statements that have been made, such as: Cooperative efforts between DMAS and DMHMRSAS have successfully developed and maintained an array of services that meet consumer needs. Specialized assessment instruments have been developed and refined over the years. Language used to describe services are unique to individual groups. Because of the uniqueness, monitoring and oversight needs also to be very specific and should be conducted by agencies having experience with specific conditions; a generic format will not work. The historical understanding of the state leaders concerning the value of the MR Waiver and its use as a benchmark for state support for that population cannot be minimized The all