Dear Decision Makers,
I am writing to express my strong support for the continued ability of parents to serve as paid care attendants for their child with a waiver at the discretion of the child via the consumer-directed care model. This model has already been highly vetted and supervised by service facilitators who are themselves vetted and trained by the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS). I strongly believe that imposing restrictions on this model would be detrimental to the consumer's right to direct their own care and limit the quality of care that they receive.
Firstly, to require that parents can serve as caregivers only if there is no qualified paid caregiver outside of the family places unnecessary restrictions on the consumer’s right to direct their own care. Parents are often the best qualified caregivers for their children, as they have a deep understanding of their child's needs and are often willing to go above and beyond to provide the care that is needed.
"On Day 1 of my administration, I signed an executive order that delivered on a promise I made to parents, empowering them to make decisions regarding their children."
"If November’s election made one thing clear, it’s that too many bureaucrats and politicians had stopped listening to parents. Those parents shared with me the concern that the cold halls of government are disconnected from the reality they face every day.""To parents, I say: We respect you. And we will continue to work to empower you in the education and well-being of your children."