Hello all:
OPRA is pleased to announce that an agreement with the Department of Developmental Disabilities has been reached on the ICF provisions in the state budget (HB 64). As you know the budget as introduced included a number of provisions of particular challenge to ICF providers. OPRA, in concert with other stakeholders , has spent significant time and effort in negotiation with Director Martin and his staff working on an agreement. We believe the final agreement either eliminates or mitigates the most onerous of the introduced penalties but still holds community ICFs accountable for meeting the formerly agreed upon conversions or downsizing.
We want to thank the Department of Developmental Disabilities for their willingness to negotiate on issues of importance to us. We also want to acknowledge and thank members of the Ohio House of Representatives, particularly those on the House Finance Subcommittee on Human Services who took such a keen interest in this issue. This agreement is in no small measure due to their interest and involvement.
Finally we appreciate the patience and understanding of all of our members as we worked through this challenging issue. And for those of you who have committed significant time, effort and expertise in guiding us to this resolution we say to you again: We would not be here without you!
Attached is the letter co-signed by the Director and stakeholders representatives to the Finance Chairs of the House and Senate announcing the agreement. Also attached is the proposed amendment language that contains all the agreed upon changes. Keep in mind that if one intends to decipher the amendment they will need to compare it the budget bill as introduced (HB 64). It can be found on the Ohio Legislative Services Commission web-site. For an easier understanding I will send a summary comparison document out shortly.
Thank you again and best wishes for a wonderful weekend.
Jeff (Davis)