WELCOME TO DRNM
Disability Rights New Mexico – DRNM - is a private, non-profit organization whose mission is to protect, promote and expand the rights of persons with disabilities. We are the designated protection and advocacy program for New Mexico, and as such we have authority under federal law to pursue legal, administrative and other remedies on behalf of persons with disabilities.
Some of the staff at DRNM
COMING EVENTS: SAVE THE DATE!
2013 Public Input Survey
It's time to give your input on DRNM's priority planning process for 2013. Please complete our public input survey and tell us about the most important issues for people with disabilities in New Mexico. Click here for survey. For 2013 Public Input Survey in Spanish click here.
For information on DRNM public input sessions in Albuquerque, click here, Las Cruces, click here, Las Vegas, click here
For information on DRNM public input sessions in Albuquerque, click here, Las Cruces, click here, Las Vegas, click here
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Changes to New Mexico DD Waiver Program On the Way
The state Department of Health is moving forward wth significant changes to the DD waiver program. It's using a new assessment tool (the Supports Intensity Scale or SIS) to identify the service needs and budget allocations of persons on the waiver. Some service definitions are changing, and rates to be paid to provider agencies are changing. The criteria for determining who will receive residential services (including Family Living) are being revised, and new limitations on respite and substitute care will be imposed. Limitations are also being imposed on the number of hours of therapy (OT, PT, SLP) that can be provided, with a new emphasis on having direct care staff carry out therapeutic exercises and activities.
For more information about the DD waiver changes from DRNM's perspective, click here. For information from the Department of Health about the impending changes, click here.
Reducing the DD Waiver Waiting List
Thanks to an appropriation by the state legislature in its 2012 session, the Department of Health has just issued "allocation letters" to 250 individuals or families at the top of the waiting list for the Developmental Disabilities Waiver program. The letters indicate that they can begin receiving the services they have been waiting for if they are determined eligible and tells them how to start the application process. The Department estimates that around 200 individuals will end up receiving services, since not everyone will respond, accept the offer, and meet all eligibility requirements. The allocations were distributed through the 5 regional DDSD offices as follows: Metro, 109; NE, 27; NW, 27: SE, 47; SW, 40.
The state Department of Health is moving forward wth significant changes to the DD waiver program. It's using a new assessment tool (the Supports Intensity Scale or SIS) to identify the service needs and budget allocations of persons on the waiver. Some service definitions are changing, and rates to be paid to provider agencies are changing. The criteria for determining who will receive residential services (including Family Living) are being revised, and new limitations on respite and substitute care will be imposed. Limitations are also being imposed on the number of hours of therapy (OT, PT, SLP) that can be provided, with a new emphasis on having direct care staff carry out therapeutic exercises and activities.
For more information about the DD waiver changes from DRNM's perspective, click here. For information from the Department of Health about the impending changes, click here.
Reducing the DD Waiver Waiting List
Thanks to an appropriation by the state legislature in its 2012 session, the Department of Health has just issued "allocation letters" to 250 individuals or families at the top of the waiting list for the Developmental Disabilities Waiver program. The letters indicate that they can begin receiving the services they have been waiting for if they are determined eligible and tells them how to start the application process. The Department estimates that around 200 individuals will end up receiving services, since not everyone will respond, accept the offer, and meet all eligibility requirements. The allocations were distributed through the 5 regional DDSD offices as follows: Metro, 109; NE, 27; NW, 27: SE, 47; SW, 40.
There are around 5,500 individuals on the DD waiting list, so this is only a small step toward meeting the need. The Arc of New Mexico will soon be implementing a campaign to promote the needs of those on the waiting list.
What Will Become of Behavioral Health?
The state Purchasing Collaborative has vote to support a "carve-in" model for behavioral health services, in conjunction with Medicaid re-design, if a variety of important conditions are met. Those conditions include close tracking and accountability for funding intended for behavioral health services as well as setting and monitoring for performance measures. A group of providers, advocates, consumers and state agency representatives has been meeting to provide direction and input on the new initiative. Click here to view the "White Paper" recommendations of this expert panel.
The state Purchasing Collaborative has vote to support a "carve-in" model for behavioral health services, in conjunction with Medicaid re-design, if a variety of important conditions are met. Those conditions include close tracking and accountability for funding intended for behavioral health services as well as setting and monitoring for performance measures. A group of providers, advocates, consumers and state agency representatives has been meeting to provide direction and input on the new initiative. Click here to view the "White Paper" recommendations of this expert panel.
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