This bill amends sections 83-1216 and 83-1216.02 of the Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska, focusing on the administration of Medicaid home and community-based services for individuals with developmental disabilities. Key changes include the introduction of an objective assessment process for determining funding amounts, which must be published on the Department of Health and Human Services' website and approved by the Governor's developmental disability advisory board. The bill also establishes specific funding priorities for individuals in crisis, those transitioning from institutional settings, and other vulnerable populations, while ensuring that residential settings remain an option for various funding priority groups. Additionally, the bill mandates that requests for redetermination of funding be processed within thirty days and emphasizes a person-centered approach in the assessment process.

Furthermore, the bill eliminates a sunset date that previously limited the provisions of section 83-1216.02, ensuring the continuity of services for individuals transitioning from the education system. It requires the department to provide comparable day services to eligible individuals if funds are insufficient and mandates annual reporting to the Legislature on the number of individuals needing services and the resources required to meet their needs. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the support and services available to individuals with developmental disabilities in Nebraska.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 83-1216, 83-1216.02