The meeting was called to order by Freda Cowart and roll was called by Nina Honeyman.  Present were: Marcellius Bell, Wanda Felty, John Corpolongo, Freda Cowart, Lance Davis, Teri Egner, Theresa Flannery, John Gajda, Nina Honeyman, Katie Kissinger, Eddie Miller, Debi Sufficool, David Svedman, Carol Thompson, and Terry Trego.  Those absent were:  Dyann Arnett, Dee Blose, Cassell Lawson, Melissa Middleton, Willard Watkins, and Valerie Williams.

Minutes from the previous meeting were approved (10-13-09).  It was noted that the Jan. 10, 2010 meeting was cancelled, so this is the first meeting of the year.

Sheree introduced new committee member, Katie Kissinger, representing ONCOR.

Comments from Jim Nicholson, DDSD Director

Nicholson gave an update about the ongoing budget situation, as it relates to DHS, and DDSD  He distributed budget information from the Director’s presentation on 4/12/10.  He gave a summary of how the current budget situation came about since last summer, as well as an overview of challenges that will face us in FY 2010 as well as in FY 2011.  He noted that it appears the legislature intends for the entire budget shortfall to be dealt with by state agencies.  He announced that DDSD will initiate another round of VOBO’s, this time on a voluntary basis instead of targeting positions as was done with the resource centers.   Nicholson discussed the proposal of furloughs for all state employees, except the direct support professionals at the resource centers.  The proposed furlough plan would involve all designated employees to work nine hour days, and off every Friday.  This would allow for the closing of all offices on Fridays.  The furlough plan, should it remain a necessary option for balancing the budget, would require approval by the Commission for Human Services. 

Several committee members discussed cost-saving suggestions for the resource centers.  There was also discussion about the effect provider rate cuts would have on agencies.  Some providers voiced their concern that rate cuts plus the increase cost of health care could potentially bankrupt their businesses.   Families also voiced concern over potential rate cuts to services provided to their family member.  Nicholson said he understood their concern, as well as the concern of the 5400+ number of individuals on the waiting list.  He said we continue to look for ways to reduce costs and save money.

John Gajda asked about the difference between targeted VOBO’s and voluntary VOBO’s.  Nicholson explained in detail the VOBO/RIF process.

Policy Sub-Committee
Terry Trego, chair of the Policy Sub-Committee presented the following slate of policies:

New Policy:

Section 1928 of Title 59 of the Oklahoma Statutes (59 O.S. § 1928) directs the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) Developmental Disabilities Services Division (DDSD) to provide for licensing of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) and certification of Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts (BaBA.)

OHCA Policies

317:40-5-113.  Adult Day Services
317:40-7-15.  Service requirements for employment services through Home and Community-Based Services Waivers
340:100-3-1.  Eligibility determination for Developmental Disabilities Services Division state-funded services
340:100-5-22.1.  Community residential supports
340:100-5-52.  The Personal Support Team (Team)
340:100-5-22.6.  Alternative group homes – Revision to:  9e) Services provided. H (iii) (I):  The agency must have a provision to immediately provide additional staff immediate assistance in the home should the need arise.

All policies were approved by the committee, including the revision to 340:100-5-22.6.  Alternative group homes.

Officer nominating committee report – John Gajda, Nina Honeyman and Debi Sufficool

The committee presented their recommended slate of officers for nomination:

Chair:  David Svedman
Vice-Chair: Marcellius Bell
Secretary Lance Davis

There were no nominations from the floor, and the committee voted and approved the slate of nominees as presented.

Public Comment

There was no public comment at today’s meeting.

Open Discussion and Announcements

Due to time constraints, Freda recommended we adjourn the meeting and discuss the other agenda items at the next meeting.  The next meeting of this committee will be held Tuesday, July, 13, 2010 at 10 a.m. in room C-47 of the Sequoyah Memorial Office Building, Oklahoma City, OK.