The meeting was called to order by Marcellius Bell and roll was called by Nina Honeyman.  Present were: Dyann Arnett, Marcellius Bell, Dee Blose, Doug Bursey, John Corpolongo, Lance Davis, Teri Egner, Wanda Felty, John Gajda, Cindy Gould, Nina Honeyman, Cassell Lawson, Gay McMillin, Melissa Middleton, Eddie Miller, Debi Sufficool, David Svedman, and Terry Trego.  Absent from this meeting were: Janette Carver, Freda Cowart, Valerie Williams and Willard Watkins.

Minutes from the previous meeting were approved.

Comments from Jim Nicholson, DDSD Director

• Budget:
  Jim reported that the legislature has not started serious budget talks yet.  In March, OKDHS was looking at about 60 million dollar shortfall, of which 10 – 12 million as DDSD’s share. He reported that all administrative contracts are being reviewed to see if they can be eliminated or reduced.  We’re also looking for a better federal match on everything. He stated the worse case scenario would involve employee furloughs.  He also said next year looks worse and that we won’t be able to use the rainy day fund.  We are hoping for a possible carry-over to apply towards the FY 2010 budget.  Jim will send an update on the budget to advisory committee members after the next OKDHS Executive Team Meeting.

• Self Directed Services
  We are hoping to have approval on the IHSW Self-Directed Services Amendment by July.

• HB 2027
  HB 2027 passed the House and the committee in the Senate, but has been reworked a little in the Senate committee. This bill will allow us to license certified behavioral analysts and will give us funding for at least three certified behavioral analysts with the University of Central Oklahoma’s program. Jim explained a little about the program and stated that a person would need 1,500 hours of supervised hours before becoming certified.  Jim stated that Rep. Chris Steele worked hard on this bill. He also stated the Health Department is supposed to have a part in this program with SoonerStart.
  
  Jim reported that Nick’s Law went down in committee and is not an option for this legislative session.
  
  Dee Blose asked Jim for an update on the CMS rules regarding Targeted Case Management. Jim reported it has been delayed until June or July.  He anticipates the interim rules will be rescinded.
  
  Marcellius asked about the stimulus money Oklahoma will receive. Jim explained that Oklahoma sent a request with details on how it would be spent.

Policy Sub-Committee
The following policies were reviewed by the Policy Sub-Committee, and recommended for approval:

OHCA Policies

OAC 317:40-5-111
OAC 317:40-5-113
OAC 317:40-7-12
OAC 317:40-7-21

OKDHS Policies

OAC 340:100-17-30
OCA 340:100-5-53
OCA 340:100-1-2 
 
 All were approved by the committee.

2009 Governor’s Conference
Listening Session
Sheree gave a report about the Listening Session from the Governor’s Conference. Eddie Miller suggested having a trouble-shooting desk at the next Listening Session as most comments are individual in nature. Also, some issues have been addressed in previous Listening Sessions, or at other committee meetings, i.e. gloves and wipes. 

Other issues identified will be further discussed by the two sub-committee chairs along with the chair of the Advisory Committee. 

There was discussion about the DDSD Waiver Request List (Waiver Waiting List). Jim noted that Wanda Felty coordinates that waiting list meetings with Director Hendrick and anyone who is interested in attending should contact her for more information. Wanda reported that the next meeting with the Director will be held April 29th. 

Doug Bursey brought up an issue with transitions from public schools and the different ways each district handles those. John Corpolongo stated there are federal regulations in place for transition but they may not be implemented effectively. Joni Bruce, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Family Network stated there should be a transition team meeting for each student prior to the end of their public school system education. 

Joni Bruce shared with the committee information about the Joining Forces Conference to be held on 4/25/09. 

Sheree Powell reported that she, Dee Blose, John Gajda and Terry Trego will give an orientation including history about the Advisory Committee at the next meeting. 

The next meeting of this committee will be held Friday, July 17, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. in room C-47 of the Sequoyah Memorial Office Building, Oklahoma City, OK.