FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 8, 2007
CONTACTS
Jeanne Atkinson, Communications and Legislative Services, 402-471-8287
Kathie Osterman, Communications and Legislative Services, 402-471-9313
BSDC Improvements Lead to Continued Funding;
New Review Process to BeginLincoln – State Health and Human Services (HHS) officials today announced developments regarding the Beatrice State Developmental Center (BSDC).
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has notified HHS it will continue Medicaid participation and funding, based on improvements made at the facility.
"This is wonderful news and shows we’ve demonstrated continued progress to improve services at BSDC," said Chris Peterson, HHS Chief Administrative Officer. "The safety and care of BSDC residents is a primary concern, and we seek ways to help residents flourish to the best of their abilities."
"We appreciate our working relationship with CMS," she added. "Their perspective and input, together with hard work by BSDC managers and employees, has allowed us to reach this point."
Peterson said CMS received BSDC’s full plan of correction to address deficiencies on June 6, and that CMS will return to evaluate implementation of the plan. "We’re committed to full achievement of the plan’s goals," said Peterson.
An ad hoc subcommittee of the existing Advisory Committee on Developmental Disabilities also met this week. Former Senator Dennis Byars, a long-time proponent for the rights of people with developmental disabilities, has agreed to serve on the group, which Peterson said was created to provide accountability and oversight on the process.
Peterson said that this week, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) notified the state it would begin a review of conditions of care and treatment of residents at BSDC, based on the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act.
"We welcome the opportunity to work with the DOJ," Peterson said. "Our common goal is to provide quality services and their review will help us do that."
The DOJ letter said the office has not reached any conclusions about BSDC and believes State officials want to operate the facility consistent with federal requirements. It says they will consider efforts the State has already undertaken.
Larry Pezley, acting CEO at BSDC, worked at a similar facility in Iowa that underwent CMS and DOJ reviews and involvement. "The process Beatrice is going through is similar to that experienced by two facilities in Iowa several years ago.
"My experience is this will make BSDC better," Pezley said. "Everyone is focused on providing the best services possible so residents are safe and their rights are protected."
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