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individuals
about an issue in regards to Intensive Case Management (ICM).
She stated that there is a possibility that ICM may end by the
end of this year as we know it. The
reason she has been given is that there have been some changes in the
regulations, a possibility for more changes and there has been a
decrease in referrals. The
individuals she met with would like an opportunity to address these
issues and if possible turn them around.
Ms. Price stated that she cares about their jobs, the
community, and the people ICM serves.
Ms. Price reminds the committee that these individuals are
chronically mentally ill neighbors and residents of
Cortland
County
that need these support services to maintain independence from a
hospital, institution or jail.
Ms.
Tytler stated that she was contacted and had originally thought that
Mr. Schrader and Mr. Kilmer had sat down with the individuals to tell
them their jobs had been cut. She
said Mr. Schrader and Mr. Kilmer informed her that was not the message
they had been conveying. She
also stated that there are clearly financial issues associated with
this matter along with the decrease in referrals.
Her comment to Mr. Schrader and Mr. Kilmer was that the
committee should be made aware of these issues before individuals are
calling stating their job has been cut.
Ms.
Price commented that it was a surprise to her and Ms. Tytler when they
were at lunch when an individual approached them and said their job
had been cut; as they were unaware there was a problem to begin with.
Ms.
Wilcox expressed her concern about not being made aware of the issue.
Inquired if it was the decision of Mr. Schrader and Mr. Kilmer
to cut the jobs.
Ms.
Tytler responded that she believed as administrator’s to the
program, Mr. Schrader and Mr. Kilmer are looking at all the factors
involved and will make a decision to move in that direction of
continuing the service or not. She
has requested that Mr. Schrader and Mr. Kilmer to put together a
report that would encompass the following areas: number of staff
involved, number of people served, and a 5 year financial outlook
because they have commented that the program has been losing money for
awhile. She stated that as
a legislator if there is a program that has been losing money and is
at risk of being cut or defunded she would like to know.
She stated that she previously asked Mr. Troy if there could be
a 1 to 2 page report produced through the Budget and Finance committee
that flags or highlights these issues.
The report would provide a “red flag” list of the programs
that are struggling financially or are not getting the volume of
business they had been. She
stated that the committee should not be caught off guard by these
situations. She said she
assumed that Mr. Schrader and Mr. Kilmer could put together a report
of this nature and possibly present the information at next month’s
meeting. Ms. Tytler stated
that this probably would be one of the programs that would have some
cuts to funds from the State. She
is not aware if the changes will all be in regards to regulations,
funds or the volume of services.
Ms.
Gailor asked if she could comment.
She explained to the committee that the issue was also brought
to the attention of her department.
She wanted the committee to know that Home Health Agency
follows some patients that utilize the ICM program.
She stated that there is always an ICM manager present during
the visits due to the fear that the staff would not be able to serve
the client. She has found
it best if someone is with the client that understands them and
relates to them. These
individuals are able to keep the client calm during the visit.
She stated that this does not pertain to all the clients they
serve, but the department staff has depended on the assistance from
the ICM program.
Ms.
Tytler informed the committee that her advice would be to inform
individuals that may call that the issue has been brought to the
attention of the legislature, a formal report has been requested and
that no decisions have been made at this time.
Ms.
Price expressed her thoughts to the committee. She stated first that
in the 1960’s and 70’s there was an option to be institutionalized
and there were programs available to assist individuals in the
hospitals financially. Once
again the responsibility is shifting to the municipalities, which she
stated makes her believe there will be a change in funding.
She is also concerned about the timeframe of the change.
She wondered if next month’s meeting would be diligent enough
if things were to change in December.
Ms.
Tytler stated that there needs to be a plan in place in case the
service changes. She does
not want individuals to just be cut off from the service.
Ms.
Price stated that she understands that change is difficult for this
population of people and suggested that the decision be made with a
lot of thought.
Ms.
Wilcox questioned how cutting the employees would affect the program.
Ms.
Price responded that Mr. Kilmer had stated that because of the
training and skills the employees have, they would be a possibility
they would be able to transfer somewhere else.
Ms.
Tytler inquired if the transfer would be within the county.
Ms.
Price responded that it would depend on a few factors: openings, pay
scale, comfort level, and job duties.
Mr.
Whitt commented that those issues do arise.
The main issue that must be alleviated is that a decision has
already been made which is not the case.
Ms.
Tytler suggested that the best action would be to get everyone
involved together and present all the accurate information so
decisions can be made.
Ms.
Price inquired if there were other programs under this committee or
another committee that are at risk.
Ms.
Tytler stated that this situation has been a red flag.
There needs to be a way to keep the legislature informed about
at risk programs. She also
stated that the State occasionally makes a decision that no one can
anticipate.
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