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A Resolution of the County of Allegheny, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, calling on the Pennsylvania State Government, particularly the General Assembly and the Department of Public Welfare, to move expeditiously to finalize plans to create a statewide system that will provide information to consumers and interested parties by provider in the Human Services field.
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WHEREAS, in Allegheny County there are over 9,500 people with mental retardation or developmental disabilities that are served through home and community-based systems by not-for-profit agencies with which the County contracts at an annual cost of over $180 million; and
WHEREAS, home and community-based services are cost-effective and high in customer satisfaction and served a desperate need caused by decades of deinstitutionalization, a need that is expected to increase again as elderly family caretakers look for support for aging children; and
WHEREAS, a large amount of information on individuals providers is currently requested by the County MR/DD Office or the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare, but the information is not easy to find or navigate for consumers, yet is public information that should be accessible to clients and caregivers who are seeking to make decisions about community-based care; and
WHEREAS, the County currently offers services and support directories for families and consumers navigating the system of community-based care; the implementation of a Provider Report with additional public information that provides “report cards” in areas that impact upon the quality of care that each provider offers, further allowing an evaluation of the efficiency, effectiveness, and success of each provider; and
WHEREAS, County Council recognizes concerns raised by interested parties and consumers that legislation on a County level is probably not the best option to promote the more public dissemination of information on providers in the Human Services field; and
WHEREAS, because the Commonwealth also believes that more information is needed for consumers, the Department of Public Welfare has begun a statewide initiative to develop a system to provide information to consumers by provider that will also ensure continuity;
The Council of the County of Allegheny hereby resolves as follows:
SECTION 1.
The Pennsylvania State Government, particularly the General Assembly and the Department of Public Welfare, is urged to move expeditiously to finalize plans to create a statewide system that will provide information to consumers and interested parties by provider in the Human Services field.
SECTION 2.
Copies of this Resolution shall be transmitted to the Members of the General Assembly from Allegheny County, the Governor of the Commonwealth, and the Secretary of the Department of Welfare to evidence Allegheny County's request.
SECTION 3. If any provision of this Resolution shall be determined to be unlawful, invalid, void or unenforceable, then that provision shall be considered severable from the remaining provisions of this Resolution which shall be in full force and effect.
SECTION 4. Any Resolution or Ordinance or part thereof conflicting with the provisions of this Resolution is hereby repealed so far as the same affects this Resolution.