ILLINOIS ASSOCIATION OF REHABILITATION FACILITIES

CHILDREN AND YOUTH COMMITTEE

MINUTES

February 27, 2002

The minutes of the January meeting were approved as mailed.  There were no additions to the agenda. 

Amendments to Rule 500:  The DHS proposed amendments to Rule 500 were published in the Feb. 22^nd edition of the Illinois Register.  Individuals have until April 8^th to provide written comments on the proposed amendments.  Lora reported that IARF had been contacted about possibly supporting a request for a public hearing concerning the proposed amendments.  Committee members did not recommend that IARF support this request, as IARF has been actively involved in the Human Resource Committee that developed the recommendations to DHS for the proposed changes.  A conference call was scheduled for March 14^th at 1:00p.m. to discuss the proposed amendments and to formulate IARF’s written comments.

IDEA: Lora shared the Association’s written comments that were sent the Office of Special Education re: the reauthorization of IDEA – specifically the impact of billing insurance.

CFC rankings: Kathy Schrock of Clearbrook reported that DHS recently shared specific data with each CFC concerning how they ranked on certain performance indicators.  Future funding (FY’03) to the CFC’s will be based on their performance in relation to the indicators – performance based contracting.

There was discussion about the proposed FY’03 budget and the impact of the cuts for EI programs.  Bridgeway announced that they are closing their EI program in mid-May.  The EI Legislative Advisory Committee does not have a meeting scheduled, however, they are required by law to meet at least four times per year.  Lora will call the Republican staff person to follow-up on this issue.

EI Advocate meeting:  The EI Advocate meeting was rescheduled for March 1^st.

Quality Enhancement Work Group: Lora reported that the work group members have not been appointed yet and a meeting has not been scheduled.

The meeting adjourned.