Senate Bill 597 - Brain Injury Services Summary

• Establishes the Division of Brain Injury and Cognitive Rehabilitative Services within the Office of the Secretary of Family and Social Services to provide statewide trauma care, acute care, post-acute care, and rehabilitative services to residents with traumatic and acquired brain injuries.

• Creates the Office of Client Rights and Protections within the division with a deputy director and advisory committee to review programs and policies for impact on civil and human rights of individuals receiving brain injury services.

• Requires Medicaid to cover traumatic brain injury services and other acquired brain injury services as a covered benefit.

• Directs the Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning to apply for a federal Medicaid waiver to provide brain injury services to individuals with traumatic or acquired brain injuries earning up to 300% of the federal Supplemental Security Income level.

• Establishes a Program and Policy Review Advisory Committee chaired by the secretary consisting of legislative representatives, individuals with brain injuries, caregivers, and family members to advise on implementation and funding of brain injury services.