MO SB449

Department of Mental Health must submit a transition plan by December 31, 2013, for moving residents of state developmental disabilities facilities to community settings, with an independent third party conducting the study.

Plan must include individual assessments recommending appropriate community services, costs for community-based care, barriers to transition, and implementation timelines for each resident.

Plan must analyze contemporary best practices, research on residential settings, employee transition options, alternative uses for state facility property, total costs and savings, and potential funding sources including federal incentives.

All long-term admissions to state-run intermediate care facilities for the mentally retarded cease as of August 28, 2012, and any facility construction or renovation plans started after that date are suspended until plan completion.

Implementation goal is to transition all residents to community-based services by January 1, 2019, with the plan submitted to the governor, legislative committees, and the developmental disabilities advisory council.