NY A09402

Establishes the "People First Act of 2012" to ensure individuals with developmental disabilities have meaningful access to community-based and institutional long-term care options under medical assistance programs.

Requires the Commissioner of Developmental Disabilities to conduct a geographic analysis of supports and services in community settings, identify service gaps by region, and develop a web-based database prioritizing urgency of needs across three levels: emergency need, critical need, and planning for need.

Mandates the Commissioner submit annual written evaluation reports to the Governor, Legislature, and State Commission on Quality of Care by March 1st each year, with the first report due by March 1, 2014, and all reports made publicly available.

Requires the Commissioner to contract with an independent agency by January 1, 2013 to implement a validated quality assurance instrument measuring consumer and family satisfaction, service provision, and personal outcomes including health, safety, well-being, employment, and quality of life.

Directs the Commissioner to collect data through the quality assurance instrument and immediately report any suspected violations of consumer rights or health and welfare risks to the Commission on Quality of Care and regional case management entities.