MINUTES OF THE

FUNDING OF STATE AND COUNTY HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES TASK FORCE

Thursday, July 11, 2002 - 9:00 a.m. - Room 403 State Capitol

Note: A list of others present and a copy of materials can be found at http://image.le.utah.gov/imaging/history.asp or by contacting the committee secretary, Alicia Laughlin, at 538-1032.

1. Committee Business

Chair Walker called the meeting to order at 9:05 a.m.

MOTION: Rep. Hogue moved to approve the minutes of the June 27, 2002 meeting. The motion passed unanimously, with Sen. Davis, Rep. Shurtliff, and Dir. Steadman absent for the vote.

2. Substance Abuse (continued)

Ms. Barbara Hardy, Director, Salt Lake County, Division of Substance Abuse, distributed "State and County Health and Human Services Task Force." She gave a brief overview on the local government perspective of substance abuse issues. She addressed addiction, prevention, and treatment, specifically the cost of services. Dr. Hardy concluded with recommendations to the Task Force.

Rep. Hogue asked Dr. Hardy to elaborate on gateway drugs, specifically tobacco. She indicated that the Division of Substance Abuse and the Health Department collaborate in their efforts to focus specifically on abuse of alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco, which are all considered to be gateway drugs.

Mr. Patrick Fleming, Director, Division of Substance Abuse, Department of Human Services, thanked the Legislature for restoring funding to the Division. He indicated that the funds will be used to treat women who are addicted to methamphetamines. He also indicated that the Division has many competing interests and requested that the Task Force guide the Division by helping them to decide who should receive the services available.

Chair Walker asked Dr. Hardy to address duplication of services. She asked if there was a way to be more efficient and save money for the State. Dr. Hardy stated that reducing duplication of services is a high priority for the County.

Rep. Pace asked how much the County is relying on the client to pay for treatment. Dr. Hardy indicated that all of their clients are required to pay, if they are able, based on a sliding scale.

Rep. Pace requested a copy of the County's sliding fee scale.

3. Conflicts in State Human Services Law

Ms. Robin Arnold-Williams, Executive Director, Department of Human Services, distributed "Conflicts and Inconsistencies in State Statute." She identified several conflicts in state statutes with regard to custody of minors, fees, minimum standards v. match (Medicaid), mandatory services and priority populations, and area agencies for high risk adults. She concluded with recommendations to the Task Force for each conflict in statute.

Rep. Hogue asked if there is consistency in requiring fees for all Divisions.

Mr. Sheldon Elman, Assistant Director, Division of Aging and Adult Services, stated that most fees within the Division are based on cost depending on the service. He indicated that all of the fees are considered to be voluntary contributions.

Ms. Helen Goddard, Executive Director, Division of Aging and Adult Services, referred to a statement from various agencies which addressed the study of long-term care ombudsman.

4. Mental Health Services

Mr. Jack Tanner, Utah Behavioral Health Care Network, distributed "Position Statement." He addressed the roles and responsibilities of the health system at the federal, state, and local levels and addressed the various services provided through contracts with different agencies. He also discussed the enrollment requirements for Medicaid and the benefits of drawing down Medicaid dollars.

Rep. Shurtliff asked how much funding for Medicaid was lost due to the recent budget cuts. Mr. Tanner indicated that the budget cuts did not affect the mental health and substance abuse system.

Mr. Randy Bachman, Director, Division of Mental Health, distributed "Report to the Funding of State and County Health and Human Services Task Force, Executive Summary." He gave an overview on the required services of the Division and the funding history from 1996 to 2001. He concluded with recommendations to the Task Force

Chair Walker asked about the Department's stance on the issue of holding therapy. Mr. Bachman indicated that the Department has prohibited holding therapy in their contracts with providers.

Ms. Arnold-Williams responded that the Department does not endorse holding therapy. She indicated that legislation has been requested to prohibit holding therapy in the private market.

5. Aging and Adult Services

Ms. Shauna O'Neil, Salt Lake County Aging Services, distributed "Utah Association of Area Agencies on Aging Positions on Funding of State and County Health and Human Services." She indicated that the County's mission is to provide services that keep older people in their homes. She also indicated that elderly citizens are the fastest growing part of Utah's population and that the funding pressures and issues are as critical as any part of state government with significant economic implications. She discussed the requirements for receiving aging services from the County and concluded with recommendations to the Task Force.

Ms. Karmen Sanone, Salt Lake County Aging Services, indicated that no one anticipates using the county aging services, but many people do not understand that even one event can wipe out retirement accounts and many do not transfer over to spouses. She recommended that education be made available earlier to help people financially prepare for the future.

Ms. Goddard distributed "Presentation to the Task Force on the Funding of State and County Health and Human Services." She indicated that advocacy, prevention, and service are the most important issues to remember. She also indicated that the Division's goal is to only give services for minimal interventions. She presented a brief overview on the Division's vision statement, guiding principals, administration, and services provided. Ms. Goddard also explained the duplication of services and indicated the current problems and issues relating to aging and adult services in the State. She concluded with recommendations to the Task Force

Rep. Pace requested that Ms. Goddard report back to the Task Force on the services that could be prioritized in the Division.

6. Principles (continued) - to be discussed at the next meeting.

7. Other Items / Adjourn

MOTION: Rep. Jones moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously with Sen. Jenkins and Dir. Steadman absent for the vote.

Chair Walker adjourned the meeting at 12:25 p.m.