Emerging Policy Issues that Impact the FASD Community
MOFAS has identified several emerging policy issues that could affect FASD prevention and family support. Here is a summary of each and action items on what you can do.
1. Exemption From Mandated Reporting for Prenatal Health Care Providers - Bill Number HF. 3059/SF. 2695
MOFAS Position:
The Minnesota Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (MOFAS), The City of Minneapolis Department of Health and Family Support, The Native American Community Clinic and other collaborators are in support of this legislation.
What Can I Do?
Attend the next hearing:
Public Safety and Oversight Commitee
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
1 PM
State Office Building, Room 10
Current Law:
If a pregnant woman discloses her alcohol use to her health care provider, the provider is mandated to report her to the local welfare agency.
Goals of HF. 3059/ SF. 2695:
- Creates a narrow exemption from mandated reporting requirements for health care providers in a prenatal setting.
- Removes barriers and encourages women to obtain vital prenatal care, resulting in healthier babies.
- Builds trusting, safe relationships between health care providers and pregnant women, enabling providers to talk to patients about services available to reduce risks of poor birth outcomes.
- Health care providers will create and implement a comprehensive prenatal plan that supports women to end use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs for the duration of the pregnancy.
Additional questions regarding the support of this legislation, please contact Sara Messelt or Marissa Lang at MOFAS at 651-917-2370.
2. Legislative Changes to PCA Program- Overview
The PCA changes approved in the 2009 Legislative session are taking effect. Families are getting new assessments done on their eligibility for PCA services and the number of PCA hours they will be allowed. Some families are seeing cuts in service. The Minnesota Disability Law Center (MDLC) has also raised concern that the rights of those receiving cuts are being violated.
What Can I Do?
If Your PCA Services are Reduced or Terminated:
- When you get a Notice of PCA Termination or Hours Reduction, you should immediately request an appeal in writing and ask that PCA service continue pending appeal.
- Mail or fax a letter to:
Appeal Office
Minnesota Department of Human Services
P.O. Box 64941
St. Paul, MN 55164-0941
Phone - 651-431-3600
Fax - 651-431-7523
- Keep a copy of this letter.
- Tell your PCA provider that you have appealed and have asked for continued PCA services pending appeal.
Spread the Word:
- If you know others who use PCA services, tell them that they should appeal in writing immediately to protect their rights.
Share Your Story:
Learn More:
- To view a summary of the legislative changes prepared by the The Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MN-CCD), go to http://tinyurl.com/PCAsummary2009.
- Information about the PCA changes can be found at the Disability Law Website. http://www.mylegalaid.org/mdlc/current-prjects/pca-changes or to ask specific questions about changes to your PCA services call 1-800-292-4150.
- Attend two information sessions sponsored by ARC Minnesota on "Putting the Pieces Together: New Changes for PCA Assessment and Services".
- Tuesday, February 2, 2010 from 6:30 - 8 PM at St. Paul Jewish Community Center Library, 1375 St. Paul Avenue, St. Paul.
- Wednesday, February 10, 2010 from 6:30 - 8 PM at the Educational Services Center, Room 610, Room C, 1350 West 106 Street, Bloomington.
3. Protect School Children from Harmful Restraint and Seclusion in Schools
Support the Preventing Harmful Restraint and Seclusion in Schools Act HR 4247/SF 2860. This bill is an encouraging first step to protect school children, specifically those with disabilities, from being restrained, confined in seclusion rooms and subject to aversive interventions.
What Can I Do?
- Take action by talking to your Congressperson to let them know that you support this bill.
- To find your Congressional Representative, go to http://www.house.gov; enter your zip code in the box in upper left corner.
- To find your Senator, go to http://www.senate.gov; click on Senators, then "Choose a State".