Post by Logan on Apr 9, 2016 5:45:31 GMT -6
Bill seeks to create state advocate for developmentally disabled
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Legislation that would establish an independent state ombudsman for developmentally disabled people has been introduced into the General Assembly by Rep. Eileen S. Naughton, D-Warwick. Four representatives are co-sponsoring the bill, which would create a position that advocates have long sought — and now, in the wake of the death of an elderly woman who had been living in a state-run group home, assert is urgently needed.
“We have a child advocate as well as advocates for the elderly and the mentally ill, but none for the developmentally disabled,” Naughton, herself a longtime advocate, said in a release. “We’ve made great strides in our efforts to make Rhode Island society more inclusive for the developmentally disabled. The next step is to have an independent advocate to ensure that the health, safety, welfare and rights of the developmentally disabled are secure.”
House bill 2016-H 8038 would create a “developmental disabilities ombudsman program to be administratively attached to the Department of Administration,” according to the release. The advocate would be chosen by a committee to be named by the governor.
The state advocate “would be charged with investigating and resolving complaints that relate to an action or decision that may adversely affect adults with developmental disabilities, and represent their interests before government agencies,” Naughton said.
Read more: www.providencejournal.com/news/20160408/bill-seeks-to-create-state-advocate-for-developmentally-disabled
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Legislation that would establish an independent state ombudsman for developmentally disabled people has been introduced into the General Assembly by Rep. Eileen S. Naughton, D-Warwick. Four representatives are co-sponsoring the bill, which would create a position that advocates have long sought — and now, in the wake of the death of an elderly woman who had been living in a state-run group home, assert is urgently needed.
“We have a child advocate as well as advocates for the elderly and the mentally ill, but none for the developmentally disabled,” Naughton, herself a longtime advocate, said in a release. “We’ve made great strides in our efforts to make Rhode Island society more inclusive for the developmentally disabled. The next step is to have an independent advocate to ensure that the health, safety, welfare and rights of the developmentally disabled are secure.”
House bill 2016-H 8038 would create a “developmental disabilities ombudsman program to be administratively attached to the Department of Administration,” according to the release. The advocate would be chosen by a committee to be named by the governor.
The state advocate “would be charged with investigating and resolving complaints that relate to an action or decision that may adversely affect adults with developmental disabilities, and represent their interests before government agencies,” Naughton said.
Read more: www.providencejournal.com/news/20160408/bill-seeks-to-create-state-advocate-for-developmentally-disabled