Regarding the new regulation changes that Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) has considered to Mental Health Skill Building Services (MHSS), by decreasing the cap of daily units that an agency may provide is a major concern. Every fiscal year the General Assembly in coordination with DMAS, make drastic changes to mental health services that individuals receive. This is very unfortunate and unfair to the consumer and the agencies that provide these services to the community. MHSS is a training service, which cannot be as effective or realistically accomplished, especially in rural areas with the new proposed DMAS policy, of 2 units per day at maximum of 10 units per week. MHSS are trainings and supports that assist individuals with major documented emotional and behavioral disabilities, in achieving and maintaining community stability through teachings and reinforcements of independent livings skills. Ultimately the agency, which I am employed, and others will be forced to provide

Pro-bono services to their consumers, which is also a major conflict, due to our employees will be financially reimbursed for providing a much needed service, although the agency would loose revenue.

As previously mentioned this is especially true in rural areas where resources are spread out across a large geographical area. (e.g. South Hill, Hanover, New Kent, Boynton). Eventually this will cause all community base private providers and others, to decrease their staff and loose consumers. Currently many consumers clinically diagnosed and meet the criteria to receive MHSS services often require more that 10 units per week, due to the unfortunate crisis that many experience weekly. MHSS services are also a safe and reliable avenue for the consumer to utilize and access needed services and remain in the community.

 It is imperative that the DMAS do not decide to finalize a decrease in the number of units per day and/or per week, with the population clinically eligible to receive these services. The local, regional and state Department of Human Rights is very clear in their policy, that no agency or individual has the right to limit an individual’s access to fair treatment and/or restrict them from receiving the best, most appropriate services available if needed, that meet the consumers emotional and behavioral needs. Treatment must be person-centered, without bias, prejudice or neglect.

Thank You