BEFORE THE Department of Public

health and human services of the

STATE OF MONTANA

 

In the matter of the amendment of ARM 37.87.1303, 37.87.1307, 37.87.1321, and 37.87.1333 pertaining to home and community-based services (waiver) for youth with serious emotional disturbance

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NOTICE OF AMENDMENT

 

TO:  All Concerned Persons

 

1.  On January 26, 2012, the Department of Public Health and Human Services published MAR Notice No. 37-571 pertaining to the public hearing on the proposed amendment of the above-stated rules at page 167 of the 2012 Montana Administrative Register, Issue Number 2.

 

2.  The department has amended the above-stated rules as proposed.

 

3.  The department has thoroughly considered the comments and testimony received.  A summary of the comments received and the department's responses are as follows:

 

COMMENT #1:  A commenter appreciated the changes being made to the Administrative Rules of Montana included in this notice, particularly the changes to the Family Support Specialist requirement which will allow families increased access to the service.

 

RESPONSE #1:  The department acknowledges the commenter's appreciation for the proposed amendment.

 

COMMENT #2:  A commenter acknowledged the amendment is a good effort as long as there are no negative impacts on the youth and families served in the home and community-based services program for youth with a serious emotional disturbance.

 

RESPONSE #2:  The department appreciates the comment.  The proposed amendment does not have negative impacts on the youth and families served in the home and community-based services program for youth with a serious emotional disturbance.

 

COMMENT #3:  A commenter noted there is an array of services to ensure that individuals' needs are met and hopes these services provide what families need to maintain a child at home.

 

RESPONSE #3:  The department acknowledges there is an array of services designed to serve youth in the home and community-based setting, thus maintaining the youth in the home setting.

 

There were suggestions from commenters pertaining to matters not applicable to the rules being amended in this notice, therefore, they are not being responded to in this notice.  The department responded directly to these commenters.

 

 

 

/s/ John Koch                                               /s/ Hank Hudson for                                               

Rule Reviewer                                             Anna Whiting Sorrell, Director

                                                                        Public Health and Human Services

 

           

Certified to the Secretary of State March 12, 2012.