New Group Focuses on North Carolina Olmstead Plan

NC DHHS has established the Olmstead Plan Stakeholder Advisory (OPSA) to advise DHHS in the development of a statewide plan that aligns the public service delivery system with “a contemporary vision and associated values”.  The Olmstead decision requires that there be a State plan with the intention of encouraging states to make significant system change. 

Some of those values that were noted in the overview provided to the committee members were related to informed choice, person-centered planning and funding alignment to priorities.  It is expected that this will be up to a two-year planning process that will consider issues across populations that include:  behavioral health; intellectual and developmental disabilities; physical disabilities; Traumatic Brain Injury; co-occurring or multi-occurring disorders; child/adolescents; adults; and older adults. 

Four State initiatives will be part of the strategy:

• Healthy Opportunities
• Money Follows the Person
• Transitions to Community Living Initiative
• The strengths of individuals and families

NC DHHS has engaged the Technical Assistance Collaborative (TAC) in partnership with the Human Services Research Institute (HSRI) to conduct many of the tasks that will assist the Department and the advisory group in their development of the plan:

• Access relevant data sources
  • Identify gaps in data 
  • Assess services, policies, regulations, contracts, and funding patterns
  • Interview key stakeholders (e.g., service recipients, providers, agency staff) to identify opportunities for enhancing compliance with Olmstead
  • Host focus groups to gather input from people with lived experience
  • Report to DHHS and OPSA
  • Support OPSA to develop a comprehensive, effectively working plan

What is the Olmstead Decision?

The Olmstead v. LC decision was made by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1999.  The Supreme Court held that unjustified segregation of persons with disabilities constitutes discrimination in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.  The focus is on community inclusion.  The decision requires a state to develop a plan that addresses issues such as populations, housing, employment, wellness and integration, transportation, supports and services, funding and policies, outcomes and training and workforce development.