§ 56-1017.2. Legislative findings.

The Legislature finds that:

1.  Oklahoma has a successful home- and community-based services program known as the ADvantage Waiver Program for the frail, elderly and adults with physical disabilities age twenty-one (21) and over who do not have mental retardation nor a cognitive impairment.  The ADvantage Waiver Program provides the following services:  case management, transitional case management, personal care, advanced supportive/restorative, skilled nursing - home health setting, RN assessment evaluation, occupational therapy, physical therapy, respiratory therapy, speech/language therapy, adult day health, personal care in adult day health, therapy in adult day health, home-delivered meals, NF extended respite, in-home respite, in-home extended respite, environmental modifications, hospice, consumer-directed personal care assistant services and supports, assisted living, and specialized medical equipment and supplies;

2.  Many Oklahomans who could safely stay at home with cost-effective home- and community-based services go into nursing facilities the day assistance is needed because their eligibility for nursing facility supports is “presumed” by the nursing facility, while eligibility for home and community supports can take weeks or months.  If their circumstances are such that they need immediate or urgent care, they lose their choice to live and receive their services at home.  Once they are in a nursing facility, they may lose their home or the supports they need to stay at home; and

3.  The cost of serving Oklahomans who are in nursing facilities when they could be living and receiving services at home is significantly higher than the cost of serving them with home- and community-based services.

Added by Laws 2011, c. 297, § 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2011.