MINUTES

Name of Organization: Nevada Commission on Autism Spectrum Disorders

Date and Time of Meeting:July 27, 2017

3:30 p.m.

Location:Nevada Early Intervention Services

1161 S. Valley View Blvd

Las Vegas, NV 89102

  1. Call to Order/Roll Call

Dr. Mario Gaspar de Alba called the meeting for the Nevada Commission on Autism Spectrum Disorders to order at: 3:32 p.m.

Members Present: Mario Gaspar de Alba, Gwynne Partos,Sarah Dean and Julie Ostrovsky

Staff Present: Eddie Ableser

Guests:Denise Robinson, Katie Malendez, Steven Cohen, Mechelle Canning, Molly Halligan, ShanaiSmelosky, Hayley Huber, Katie Fisher, Diane Fogleson, Christine Cortez, Jan Larson, Ella Fillander, Jamie Johnson, Julie Beasley, Jennifer Ripley, Eric Kesler

A quorum was declared.

  1. Public Comment (No action may be taken upon a matter raised under public comment period unless the matter itself has been specifically included on an agenda as an action item)
  1. Approval of Minutes from the June 29, 2017 Meeting

MSC Dean/Patros to accept the June 29, 2017 minutes as presented.

  1. Information regarding changes in ATAP, ATAP Budget Update and a Palco Transition

Mr. Eddie Ableser provided the group the following update:

Key Points – The 2017/2018 budget is the same amount as fiscal year 2016. We are looking at making systemic changes to bring in more money which in turn will help more families.

If we had made these changes in fiscal year 2016, 175 children would have received services. There are currently 581 people on the waiting list.

SB 302 allows for more services for early intervention; children under three years old.

Changes

  1. ATAP administration has moved under the Developmental Services System. AB 224 calls out ASD. SB 286 provides for a Board of Panelist/Peers.
  1. All rates must be in line with current Medicare rates. Federal/State rule. Pass-through rates. Medicare rate is $31.31 which is in line the national average.
  1. All ATAP providers must be enrolled in Medicare and be an active participate. There is no hard rollout. We will make the transition/phase-out over a six-month period.
  1. Adjusting current model to a National model. True employer and integrated system.

Parents will still be able to have their current RBT or ABA. The RBT or ABA can sign an individual agreement with the State to provide services or look to be an employee with an approved agency.

Administration function to remove third party provider.

  1. The State is actively and aggressively seeking large ATAP providers. There are currently four companies going through the credentialing process before the final agreement is signed.
  2. Examine the six-month period that is allowed for RBT to get their required credentials.
  1. ATAP Caseload Update

Tabled to next meeting

  1. Update on Current Number from Nevada Early Intervention Services (NEIS) and Discussion on the Proposed Changes to the Delivery of Services Model

Tabled to Next Meeting

  1. Subcommittee Chairs to Report

Denise Robinson, Community Education

Diane Thorkildson, Insurance and Funding

Jan Marson, Resource Development

Scott Harrington, Adult Services and Resources

Shannon Crozier, Workforce Development

Tabled to Next Meeting

  1. Confirm Dates for Future Meetings

Dr. Mario Gaspar de Alba, Commission Chairperson

The Commission decided to meet on August 24th at 3:30pm.

MSC Patros/Dean to hold the next Commission meeting on August 24th at 3:30pm.

  1. Public Comment (May Include General Announcements by Commissioners)

(No action may be taken upon a matter raised under public comment period unless the matter itself has been specifically included on an agenda as an action item. Public comment at the beginning and end of the agenda may be limited to three minutes per person at the discretion of the chairperson. Members of the public may comment on matters not appearing on this agenda or may offer comment on specific agenda items. Comments may be discussed by the Board but no action may be taken. This matter may be placed on a future agenda for action.)

  1. Adjournment

Dr. Mario Gaspar de Alba adjourned the meeting at 5:XX PM