Govenor's Budget Proposal Regarding PCA services

The Governor's budget proposes the redesign that PCA program by
1. Changing access to PCA services - requiring that a recipient have had at least two needs for assistance in activities of daily living (bathing, grooming, dressing, etc.);
2. Simplifying and creating greater consisteny in the process of assessing for and authorizing PCA services;
3. Improving consumer health, safety, choice and control by promoting separation of housing and services, requiring professional supervision of all recipients, and requiring that a responsible party live with the consumer who can't direct there own care; and
4. Requiring all PCA agencies and agency staff meet standards, including training and a 310 hour limit on the time a PCA can work each month.

Approximately 2,100 individuals are expected to lose access to PCA services. Hours for some recipients will be increased (5,000) and will be reduced for others (6,000). About 350-400 people will be affected by the requirement to have a responsible party live with the consumer who can't direct their own care.