With only two weeks remaining this year, the Beatrice State Developmental Center will NOT hit a goal of reducing client population to 200 residents. The head of a special legislative committee told reporters that the population, which was 308 at the end of the last legislative session, now stands at 250. Senator Steve Lathrop says there’s not enough community based program options to care for another 50 residents. Once the client number hits 200, Lathrop says those residents will be the most difficult clients for which to provide services.
The Federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has decertified B-S-D-C, but the state is appealing that decision. If the appeal fails, it means the loss of $28 million in annual Medicaid funding to help operate BSDC.
Lathrop says the special committee looked at how the center got to the current situation with findings of abuse and neglect. The committee also examined the impact of a waiting list for services to those with developmental disabilities, and the lack of community-based care options.
He says the state will pursue a strategy to regain certification. He said the implication of not being successful in that regard is a loss of $28 million, forcing the state to fund the entire operation of BSDC.
Special thanks to Doug Kennedy KWBE Beatrice
