Speaking out for People with
 Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

 

Previous Actions


Support Mandatory Background Checks For Medicaid LTC Direct Care Staff

Abuse and Neglect of Vulnerable Populations Widely Recognized: 
Mandatory National Background Checks for Direct Care Workers Needed

In support of its voluntary national background checks program for states, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), noted that “long term care (LTC) patient abuse, neglect and misappropriation of funds have been identified as a widespread problem for millions of Americans receiving LTC services.” (CMS National Background Checks Program).

VOR is grateful to Congress for its past support of national background checks. The 2003 Medicare Modernization Act (Section 307) provided for a demonstration program, and the Affordable Care Act’s national background check grant program was even more robust. According to CMS, "both actions point in the direction of potential national applicability." (National Background Check Program (NBCP) For Long Term Care Facilities and Providers: Frequently Asked Questions," CMS (Updated January 2014)).

We agree and now ask for Congressional support in making this necessary program mandatory.

Read full position paper

Other resources:

Safe at Home Developing Effective Criminal Background Checks and Other Screening Policies for Home Care Workers (AARP / NCSL, 2009)

Safe at Home: State Summaries (AARP /NCSL, 2009)

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General: Memorandum Report: State Requirements for Conducting Background Checks on Home Health Agency Employees, OEI-07-14-00131 (May 29, 2014)

Ask Senate Budget Committee to Support Choice

Tell the Senate Budget Committee to support choice and prohibit the use of federal funds for deinstitutionalization!

The federal government should not support the use of federal dollars by federal agencies to aggressively pursue the closure of licensed facility-based homes providing good care to people with I/DD, without any regard for the input or insights of the affected residents and their families; and without regard to well-documented tragedies.

Take action contact the Senate Budget Committee today.

Medicaid at Risk: Congress needs to hear from you!

For the vast majority of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD), Medicaid is their only resource for accessing health care, assistance and residential supports. For these Americans, the Medicaid program ensures maximum independence and daily happiness. 
 
Congressional proposals to cut or cap ("block grant") Medicaid will not save money. 
 

Legislative Action Alerts

Advocacy is a process involving research, outreach, follow-up and most importantly, dedication. Grassroots involvement - communication and action by individuals who care about VOR's Mission - is at the heart of every VOR accomplisment and success on behalf of people with mental retardation and developmental disabilities.