Implement Respite Care Task Force Recommendations

The act requires the department of human services (department) to use a competitive request-for-proposal process to select an entity to contract with to implement recommendations of the respite care task force. In order to be eligible for the contract to implement the recommendations, the entity must serve individuals affected by a disability or a chronic condition across the life span by providing and coordinating respite care and must currently have a physical presence in Colorado. The selected entity is required to:

• Ensure that a study is conducted to demonstrate the economic impact of respite care and its benefits for those served;
• Create an up-to-date, online inventory of existing training opportunities for providing respite care along with information on how to become a respite care provider;
• Develop a more robust statewide training system for individuals wishing to provide respite care;
• Ensure that a designated website is available to provide comprehensive information about respite care;
• Develop a centralized community outreach and education program about respite care services;
• Work with the department of health care policy and financing to standardize the full continuum of respite care options across all medicaid waivers; and
• Work with the department, the department of health care policy and financing, and the department of public health and environment to streamline the regulatory requirements for facility-based, short-term, overnight respite care.

The act appropriates $900,000 to implement the recommendations of the respite care task force. The department is required to report its progress to the legislature during the SMART act hearings.

(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)