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House adopts DDS statutory updates on medication administration, guardianship and abuse registry
Summary
Lawmakers passed a bill with technical and policy updates from the Department of Developmental Services, including permission for trained non-licensed staff to use insulin and epinephrine auto-injectors in DDS-licensed facilities, expansion of who may request limited financial guardianships up to $10,000, and an abuse-and-neglect registry extension to community companion homes.
The House approved a comprehensive technical-and-policy bill from the Department of Developmental Services on May 22.
Representative McCarthy Vahey, speaking for the bill, outlined multiple revisions: allowing trained, non-licensed personnel in DDS-licensed or certified facilities to administer insulin and epinephrine via auto-injectors; permitting additional parties (including the protected person, legal representatives, the DDS commissioner or designee) to request limited financial guardianship for sums up to $10,000; adding community companion home licensees to a DDS abuse-and-neglect registry with probate access for guardianship determinations; and clarifying HIPAA-compliant procedures for providers transmitting records in the case of a death.
Members sought clarifications in floor questioning. Representative Claritus Dietrich asked about training and where it will be provided; McCarthy Vahey said the commissioner will designate who provides training. Representative Fishbein asked whether conservatorships were affected; proponents said the bill does not extend to conservatorships as drafted. Supporters framed the changes as technical and protective measures for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities; the bill passed unanimously out of committee and was approved on the floor.
