Budget Amendment ID: FY2021-S4-8

GOV 8

Disabled Persons Protection Commission

Messrs. Barrett, Collins and Keenan moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 1107-2501, by striking out item 1107-2501 and inserting in place thereof the following item:- "1107-2501 For the operation of the disabled persons protection commission including, but not limited to, the costs of maintaining a computerized registry system of persons who have been substantiated for registrable abuse of a person with an intellectual or developmental disability; provided, that the commission shall facilitate compliance by the department of mental health and the department of developmental services with uniform investigative standards; provided further, that the commission shall report to the house and senate committees on ways and means, not later than the last day of each quarter, on the number of claims of abuse by caretakers made by employees or contracted service employees of the department of developmental services, the department of mental health and the Massachusetts rehabilitation commission; provided further, that the report shall include: (a) the number of substantiated claims; (b) the number of unsubstantiated claims; and (c) the number of false claims reported as a result of intentional and malicious action; provided further, that not later than March 1, 2021, the commission shall issue a brief update to its fiscal year 2020 report detailing staffing changes and planned staffing changes from fiscal year 2018 through fiscal year 2021, and analyzing the effect of those changes on operational efficiency and caseload reduction; provided further, that the commission shall detail a 2 year hiring plan based on the appropriation provided in this item, and identify any remaining staffing needs within the agency necessary to reduce or eliminate backlogs with an estimate of the cost of those needs; provided further, that said update shall be provided to the house and senate committees on ways and means and to the joint committee on children, families and persons with disabilities; provided further, that all persons who call the commission’s 24-hour hotline shall be provided with the opportunity to elect that the call not be recorded; and provided further, that, in order to facilitate an effective hiring process for new employees required by the commission, funds appropriated for this item shall not revert but shall be made available for this item in fiscal year 2022. $7,896,579".