Recap of the 2019 Legislative Session

By Director Barbara Palmer

As always, it was a fast-paced legislative session for the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, and the agency received funding for some critical issues. APD will receive a budget of $1.4 billion for state fiscal year 2019-2020 on July 1, pending Governor Ron DeSantis’ signature. This is a significant financial commitment to individuals with developmental disabilities in Florida. We are happy to receive additional funds for the waiver.

Budget highlights include the following:

$1.2 billion for the APD waiver

$48 million to enroll individuals in crisis onto the waiver and help those with significant additional needs
$28.7 million in recurring funds for in Residential Habilitation Provider Rates to increase the pay of Direct Care workers

$56.8 million to cover previous year waiver expenses

$900,000 to continue the Employment Enhancement Program to provide supported employment services, on-the-job training, and internships to individuals registered with APD

$3.5 million of additional funding to continue the implementation of APD iConnect. This system will provide APD with a central client data system and will include electronic visit verification (EVV) of some waiver services.

More than $600,000 for Information Technology software to improve the security of client data

$172,000 to continue the redesign of the Questionnaire for Situational Information assessment tool

Seven Behavioral Analyst positions added, one each for the six Regions and State Office, to provide better monitoring and oversight of waiver clients with behavioral issues

Some other measures were approved during the legislative session that impact our customers. The ABLE Trust was reauthorized and will continue operating through 2023. A bill was passed that continues limiting the state Medicaid program from recovering funds from an ABLE account after the death of a beneficiary.

An important program was created, called the Working People with Disabilities program, which is subject to federal approval. If approved, it would be implemented by the Agency for Health Care Administration. It would allow adults with developmental disabilities who receive services under Florida's Medicaid waiver programs to earn more money while working and still keep their federal benefits (see story here).

Another significant event happened during this past legislative session. I was officially confirmed as the director of APD by the Senate again. I am excited to continue our important work serving Floridians with developmental disabilities, and I appreciate the Governor’s appointment and the Senate’s confirmation. I look forward to working together to make a difference in the lives of the individuals and families we serve.

APD Director Barbara Palmer was confirmed by the Florida Senate on May 1.