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  Conference: http://tinyurl.com/q2932vd

ANCOR Files Amicus Brief in Supreme Court Medicaid Rate Case

On December 23, 2014, the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) filed an amici curiae ("friends of the court") brief in the Supreme Court case Armstrong v. Exceptional Child Center, Inc. (Docket No. 14-15). The case has the potential to significantly impact state Medicaid programs nationwide if the Court rules that private providers have legal standing to hold states accountable to having adequate Medicaid rates. ANCOR was joined in the brief by the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living, the National Community Pharmacists Association, the American Pharmacists Association, and America's Essential Hospitals. The brief was prepared and filed by Joel Hamme, Esq., of Powers Pyles Sutter and Verville, P.C. 

The case was originated in Idaho by a group of Medicaid waiver residential habilitation providers who brought suit against the state challenging the adequacy of existing Medicaid rates. The providers argued that the state was aware that existing rates were not sufficient to provide services prescribed by the state Medicaid program, and brought action against the state when the state legislature did not appropriate necessary funding. At issue is whether a private party, in this case, providers, has the right to bring a private right of action against a state under the Supremacy Clause of the United States Constitution. The Supremacy Clause establishes that federal law generally takes precedence over state law. Medicaid is operated by states with federal oversight, requirements, and funding. The Supreme Court granted review of the case to consider whether the Supremacy Clause applies under these circumstances. 

"Ensuring that Medicaid programs are funded appropriately is essential to providing quality supports and services to people with significant disabilities," said Chris Sparks, President of ANCOR Board of Directors. "We hope this case will reinforce the importance of regularly reviewing rate adequacy and making periodic adjustments to meet people's needs."

In its brief, ANCOR argues that while the Supreme Court should affirm the lower court's determination that private parties do have a private right of action under the Supremacy Clause, the court could also come to the same conclusion by applying a Congressional mandate that requires that certain causes of action relating to Title XIX of the Social Security Act (which authorizes Medicaid) be considered using standards established before 1992.  

Barbara Merrill, Chief Executive Officer of ANCOR said, "ANCOR is pleased to have the opportunity to advocate for the right of providers to challenge inadequate rates within their state Medicaid system. We are encouraged that the Court has taken up this issue which will hugely impact millions of people that rely on Medicaid funding for essential services."

Amicus briefs are filed by interested parties who are not litigants in a case. More than a dozen amici briefs have been filed to date, representing dozens of interested parties. (A complete list with links to court documents, including amicus briefs filed, is available here.) In addition to provider and other stakeholder organizations, several Democratic members of the U.S. Congress filed an amici brief supporting the argument that Congress intended to preserve the private cause of action for parties who seek to enforce Medicaid's federal authority over state actions to the contrary.

The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on the case on January 20, 2015.  

CPN would like to recognize long time member and Past President, Linda Ward for being recognized as one of the YWCA Women of Achievement 2014!! 

"Women of Achievement Awards are recognized nationally, and bring attention to the accomplishments of women in industry, culture and public service in local communities. Selection criteria focuses on exceptional skills, leadership and mentoring; breaking new ground or old barriers; and being agents of positive change and inspiration. The awards are based on achievements promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity. YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting these qualities. Linda N. Ward is co-founder and executive director of Opportunities Unlimited, Inc. — an agency whose mission is to support people with differing abilities to lead rich and fulfilling lives and to ensure that all people regardless of abilities are treated with dignity and respect. Ward is a founding member of the RI Disability Vote Project. She was appointed to the Governor’s Commission on Disabilities and serves as chair of the legislation committee. She is a board member and past president of the Community Provider Network of RI. She is a supporter of the RI Coalition for the Homeless and a member of Women Ending Hunger at the RI Community Food Bank. Ward received her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from Rhode Island College. She is a graduate of Leadership Rhode Island and a 2009 Fellow of The Initiative for Nonprofit Excellence at The Rhode Island Foundation." 

Congratulations to Linda on this award and a sincere thank you for your many years of tireless leadership in the association and advocacy on behalf of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities!

Copy and photo courtesy of YWCA Rhode Island  www.ywcari.org

CPNRI is hosting a

Meeting the Candidates Event at the Crowne Plaza

Please join us on September 23rd for a casual conversation with candidates running for 

State-wide Office and General  Assembly

Visit Eventbrite to Register

CPNRI celebrates its 2014 Annual Meeting and DSP Recognition!

Over 200 people from across 21 service organizations and guests gathered to honor the 2014 DSP's of the Year.  In addition to our Direct Support Professionals, CPNRI recognized the following individuals and businesses for the supprt of people with developmental disabilities:

Darlene Faust - Excellence in Service

Marie Ganim - Nimmo Governmental Service

Alexis Valory McHugh - Aver Leadership

Dr. Donald Hebb - Special Recognition

Beacon Hospice - Community Service

2014 Annual Meeting Slide Show

2014 Annual Meeting

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month!

CPNRI will be celebrating DD Awareness Month with a ceremony honoring Senator Louis DiPalma and Representative Cale Keable for their compassion for and commitment to Rhode Islanders with developmental disabilities.

The ceremony will be held on March 27th in the State House ~ Senate Lounge at 3:30pm
In attendence will be a representative from the Governor's Office, EOHHS Secretary Steven Costantino, BHDDH Director Craig Stenning, Senator Dominic Ruggerio and Representative Christopher Blazejewski.

The ceremony will be immediately followed by a reception in the Rotunda with representatives from the twenty-one member organizations of CPNRI on hand to visit with there local Senators and Representatives. 

DD Awareness Month will also be recognized with Senate and House Resolutions at this time.

We are excited to take this opportunity for outreach and education on the contributions made by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities every day!