Required Technology Discussions
Thursday, July 27, 2017 - 17:12
New legislation requires technology supports be discussed at all 45-day planning meetings.
New legislation goes into effect on August 1, 2017, requiring technology supports be discussed as part of all 45-day planning meetings for people with disabilities. These meetings establish the needs of the individual receiving services, their personal goals, and the supportive services necessary to meet these objectives.
It starts with a conversation
Technology supports are becoming a core option for more and more people. These supports are increasing independence while reducing the overall reliance on in-person staff time. Due to the variety of technologies and systems available—from remote monitoring to assistive devices— some form of technology support can be a part of almost anyone’s care plan. It all starts with a conversation between the person receiving services, their family, their provider, and their case manager to determine what options might be a good fit based on their person-centered plans.
Because this type of support marks a change in the look and feel of supportive services, questions and reluctance to even begin the conversation keep hundreds from having real discussions about technology as an option. That’s why Minnesota Statute 245D was revised this session to require teams to include a discussion about technology in all 45-day planning meetings. While the statute does not require that technology be used, the required discussion will open the opportunity for teams or team members who might have questions about initiating the use of technology.
A new source of information
As a key player in developing and passing the legislation, ARRM committed to ensuring resources are available to support conversations—including key information about technology supports and examples of successful implementations. ARRM’s new Technology Resource Center will house an ever-growing body of the latest information and tools related to utilizing technology to support people living more independent lives.
Get Started
Download ARRM’s one-page summary of what’s required under the new legislation and check out the rest of the Technology Resource Center for guidance as conversations begin.
