Two sisters of a resident at Southeast Arkansas Human Development Center (SEAHDC) have come forward to share their concerns about safety issues and the lack of progress their brother has made at SEAHDC. Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICFs/ID) such as SEAHDC are required to provide active treatment for their residents. Active treatment, as defined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), “refers to aggressive, consistent implementation of a program of specialized and generic training, treatment and health services.” In fact, the purpose of providing ICF/ID services is to “provide comprehensive and individualized health care and rehabilitation services to individuals to promote their functional status and independence.” Disability Rights Arkansas monitors SEAHDC and other long term care facilities for abuse and neglect, and shares the concerns of these two women.
KARK Channel 4 covered this story, and featured their report on last night’s broadcast. To view, click here: http://www.arkansasmatters.com/news/local-news/working-4-you-sisters-say-staffing-issues-at-state-run-center-put-brothers-life-at-risk