State Plan Local Plan
NAMI NC -System Reform- Technical Assistance Bulletin #3:
State/Local Plans and Consumer and Family Advisory Committees
This document is the third in a series of technical assistance bulletins. With the release of State Plan 2002, the state has set clear requirements for family and consumer participation in the reform process. NAMI members participating in the local business planning process should be aware of what those requirements are. This technical assistance bulletin provides excerpts from the State Plan on the role and composition of the local Consumer and Family Advisory Committees (CFAC). It also provides excerpts from the Local Business Plan document of items that must be included or attached relative to family and consumer participation or where CFAC action is specifically required. Local Business Plans can include more relative to family/consumer participation. What is listed are the essential components the state will require.
As the planning process proceeds in your community, make sure:
The state and local business plans offer families unprecedented opportunities to participate in developing and reforming the mental health system. It is up to us to ensure that we take advantage of the opportunities that have been offered.
State and Local Consumer and Family Advisory Committees (CFAC)
Each LME will establish a consumer and family advisory committee. The CFAC will convene at the beginning of local planning efforts and will have an active role with delineated responsibilities throughout the planning process. They will advise staff regarding local planning effort and will review and submit a separate report(s) on local business plans to the Division. Each local advisory committee will be staffed by an employee of the LME whose responsibilities will include:
Composition of both state and local CFACs will reflect:
Roles and responsibilities of the state and local advisory committees will be established according to specifications in the state strategic and local business plans. They must address the following:
The state plan calls for supports to be provided to ensure consumer/family participation. These supports could include:
Submission Requirements
All final submissions of the local business plan must include a separate report prepared by the local Consumer and Family Advisory Committee.
I. Planning
There is a policy establishing the local Consumer/Family Advisory Committee (CFAC) and assuring opportunity for meaningful involvement of consumers and families by requiring:
There is a statement attesting to consumer/stakeholder involvement consistent with the State Plan, which is representative of the broader population of the locality with confirmation by the CFAC.
There is a resolution of the governing body accepting/approving the local business plan as submitted. There is a separate report submitted by the local CFAC.
II. Governance, Management and Administration
There is a policy that ensures opportunities for stakeholder and community input, and their involvement in policy formulation and implementation are available through:
There is a statement attesting that stakeholder involvement represents the scope and diversity of the community.
The names of key local individual advocates and advocacy groups providing stakeholder input are available upon request.
There is a statement attesting that stakeholder input is used to improve policy and operations.
III. Qualified provider network development
A Qualified Provider Network development plan includes the role and responsibility of the local Consumer Family Advisory Committee in the development and ongoing monitoring of the Qualified Provider Network.
IV. Service Management
A management plan for oversight and operation of core service functions includes the role of consumers/families and other stakeholders in developing and monitoring the core service functions.
V. Access to Care
There is a definition of the roles of consumers and families in developing and monitoring the uniform portal system.
The local Consumer Family Advisory Committee has documented review of all exceptions to the 30 mile/minute rules provisions.
VI. Service monitoring and oversight: Quality Management
A process is described for the meaningful involvement of consumers and families by providing adequate supports and training in the quality management process to meet State Plan requirements.
VII. Evaluation
A plan for the development of a quality improvement process is provided and includes the valued involvement of consumers and families.
X. Collaboration
A plan for developing a community collaboration process throughout the geographic area is provided and includes a mechanism for involving people with disabilities and their families in community collaborative efforts.
There is a letter of endorsement of the community collaboration process and/or a report of the issues and concerns submitted by the Consumer Family Advisory Committee.
Appendix A: County Area Program as Direct Service Provider
If the LME requests permission to provide direct services, the application must contain an attachment from the local Consumer and Family Advocacy Council regarding the necessity for service provision by the LME.