DHS-PUNS DATABASE

Amends the Department of Human Services Act. Removes language requiring the Department of Human Services to maintain a disability services database and instead requires the Department of Human Services to compile and maintain a Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services (PUNS) database of Illinois residents with an intellectual disability or a developmental disability, including an autism spectrum disorder, and Illinois residents with an intellectual disability or a developmental disability who are also diagnosed with a physical disability or mental illness and are in need of disability services funded by the Department. Provides that the PUNS database shall be used to foster a fair and orderly process for: (i) processing applications for services funded by the Department, (ii) verifying information, (iii) keeping individuals and families who have applied for services informed of available services and anticipated wait times, (iv) determining unmet need, and (v) informing the General Assembly and the Governor of unmet need statewide and within each representative district. Requires the Secretary of Human Services to seek input from specified advisory bodies and committees with regard to the establishment, maintenance, and administration of PUNS. Contains provisions concerning the type of information to be collected and maintained for PUNS; the Department's development of a web-based verification and information-update application; notice of services to individuals listed in the PUNS database; and other matters. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause with provisions similar to the introduced bill, but with the following changes: Provides that individuals who are receiving services under any home and community-based services waiver program authorized under the Social Security Act may remain on the Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services (PUNS) database until they are offered services through a PUNS selection or demonstrate the need for and are awarded alternative services. Requires the Department of Human Services to make all reasonable efforts to contact individuals on the PUNS database at least 2 times each year and provide certain information about the PUNS process, available services, and advice on preparing for and seeking developmental disability services (rather than requiring the Department to ensure that individuals in PUNS are contacted regarding their PUNS status and available services at least 2 times each year via e-mail or letter, based on the delivery preference of the individual). Provides that at least one of the contacts must be from an independent service coordination agency. Permits the Department to contact individuals on the PUNS database through a newsletter prepared by the Division of Developmental Disabilities. Requires the Department to provide information about PUNS to the public on its website. Makes some technical changes. Effective immediately.