DHS-PUNS DATABASE

Amends the Department of Human Services Act. Makes changes to a provision concerning the Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services (PUNS) database. Adds individuals in State-operated developmental centers and individuals in community-integrated living arrangements to the list of persons the Department of Human Services must register in the PUNS database. Requires the Secretary of Human Services to seek input from advisory bodies to the Department, including advisory councils and committees working with the Department in the areas of intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, and autism spectrum disorders, with regard to the establishment, maintenance, and administration of PUNS. Provides that the Department shall also ensure that individuals in PUNS are contacted regarding their PUNS status and available services at least 2 times each year via email or letter, based on the delivery preference of the individual. Provides that the available services and supports may include housing, home-based services, employment and training, respite care, and day programs. Requires the Department to seek any available federal funding to upgrade its technology in order to implement an effective and efficient system of operating and maintaining PUNS and making the web-based verification and information-update application developed by the Department available to individuals listed in PUNS. Requires the Department to collaborate with the State Board of Education to ensure that students with disabilities and their parents are informed of PUNS consistent with a specified provision of the School Code.