33-5-109 - Study of issues relating to services provided to persons with developmental disabilities, mental retardation and other disabilities. - Tennessee Statutes

33-5-109. Study of issues relating to services provided to persons with developmental disabilities, mental retardation and other disabilities.

(a)  There is created a special joint committee to study the issues relating to services provided to persons with developmental disabilities, mental retardation and other disabilities. This study shall include, but not be limited to:

     (1)  A review of the different agencies in state government providing services;

     (2)  The structure and location of state services to persons with developmental disabilities, mental retardation and other disabilities;

     (3)  The efficiency of providing services to persons with disabilities and costs associated with providing services;

     (4)  An evaluation of the cost of the division of intellectual disabilities services (DIDS) waiting list and the means to reduce or eliminate it; and

     (5)  A look at the cost structure of services in DIDS and evaluation of differences in cost.

(b)  The special joint committee shall consist of:

     (1)  Four (4) members of the senate, to be appointed by the speaker of the senate; and

     (2)  Four (4) members of the house of representatives, to be appointed by the speaker of the house.

(c)  All appropriate agencies of state government shall provide assistance to the special joint committee upon request of the chair.

(d)  All legislative members of the special joint committee who are duly elected members of the general assembly shall remain members of the committee until the committee reports its final findings and recommendations.

(e)  The special joint committee shall be convened by the member having the greatest number of years of continuous service within the general assembly, and at its first meeting shall elect from among its legislative membership a chair, vice-chair, and other officers the committee deems necessary.

(f)  The special joint committee shall timely report its final findings and recommendations to the One Hundred Sixth General Assembly no later than February 1, 2010.

[Acts 2008, ch. 1157, §§ 1-6; 2009, ch. 477, § 1.]