The goals of this pilot program shall be to:

(a) Provide a continuum of social and health services that foster independence and self-reliance, maintain individual dignity, and allow consumers of long-term care services to remain an integral part of their family and community life.

(b) If out-of-home placement is necessary, to ensure that it is at the appropriate level of care, and to prevent unnecessary utilization of acute care hospitals.

(c) If family caregivers are involved in the long-term care of an individual, to support caregiving arrangements that maximize the family’s ongoing relationship with, and care for, that individual.

(d) Deliver long-term care services in the least restrictive environment appropriate for the consumer.

(e) Encourage as much self direction as possible by consumers, given their capability and interest, and involve them and their family members as partners in the development and implementation of the pilot project.

(f) Identify performance outcomes that will be used to evaluate the appropriateness and quality of the services provided, as well as the efficacy and cost effectiveness of each pilot project, including, but not limited to, the use of acute and out-of-home care, consumer satisfaction, the health status of consumers, and the degree of independent living maintained among those served.

(g) Test a variety of models intended to serve different geographic areas, with differing populations and service availability.

(h) Achieve greater efficiencies through consolidated screening and reporting requirements.

(i) Allow each pilot project site to use existing funding sources in a manner that it determines will meet local need and that is cost-effective.

(j) Allow the pilot project sites to determine other services that may be necessary to meet the needs of eligible beneficiaries.

(k) Identify ways to expand funding options for the pilot program to include medicare and other funding sources.

(Added by Stats. 1995, Ch. 875, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1996.)