39-1805. Powers and duties of community developmental disability organization. In addition to any other power and duty prescribed by law, and subject to appropriations, a community developmental disability organization shall have the power and duty to:

(a) Directly or by subcontract, serve as a single point of application or referral for services, and assist all persons with a developmental disability to have access to and an opportunity to participate in community services, except in those circumstances in which the secretary determines, subject to an immediate hearing before the district court located in the county in which the person with a developmental disability resides, participation in community services is not the appropriate placement for such person because such person is presently likely to cause harm to self or others;

(b) provide either directly or by subcontract, services to persons with a developmental disability, including, but not limited to, eligibility determination; explanation of available services and service providers; case management services, if requested; assistance in establishing new providers, if requested; and advocacy for participation in community services;

(c) organize a council of community members, consumers or their family members or guardians, and community service providers, composed of a majority of consumers or their family members or guardians who shall meet not less than quarterly to address systems issues, including, but not limited to, planning and implementation of services; and develop and implement a method by which consumer complaints, interagency and other intrasystem disputes are resolved;

(d) provide, directly or by subcontract, information about affiliate and referral services to persons with a developmental disability whose particular needs can be met in the community or through government; and

(e) ensure that affiliates have the option to review referrals and waiting lists on a periodic basis to contact potential consumers with information concerning their services.

History: L. 1995, ch. 234, § 5; Jan. 1, 1996.