36-570. Arizona training program; annual update; notification to and plan development for affected individuals

A. Beginning on or before November 1, 2016, the department shall submit an annual update for review by the joint legislative budget committee on the department's plans for the Arizona training program and associated group homes. The update shall include a potential timetable for the closure of any facilities, a timeline for the completion of the transition of the residents in those facilities to new residential settings and the estimated fiscal impact. The estimated fiscal impact shall include an estimate of costs necessary to maintain existing service levels for transitioning individuals, to build capacity in the community to support transitioning individuals, to provide enhanced and independent monitoring and oversight of each new placement and to provide protection and advocacy services and medical and behavioral health care support for transitioning individuals.

B. Before the department submits its initial update, the department shall send to each affected individual and the individual's legal guardian a written notice of the department's intention to develop a person-centered service plan for each affected individual to identify potential residential setting and in-home service options that are based on the individual's needs and personal choices. The department shall conduct meetings with all affected individuals and their legal guardians regarding the transition process and shall provide each individual and guardian with a list of potential residential settings and in-home service options. Final decisions regarding residential settings and services shall be based on person-centered plans, individual assessed needs and individual preferences.