Weekly Update from Disability Policy Consortium

June 12, 2017

Disability Policy Consortium Weekly Update

The battle against Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) marches on. There were several hearings last week and more to come this week. Attend a hearing, speak out, we need your voice.

It appears the U.S. Senate will try to vote on a replacement for the Affordable Care Act before July 4th. We have several compelling news stories for you this week.

Tonight is the DPC Annual Meeting. Hope you will be there.

As always happy reading.

John Winske

Disability Policy Consortium

[email protected]

Health Care Update: Senate Pushing for Vote Before July 4th

It now appears the United States Senate will try to have a vote on repealing the Affordable Care Act before the July 4th holiday. The bill, which is being written by thirteen members of the Senate, will not face any committee votes, but will come straight to the floor. You can read more here in the Hill.

Our message must remain strong on Medicaid No Caps #nocaps and No Cuts #nocuts.

Calendar: My Timesheet, EVV Hearings

Date Time

Facility Address City

Monday, 6/12/2017 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Fitchburg Public Library, 610 Main St., Fitchburg

Monday, 6/12/2017 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Worcester Public Library, 3 Salem Square, Worcester

Wednesday, 6/14/2017 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Taunton Public Library, 12 Pleasant St., Taunton

Wednesday, 6/14/2017 12:30-2:00p.m.
Taunton Public Library, 12 Pleasant St., Taunton

Net News: Families Trusted Arbour and It Failed Them

The Boston Globe has a breath taking story about patients that have died at mental health facilities operated by the for-profit chain, Arbour Health Systems. The chain appears to short change patient services but has earned some of the highest profit margins in the industry (nearing 20% in some cases). As cited in the article, in some instances State officials seem nervous about pressuring the conglomerate fearing the loss of valuable "bed space." You can read about it here.

Net News: Trump Administration to Strip Residents of Nursing Homes of Civil Rights

File this under reason number 5,489 why I never want to live in a nursing home and proof number #289 that this Administration does not like people with disabilities. According to Consumerist.com the Trump Administration appears ready to allow nursing homes to continue a practice of forcing residents to sign agreements curtailing their right to sue for mistreatment or neglect. Instead, residents are forced to use binding arbitration. Binding arbitration has been shown to favor corporations and limit access to what would normally be public information. You can read more here,

Net News: AG Bars Funding of Nonprofits in Settlement Agreements

Under the Obama Administration the Department of Justice would sometimes require defendants in civil or criminal settlements agreements to make donations to nonprofits working in the same area or similar problems. Now a memo from Attorney Jeff Sessions has ordered that this practice cease. You can read about it here in the Nonprofit Quarterly.

Net News: ABA Magazine Issue Focuses on Disability Rights

The latest issue of the American Bar Association's Human Rights Magazine is called on Disability Rights Under Siege. The entire issue is focussed on our civil rights and has several great articles.

Calendar: DPC Annual Meeting

When: Monday, June 12, 2017, 5:30 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.

Where: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, 101 Huntington Avenue, Prudential Complex, Boston

Join us for our annual meeting, dinner and a training on using Facebook, Twitter and Social Media for Advocacy.

If you or someone you know is interested in applying to serve of the Board of Directors of the DPC please send a resume and a one page statement of why you want to serve and your skills to [email protected].

To register contact Amy at [email protected].

Calendar: Save The Date!!!!!!!!!

An Exclusive Viewing of the Film

"The Wounds We Cannot See"

When: Thursday, June 29, 2017, 6:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M.

Where: 89 South Street, Boston, MA

We are proud to present the premiere of a new documentary directed and produced by Alexander Freeman of Newton. "The Wounds We Cannot See" is about one woman's struggles with mental health disabilities induced by trauma and violence. The movie has been honored with several awards including best documentary at the 2017 Long Beach Film Festival.

Alexander Freeman is an award-winning filmmaker with cerebral palsy. His work focuses on disability and other social issues. Alexander is a graduate of Emerson College, where he majored in Film Production with a concentration in Directing. He will discuss his work after the film.

Please note the movie is captioned and we have requested ASL interpreters for the question and answer session.

Tickets can be purchased at Eventbrite.com or go to our Facebook Page.

In This Issue

Health Care Update: Senate Will Try to Vote Soon

Calendar: EVV Hearings

Net News: Families Trusted

Net News: Another Reason

Net News: AG Bans NP's from Settlements

Net News ABA Magazine

Calendar: Annual Meeting

Calendar: Movie Premiere

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Disability Policy Consortium
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