HARRY HUGHES, Governor

737

(I)  A REASONABLY STATIC PHYSICAL
IMPAIRMENT THAT PREVENTS GAINFUL EMPLOYMENT OR THE
ACCOMPLISHMENT OF THE ROUTINE OF NORMAL DAILY ACTIVITIES
OUTSIDE OF AN INSTITUTIONAL OR SHELTERED ENVIRONMENT; OR

(II)  A PERMANENT OR RECURRENT MENTAL
IMPAIRMENT THAT REQUIRES DOMICILIARY OR INSTITUTIONAL CARE
IN A SHELTERED ENVIRONMENT.

REVISOR'S NOTE: This subsection is new language that
combines, without substantive change, former
Article 43, § 717H(c) and (d).

The former, separate definitions of "medically
handicapped" and "adult" appeared together
throughout former Article 43, §§ 717G through
717J and caused redundancy and ambiguity.
Therefore, in this subsection, the definitions of
"medically handicapped" and "adult" are combined
to define the phrase "medically handicapped
adult".

The former phrase "but requires supervision and
care during a part of his or her day" is deleted
as redundant in light of the references to a
"sheltered environment".

14-302. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE; INTENT.

(A)  STATEMENT OF PURPOSE.

THE PURPOSES OF THIS SUBTITLE ARE:

(1)  TO PROVIDE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF DAY CARE
CENTERS FOR ADULTS AND SERVICES THAT WILL GIVE MEDICALLY
HANDICAPPED ADULTS THE CHANCE TO STAY WITH THEIR FAMILIES OR
IN THEIR COMMUNITIES INSTEAD OF BEING PLACED IN A NURSING
HOME OR STATE INSTITUTION; AND

(2)  TO ALLOW THIS STATE TO DEAL MORE EFFECTIVELY
AND ECONOMICALLY WITH THE NEEDS OF ITS MEDICALLY HANDICAPPED
ADULTS.

(B)  INTENT.

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY INTENDS THAT DAY CARE CENTERS FOR
ADULTS AND SERVICES BE USED:

(1) TO AVOID, AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE, UNNECESSARY
COMMITMENT OF A MEDICALLY HANDICAPPED ADULT TO A NURSING
HOME, STATE INSTITUTION, OR OTHER LONG TERM CARE FACILITY;

(2) TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR MEDICALLY
HANDICAPPED ADULTS TO BE DISCHARGED FROM NURSING HOMES,