Ch. 761

LAWS OF MARYLAND

(6) ALTHOUGH THE FOCUS OF THE INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT
SERVICES PROGRAM IS UPON THE ADULT WITH A DISABILITY, THEIR
PROVISION MAY BEGIN WITH YOUNG ADULTS IN ADOLESCENCE.

(B) THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY DECLARES THAT IT IS THE POLICY OF
THIS STATE TO PROMOTE THE INDEPENDENCE, PRODUCTIVITY, AND
INTEGRATION WITHIN THE COMMUNITY FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH SEVERE
DISABILITIES BY PROVIDING AN ARRAY OF INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT
SERVICES.

7-271. 7-708.

(A) (1) THERE IS AN INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT SERVICES PROGRAM.

(2) (B) THE ADMINISTRATION SHALL ENTER INTO GRANT
AGREEMENTS WITH PRIVATE NONPROFIT COMMUNITY BASED ORGANIZATIONS
FOR THE PROVISION OF INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT SERVICES IN ALL COUNTIES
OR REGIONS OF THE STATE.

(3) FUNDING ALLOCATED TO EACH PROVIDER SHALL INCLUDE

PURCHASE OF SERVICE COSTS AND OPERATIONAL COSTS SO THAT

SUFFICIENT STAFF MAY BE EMPLOYED TO COORDINATE THE INDIVIDUAL
SUPPORT SERVICES.

(4) THE PROGRAM SHALL BE GRANT FUNDED AND EXEMPT FROM
THE STATE PROCUREMENT PROCESS AS DEFINED IN DIVISION II OF THE
STATE FINANCE AND PROCUREMENT ARTICLE.

(5) THE PROGRAM SHALL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO ALL
ELIGIBLE PERSONS SELECTED FOR SERVICE BY THE ADMINISTRATION PRIOR
TO OFFERING FULL-DAY OR RESIDENTIAL SERVICES EXCEPT IN EMERGENCY
SITUATIONS IN WHICH FULL SERVICES ARE REQUIRED IMMEDIATELY.

(3) (C) ELIGIBLE PERSONS SELECTED FOR SERVICES BY THE
ADMINISTRATION SHALL BE INFORMED OF INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT SERVICES
AND ENCOURAGED TO USE THEM, AS APPROPRIATE, PRIOR TO BEING
OFFERED FULL DAY OR RESIDENTIAL SERVICES.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall
take effect July 1, 1987.

Approved June 2, 1987.

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