Arizona Center for Disability Law

 

Arnold v. Sarn - In August of 2004, the Arnold v. Sarn Court Monitor issued a report on the independent audit conducted earlier in the year.  The report describes a service planning and delivery system in serious disarray and concludes that the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) has failed to adequately oversee the system.  On the majority of quality indicators, the system has regressed since the last full audit in 2000. Of greatest concern is that the majority of class members are not receiving individualized service planning and appropriate mental health services. 

 

In the past several months, much activity has occurred surrounding 1) a corrective action plan, which includes intensive mentoring at the service clinics; 2) interim and end dates for compliance; and 3) consumer and family member involvement. 

 

On December 17, 2004, the court adopted as an additional order a negotiated agreement that provides for an end date to the case and interim compliance dates for the remaining obligations of the defendants.  The Center plans to enhance its monitoring of ADHS’ activities, including budget issues.  Additionally, the Court Monitor will conduct “spot reviews,” in addition to conducting the annual audit, to monitor compliance with the orders.  ADHS has reported that it plans to provide more rigorous oversight of VO.

 

The Center has been working with consumers, family members and consumer advocates to learn about their concerns, most of which are addressed by the court’s existing orders.  Over the next several months, the Center will also participate in discussions with ADHS and consumers and family members regarding three areas of concern that fall outside of the Court’s orders: pharmacy issues; peer oversight of the system as a whole; and VO’s expenditures.

 

The Center and co-counsel the Center for Public Representation and the Arizona Center for Law in the Public Interest, remain fully committed to a variety of strategies to ensure the defendants correct the deficiencies in the system and comply with the court’s orders in this case.

 

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