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Fund respite services to our caregivers now’
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Posted on Nov 15 2016
This is National Caregivers Month and, with the holiday season coming up during the next two months, a gift of respite services would certainly be welcomed by those persons caring for persons who need assistance with daily living or who are no longer able to care for themselves.
The Commonwealth Respite Service Program was established by the Council on Developmental Disabilities pursuant to Public Law 14-36 (see 3 CMC § 2431-2438) in 2004, more than 12 years ago. The Commonwealth Respite Service Program Administration Rules and Regulations, NMIAC 75-60.1 et seq., have been in effect since 2014, for more than two years.
However, funding has not been provided to enable Ayuda Network, Inc. (the community-based organization responsible for the Respite Care Program at this time) to provide respite care services envisioned by the drafters of the law and regulations.
Now would be a good time to take immediate action to provide the needed funding to provide respite services to our caregivers in the Commonwealth.
The Legislature will no doubt claim that there are insufficient funds; however, if that is the case, then alternatives should be considered.
For example, what about a Respite Care Tax Credit? Something similar to the Education Tax Credit (see 4 CMC § 1205) with cash contributions to Ayuda Network, Inc., not for administration but for the specific limited purpose of compensating respite service providers?
For more information on the Commonwealth Respite Care Program, contact Ayuda Network, Inc., (670) 322-7469 or ayudanet@ayuda-cnmi.org. For assistance or information regarding the rights of persons with disabilities, contact Northern Marianas Protection & Advocacy Systems, Inc. at (670) 235-7273 or 7274.
Jeanne Rayphand
Legal counsel, NMPASI
