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Oversight board wants data from DHHS to protect disabled adults

"They can't advocate for themselves. We need to step up."

AUGUSTA (NEWS CENTER Maine) — There are several bills in the Maine Legislature that would beef up oversight for disabled adults who receive services from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

The legislation comes in the wake of a federal report which found DHHS failed for two and a half years to investigate 133 deaths and did properly report critical incidents including sexual assault and serious injuries.

One bill would bolster the Maine Developmental Services Oversight and Advisory Board. Created under state law in 2011, members are supposed to receive reports and data from DHHS on a number of issues to look for trends and report back to the governor and lawmakers.

Board members said they haven't received one document from the department despite repeated requests. Key information to make sure adults with disabilities get the care and protections they need.

"We are trying to gather information to tell us if DHHS is doing the job it's supposed to or not," said Cullen Ryan, the chairman of the Maine Developmental Services Oversight and Advisory Board.

The governor is supposed to appoint the 15-member board but has approved only five members. A spokesman said the governor will try to fill all vacancies on boards and commissions this session.

A bill in the meantime would require DHHS to send data to the board and enforce the law already on the books.

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