DD Planning Lists

The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) was asked by the 2016 General Assembly to “develop and report to the General Assembly on a multiyear plan to reduce and eliminate the planning lists for New Options Waiver Program (NOW) and Comprehensive Supports Waiver Program (COMP) waivers with yearly outcome measures.”  DBHDD prepared the Multiyear Planning Lists Strategic Plan in response to this request and presented it to the 2018 General Assembly.  This multiyear plan is expected to receive final review and approval in 2018 and the first objectives are scheduled for completion by June 30, 2019.  

Full Appendix

DBHDD maintains a list of people who have applied and been found pre-eligible to receive services associated with supporting people who have intellectual or developmental disabilities. To be placed on the DD Planning List, an individual must have a qualifying Intellectual or Developmental Disability as defined in Georgia §37-1-1.

The planning list consists of two separate lists, one for the New Options Waiver Program (NOW) and one for the Comprehensive Supports Waiver Program (COMP). Assignment to the lists is based on different factors,  including the individual’s preference. Though both waivers provide similar services, the NOW waiver program has a lower funding cap than the COMP waiver program.

Consideration for individuals most in need facilitates the prioritization of the planning lists. In determining those most in need, two key areas are reviewed: Health and safety, and Caregiver and support system. To further prioritize the lists, the department is in the process of implementing a new objective tool that captures individuals’ status regarding their level of unmet need, their functional capacity and existing support system, and the impact of behavioral and medical challenges on their functional capacity.