A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO CREATE A TASK FORCE TO STUDY WAYS TO EXPAND REFERRALS BY MEDICAL PERSONNEL FOR EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES EARLIER IN THE LIFE OF A CHILD.

WHEREAS, children with developmental disabilities have substantial functional limitations related to a mental or physical impairment, including brain trauma; and

WHEREAS, early intervention services for developmentally disabled children are needed from the moment of birth; and

WHEREAS, the earlier children are identified as developmentally disabled and begin receiving services, the more likely they are to be able to live independent and self-directed lives; and

WHEREAS, families of developmentally disabled children are often overburdened and lack the knowledge and resources to provide optimal care for these children; and

WHEREAS, the department of health operates a program of early intervention services called CAREarly; and

WHEREAS, medical professionals often do not identify developmental disabilities early enough in the child's life to make a timely referral to this program; and

WHEREAS, earliest referral for these children means maximizing the opportunities for growth and development of the child;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the department of health be requested to create a task force to study ways to expand referrals by medical personnel for early intervention services earlier in the life of the child; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this task force include representation from advocate groups, providers and parents of developmentally disabled children, as well as appropriate medical personnel; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the findings of this task force be reported to the legislative health and human services committee by its October 2003 meeting; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of health, statewide medical and pediatric associations, developmental disabilities advocacy groups and the interim legislative health and human services committee.