Call to Order- 12:30 p.m. by Chairperson Joy Paeth. Present/Absent: PSA 01-Grant Nyhammer (phone), 02-Lucia Jones, 03-Barb Eskildsen (absent), 04-Keith Rider, 05-Susan Real, 06-Lynn Niewohner, 07-Donna Bileto, 08-Joy Paeth, 09-Tracy Barczewski, 10-Shana Holmes, 11-John Smith, 12-Joyce Gallagher (absent), and 13-Jon Lavin.

Minutes- The Minutes for the last meeting were presented. MOTION: To approve the Minutes as presented by Jones and seconded by Barczewski. Motion APPROVED.

Treasurer’s Report- The financial report was presented. Discussion: The City of Chicago has not paid their dues. MOTION: To accept the Treasurer’s Report as presented by Barczewski and seconded by Bileto. Motion APPROVED.

Legislative Committee- John Carr (lobbyist) came in to meet with I4a members. Monitoring at the Capital (grand bargain or what’s left), it doesn't appear things are moving forward but last attempt efforts are being made by a few legislators to put it back together. Pressure will be on the Governor to see if he will support what legislatures are presenting. DCFS budget hearing, the CFO is states their budget is paid at 100% due to Federal Court orders and Consent decrees so there is no room to cut anywhere in the DCFS budget (General Funds are within their budget), but not subject to holding funding. Illinois law and must comply with Federal law.

CRP hearing– IDoA had stated that rules would not be filed until there is a (State) budget. At the ASA conference- It was implied by IDoA that CRP is going to move forward. Concern was expressed about IDoA's timeline to respond to their letter of commitment to AAAs. MOTION: Before any letter is signed by the AAAs about the letters of commitment sent by IDoA, a discussion by I4a will be held to discuss these letters. MOTION by Nyhammer and Seconded by Lavin. Motion APPROVED.

MOTION: To support by "slip" HB 1333 (Hearing Aid Instrument). MOTION by Legislative Committee. Motion APPROVED.

Discussion: A project will be initiated by Jane Adams this spring of how terrible the States issue is in. A group of people (15-20) will be walking from Chicago to Springfield including a 91 year old man. The concept will include sessions, which will focus on senior citizens adversely affected by the budget. Partners for Human Services are trying to make a proposal to the retirement program.

N4a update by Paeth- ASA conference, peer groups were held, a few AAA’s in other States mentioned communication (social justice issues), has compounding matters of knowing how to communicate effectively. Discussions about the effects of the healthcare change (Medicaid), block grant, and the number of persons who would lose their coverage. N4a board meeting is Sunday in D.C.

OASAC by Real- A presentation by Michelle A. on the medication dispenser was discussed, nineteen currently active participants. Assessments are at 58% and 48% having successful results. This project is expected to last until December of 2017. No state funding going into this project, it is through the pharmacy and sign-ups are through the pharmacies. Scripts must be ordered through the pharmacies via mail order, pre-packaged. Laura M. gave an update to the UAT.

CCPAC by Holmes- UAT Update/HFS – Kris Claussen– BIP/UAT Project Director was given – Goal is to implement a new assessment tool for LTC. Next steps with stakeholder/HFS – Reaching out to aging staff to assemble lists and doing more stakeholder engagement very soon. Asked about feedback from those piloting the tool. The Director announced Draft rules are at the Governor’s office and no update on those rules as of yet. IDoA wanted to have a call with the stakeholders (Feb. 10th), as a reminder of all the questions and comments being due, as a result from that call on the last day at the 11th hour we were inundated with questions and concerns about CRP. IDoA is waiting our next guidance from the Governor’s office. Information for Medicaid reboot announced on 2/27. Homecare Ombudsman Program Update- Jamie F gave a quick update for the grant, our 3 year demonstration ended Dec. 31rst and awarded a new two year grant through Fed CMS MMAI participants and also serving individuals on waivers (Medicaid living in community), for two years we received about a million $’s. A State Unit on Aging was applying for both SHIP and Ombudsman and do a Joint grant (Sandy and Elizabeth and Jamie F and LaRhonda), and awarded funding though the same grant with different deliverables. We will be able to continue services to the home care participants.

OMA, Violation of Privatey of Contract- Motion: Take this opportunity related to GATA and NOFO for the Dept. to join the AAAs to clarify the roles of both parties. Motion by Jones and Seconded by Bileto. Discussion: Without a statute IDoA can’t force an AAA to do something. IDoA references back to their manual about allowances but the manuals are not following statute. AAAs would arrange the training by a neutral party to discuss the Department's role with the AAAs and the privatey of contract between the AAAs and their providers. Suggestions are an Attorney from ACL. Motion APPROVED.

Ombudsman- Motion: I4a ask IDoA to provide us with an attorney to provide counsel pursuant to Federal Law. Motion by Nyhammer. Seconded by Jones. Discussion- Federal statutes state Illinois law designates us as the "representative" of the Ombudsman (20ILCS 105/4.04 (c) and protecting the integrity of the Program. IDoA is obligated under federal law to provide us with free counsel. Motion APPROVED.

Having no other business, meeting was adjourned at 4:17 p.m. (Motion by Lavin and second by Rider).