01-20-98 Residential Neighborhoods

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Commfttst Zsport: Residential Neighborhoods Committees /Co Os Common Council of the City of fouttj sttb: The January 20, 1998, meeting of the Residential Neighborhoods Committees was called to order by the Council Attorney, Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand at 4:05 P.M. in the Council informal meeting room. In the absence of the Committee Chairperson and a Quorum of the Committee, an introduction of all persons present took place with those individuals being: Marge Mynsberge, a Registered Nurse with the visiting Nurse Association,Marzy Bauer, Ann- Carol Simons, Don Fozo, Assistant Fire Chief Bert Prawat, and Kathleen Cekanski- Farrand. The Council Attorney gave a brief overview of the work by the committee on the proposed Adult Care Home ordinances with zoning and licensing provisions being proposed. Marge Mynsberge then was called upon to give further information from the private sector. She noted that she had reviewed the Council Attorney's Memorandum to Council Member John Broden, dated July 14, 1997 and agreed with many of the concerns raised in that memorandum. She noted that concern for adults must be paramount. She further gave a brief history of how licensing for home care at the state level would be the ideal. If licensing took place then the State Department of Health would be the enforcing agency for such regulations. She noted that if an individual is unable to care for themselves in their own home and looks to live with another individual, there must be a problem. These individuals must be protected. She further agreed with Dr. Plain that she would not feel comfortable with having a Certified Nursing Assistant in charge of such a home. Council Members Broden and Ujdak joined the committee meeting. She noted that the visiting Nurse Association utilizes Home Health Aids which must have a minimum of 26 hours of classroom training, 16 hours of practicum, and 12 hours of in- service training each calendar year. Such individuals do not give medications but they can remind individuals to take their medications. She also noted that CNA's are licensed by the state of Indiana. Mr. Don Fozo, Building Commissioner, noted that he is aware of six Adult Care Homes operating in the county,all of which were approved after public hearing by the Board of Zoning Appeals. He is unaware of any complaints, but did note that none of them are licensed. Marge Mynsberge noted that her top priorities would be protection of the individuals, licensing,regular inspections,a complaint procedure in enforcing agency,and consultation being available from the Health Departments. Marzy Bauer of Madison Center, suggested that the hiring of individuals who are qualified to be head of such a home may not ensure quality. She noted that basic stretchers and procedures must be in place for safety. She noted that two MA's are used at various facilities and have basic training, but would not feel comfortable with those individuals being in charge. She stressed the need for a state licensing agency to ensure the quality of a check and balance in all areas. She stressed the need that you must go beyond the basics which include,but is not limited to,the quality of training and the types of individuals who