41-3801. Independent oversight committee on persons with developmental disabilities

A. The independent oversight committee on persons with developmental disabilities is established in the department of administration to promote the rights of clients who are receiving developmental disabilities services pursuant to title 36, chapter 5.1.

B. The committee shall be organized pursuant to this section and the requirements of section 41-3804.

C. The director of the department may establish additional committees for each district office established pursuant to section 41-1961 or to oversee the activities of any service provider.

D. Each independent oversight committee established pursuant to this section shall consist of at least seven and not more than fifteen members appointed by the director of the department with expertise in at least one of the following areas:

1. Psychology.

2. Law.

3. Medicine.

4. Education.

5. Special education.

6. Social work.

7. Criminal justice.

E. Each independent oversight committee shall include at least two parents of children who receive services from the division of developmental disabilities.

F. The division of developmental disabilities shall provide to each independent oversight committee information regarding incidents of:

1. Possible abuse or neglect or violations of rights.

2. Physical abuse, sexual abuse and other abuse.

3. Accidental injury.

4. Missing clients.

5. Behavioral emergency measures.

6. Medication errors, including theft of medication or missing medication.

7. Death.

8. Suicide attempts.

9. Hospitalizations.

10. Incarcerations.

11. Theft of client property or money.

12. Property destruction.

G. The division of developmental disabilities in the department of economic security must allow the independent oversight committee on persons with developmental disabilities thirty days to review new policies and major policy changes before the division submits the policies or changes for public comment.