Extension of legislative oversight committee approved

Senators voted Feb. 16 to reauthorize legislative oversight of the Beatrice State Developmental Center (BSDC) until Jan. 2, 2013.

LR365, sponsored by Omaha Sen. Steve Lathrop, provides for continuation of the Developmental Disabilities Special Investigative Committee, which was established four years ago in response to problems at BSDC and was extended in 2009 and 2011.

In 2008, the facility was the subject of a federal Department of Justice (DOJ) report that found serious violations of residents’ civil rights, Lathrop said. BSDC subsequently was decertified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Lathrop said the oversight committee needs one more year to ensure that all components of BSDC are recertified and to continue monitoring the state’s compliance with DOJ requirements stemming from the 2008 report.

The Health and Human Services Committee currently is focused on addressing child welfare reform, he said, and more time is needed to transition jurisdiction of the BSDC oversight committee back to them.

“Their plate is full,” Lathrop said.

Lincoln Sen. Kathy Campbell, chairperson of the Health and Human Services Committee, supported the resolution, saying the oversight committee’s expertise is important to seeing BSDC regain full certification.

The resolution was adopted on a 40-0 vote.