[NFBNJ] Fwd: OCR Finds in Favor of Disability Rights NJ Complaint Against NJ Critical Care Resource Allocation Policy

Thu Jun 23 18:40:23 UTC 2022

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Disability Rights New Jersey <advocate at disabilityrightsnj.org>
Date: Thu, Jun 23, 2022 at 1:56 PM
Subject: OCR Finds in Favor of Disability Rights NJ Complaint Against NJ
Critical Care Resource Allocation Policy

[image: The Advocate Oak-3.png]

June 23, 2022 | Issue 22

For Immediate Release

OCR Finds in Favor of Disability Rights NJ Complaint Against NJ Critical
Care

Resource Allocation Policy

Disability Rights New Jersey filed a complaint with the US Department of
Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights (OCR) stating that New
Jersey’s Department of Health’s Critical Care Resource Allocation policy
discriminated against individuals with disabilities because the policy
takes into consideration long-term survivability. Individuals with
disabilities are likely to be determined to have shortened life spans, and
therefore, are at a disadvantage when considering who gets access to
critical care under the policy.

On June 15, 2022, OCR issued its findings regarding the complaint. OCR
reviewed the policy and noted the following concerns: 1) the allocation
policy deprioritizes patients with disabilities believed to impact
long-term survival; 2) the allocation policy does not extend protections
for adult chronic ventilator users to pediatric chronic ventilator users;
3) the allocation policy does not explicitly provide for reasonable
modifications to the use of the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA)
for assessing likelihood of short-term survival when necessary for accurate
use with patients with underlying disabilities; and 4) the allocation
policy does not articulate reasonable modifications to permit some
additional time when necessary to evaluate effectiveness for individuals
with disabilities.

After setting forth OCR’s concerns, OCR chose to provide technical
assistance, including guidance regarding critical care resource allocation,
to NJ DOH to help them comply voluntarily. Specifically, OCR advises NJDOH
to review their policy to determine any noncompliance, and if so, to take
steps to remedy the noncompliance. OCR also advises that should there be
another complaint in the future, OCR may initiate a formal investigation or
conduct a compliance review of NJ DOH. Disability Rights New Jersey will
continue to monitor NJ DOH’s policy to ensure that NJ DOH addresses the
concerns that we have raised as well as OCR.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

AT For Supporting Keyboarding
<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WI1o1xWJJRl7vNezoHYvNd6xGHF2MzJEunb0aXMD7o9rUkOuNE7b75-3Tkg4QP0hhIui-EI0F6q2Y9em-NbydBGK45bXA0hjcQXggZ7jvp_tQ4yQF6e_Edx86tfL79Yh7-oe0rY0oGf2uZ6XJpDfJ-k02CJuevrajFeWZXLtG7JheXX9g8j3hjEINZV1ZwvOlHri1g_Isg5PvPV-sISzomQ4-xeTng8H&c=EkiGrEICxfSwQbN5s2nCkQGb1B4YMNackC96ONq7hazPPgT_c9gJQA==&ch=qH21LJKudPEPRZvmsRnk1BsfNh00omCJNih0GTQTcqEz2fkDOUaWVA==>

Tuesday, July 12 - 12pm
<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WI1o1xWJJRl7vNezoHYvNd6xGHF2MzJEunb0aXMD7o9rUkOuNE7b72sCv2nNUdTYCScfV7ZdG7pc3z-CZiJcHvPF8RGykqtpKKLtdQFpDzNG86gIVSiqs2R_piG0PQNGdvPomz00uaB1JAHTt88BHN3m6VlqnZly81YCTXpkk7o3VOJbB0nB9XD0Nabq8lGp8pBCMJ7UFJUe-CnGWIW2RkhA1cf2sDYq_ALJ8Nfl446qksozePfShQyaj09Xj-7OKXlB8H7I2NU=&c=EkiGrEICxfSwQbN5s2nCkQGb1B4YMNackC96ONq7hazPPgT_c9gJQA==&ch=qH21LJKudPEPRZvmsRnk1BsfNh00omCJNih0GTQTcqEz2fkDOUaWVA==>

Keyboarding is an important skill, but requires a combination of complex
skills. This webinar will explore a range of low- medium- and high-tech
supports for writing via technology. Also be ready to share your favorite
keyboarding support techniques or technologies.

Creating Accessible Materials

Thursday, August 4 - 12pm
<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WI1o1xWJJRl7vNezoHYvNd6xGHF2MzJEunb0aXMD7o9rUkOuNE7b72sCv2nNUdTYCScfV7ZdG7pc3z-CZiJcHvPF8RGykqtpKKLtdQFpDzNG86gIVSiqs2R_piG0PQNGdvPomz00uaB1JAHTt88BHN3m6VlqnZly81YCTXpkk7o3VOJbB0nB9XD0Nabq8lGp8pBCMJ7UFJUe-CnGWIW2RkhA1cf2sDYq_ALJ8Nfl446qksozePfShQyaj09Xj-7OKXlB8H7I2NU=&c=EkiGrEICxfSwQbN5s2nCkQGb1B4YMNackC96ONq7hazPPgT_c9gJQA==&ch=qH21LJKudPEPRZvmsRnk1BsfNh00omCJNih0GTQTcqEz2fkDOUaWVA==>

Giving individuals technology tools is only part of the solution. Providing
electronic materials does not automatically make them accessible to all
learners. Learn about resources and strategies to create accessible
materials.
Learn More and Register Here
<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WI1o1xWJJRl7vNezoHYvNd6xGHF2MzJEunb0aXMD7o9rUkOuNE7b78DrZVmoUsrOR9rMxolkA8N5f2Q6A4eaSUI8nYCBBRzFCbtsdDUDSlwzGu9gWui-t19uGXAGW8dG9JI_sUdXsJQgJzEWXO8ZrANC_gIPs4zfkRTWwd0U8AQ=&c=EkiGrEICxfSwQbN5s2nCkQGb1B4YMNackC96ONq7hazPPgT_c9gJQA==&ch=qH21LJKudPEPRZvmsRnk1BsfNh00omCJNih0GTQTcqEz2fkDOUaWVA==>

CDC approves COVID vaccine for kids 6 months – 5 years

On June 18, the CDC approved Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines
for children 6 months to 5 years of age, which means an estimated 20
million children are newly eligible for vaccination. All children,
including children who have already had COVID-19, should get vaccinated.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, over 2 million cases, 20,000
hospitalizations and 200 deaths have been due to COVID-19 in children under
5 years of age. Vaccines continue to be an effective tool for preventing
severe illness and hospitalization, especially critical for children with
disabilities.

COVID-19 vaccines have undergone—and will continue to undergo—the most
intensive safety monitoring in U.S. history. (CDC.gov
<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WI1o1xWJJRl7vNezoHYvNd6xGHF2MzJEunb0aXMD7o9rUkOuNE7b720n4At_5rzQEEjzwVppCtEw2bFMEJUzOh681sXstF_M7iz0RO85qwa04S0Uxjl53NTNDV534TXmznLoNuFrs1SJR9bhkHSMPn83c2Xv6bKWz3Xs1AIm9AXPjwxsZsn2GRGYB0-fU9xyY9OfIrBqjYfOTjQREPF5YQ==&c=EkiGrEICxfSwQbN5s2nCkQGb1B4YMNackC96ONq7hazPPgT_c9gJQA==&ch=qH21LJKudPEPRZvmsRnk1BsfNh00omCJNih0GTQTcqEz2fkDOUaWVA==>
)

Everyone 6 months or older is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine in New Jersey
and encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

For more information about vaccinations

https://covid19.nj.gov/pages/vaccine
<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WI1o1xWJJRl7vNezoHYvNd6xGHF2MzJEunb0aXMD7o9rUkOuNE7b7-FaOSmt_RVXFEDBESd1WUguCa6vCpoKzy1jYc6VuXCGC1Cd-CwWNPLBuTgVB5iM18SOaIHP8x58iRyeNeLHj1sL6SvSIjmVE1035ihncdZk&c=EkiGrEICxfSwQbN5s2nCkQGb1B4YMNackC96ONq7hazPPgT_c9gJQA==&ch=qH21LJKudPEPRZvmsRnk1BsfNh00omCJNih0GTQTcqEz2fkDOUaWVA==>
<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WI1o1xWJJRl7vNezoHYvNd6xGHF2MzJEunb0aXMD7o9rUkOuNE7b78DrZVmoUsrOQ0t-w5Geh0laEo58pPRHLLmrc59Q-sE39aJV8FtCXSs-8ZP1Im3Lufmy1GlkD1ezGd9i_6QGkiOt6V-P7mflmAkmbrvx0U-J3y8AiyGHvhewZodlW4M_f-f3iTJsOj4p9d_P6Uu648aKQEk3R8OCj_W0h_8pxJ58H91eM2B3xBY_4v6vwq6HO5u-w7FqtFRX&c=EkiGrEICxfSwQbN5s2nCkQGb1B4YMNackC96ONq7hazPPgT_c9gJQA==&ch=qH21LJKudPEPRZvmsRnk1BsfNh00omCJNih0GTQTcqEz2fkDOUaWVA==>

New Jersey Partners in Policymaking 2022-2023 Hybrid Program Now Accepting
Applications

Deadline: June 30, 2022
<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WI1o1xWJJRl7vNezoHYvNd6xGHF2MzJEunb0aXMD7o9rUkOuNE7b75QKsc4n2eVoFdv_X-Ukv0NKDQ1g1UT8nm1jnC7CZ1A-xdBIr5xswJmvRAipGGa9uHUxKZtvWg1MnCPzo8adJxcoGT-zODYsNV15lR5TfkYpm-jRuog08RXNBK7uenjXYrjXYXj_T4XA5Mpr4dyYLp7I6pe2BPJVoMAsM4fqbfLB5t5SeI_1esg=&c=EkiGrEICxfSwQbN5s2nCkQGb1B4YMNackC96ONq7hazPPgT_c9gJQA==&ch=qH21LJKudPEPRZvmsRnk1BsfNh00omCJNih0GTQTcqEz2fkDOUaWVA==>

New Jersey Partners in Policymaking is a leadership development and
advocacy education program for adults with developmental disabilities (over
age 21) and family members of young children and transition age youth
available through collaboration between The New Jersey Council on
Developmental Disabilities, The Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities,
and Disability Rights New Jersey. The goal of this program is to prepare
the next generation of disability advocates to work toward meaningful
change in our state.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to bring some uncertainty. The 2022-2023
Partners in Policymaking sessions are currently scheduled to take place
using a hybrid model which combines in-person and virtual learning. A fully
virtual option for those that are immunocompromised or have an
immunocompromised family member that prevents in-person participation will
be made available.

New Jersey Partners in Policymaking is committed to building a diverse
group of participants that is reflective of the needs, geography, and
cultural and ethnic backgrounds of New Jersey. The Partners program is now
accepting applications from people with developmental disabilities and
family members for the class of 2022-2023.

Learn More and Apply Here
<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mpnCO8cwLFtA00nASuD5CbP6T36ACSE-BU5AZrm7lsyw8IJJfCdiKlWsTI177AGdNw81lb93JZi_17XcRldvjtXPdl7XBr8SvGdPshlm4nIdN74pbNxYWboTUfipeClq78WQxCShlaxNSk8DbzHI1_AZRXeZieZpvmHrRV7JkgLuClnxBYYyaRwce2TUUygFz0ijf-FYWrJ-w0hbj11A1-wt3oh1d7jfdHoNiW_ZMcOyv003vjnFclm5BXDEy_w8yOaUCzmy2pPz0n2O33c7rw==&c=zRIdlAD6rvQpxRB6oCUBIurhw6-HyFkAA8YiHIoh2f3_Q69G95oIFQ==&ch=-lqvbUfxJpn_lFereVLieb6iH7DlKe8MJw8GA2XSIi1IoxGBAhBIog==>

Do You Want to Host a Focus Group?

This year, we want to solicit input from the disability community directly
at forums across the state to gain more insight into what issues matter
most. We invite you and your community to assist us with this process by
hosting a focus group, either in person or over Zoom, to help us determine
our priorities for our legal and advocacy work.  We believe these decisions
should be based directly on the experiences and input from individuals with
disabilities, family members and those who provide services and support.

We hope you will consider our invitation to host a focus group. In the
event you are unable to host a focus group, we would greatly appreciate if
you could distribute a flyer
<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WI1o1xWJJRl7vNezoHYvNd6xGHF2MzJEunb0aXMD7o9rUkOuNE7b72lXavzBkrLwbAOpkkDwC9CRSjhgSJne2Mrp0CmVwqCaqNjf2hcXkcYUET9Cg4I2Az-7Iszas6u_Gz5LkuxOwJ_AxpgSidAYsfn4sqXYOQBMXCL7beru50dz63l-tWsWGKieKc_rYSEVoUPKRdaFptxv1N9VoWK8dRmp4jlBmy9Wn5hInCaaaew=&c=EkiGrEICxfSwQbN5s2nCkQGb1B4YMNackC96ONq7hazPPgT_c9gJQA==&ch=qH21LJKudPEPRZvmsRnk1BsfNh00omCJNih0GTQTcqEz2fkDOUaWVA==>
about
our initiative to your network and encourage members to participate in the
survey.

If you are interested in hosting a focus group, or would like more
information about our initiative, please feel free to contact us at
advocate at disabilityrightsnj.org   <advocate at disabilityrightsnj.org>
Our Priority Input Survey is Available Now!

We need your feedback!  The purpose of this survey is to gather information
and feedback that will help us establish our priorities, goals and
objectives for the next three years.

On average the survey takes about 10 minutes to complete. It can be filled
out online by clicking the button below, or you can download a copy
<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WI1o1xWJJRl7vNezoHYvNd6xGHF2MzJEunb0aXMD7o9rUkOuNE7b736owYh__cTBdck2B648wBqZ4o55cpkxnzTuev2Qr9cGKGGxc4FJA_jYxJ_wt51kAA8_3o08vDapbmBeB3Blyrvxc5xgCbUEuTItM9G2yLSvUuOpJXslIi0b_eD456GgvkAnEVcqcHY2D1_Hn-WkifhWBwrSYLdd-6wS1D0jiqJJZoez_6O2Zlk=&c=EkiGrEICxfSwQbN5s2nCkQGb1B4YMNackC96ONq7hazPPgT_c9gJQA==&ch=qH21LJKudPEPRZvmsRnk1BsfNh00omCJNih0GTQTcqEz2fkDOUaWVA==>
and
mail it to our Trenton office.

Our survey is open now until July 31, 2022.

HOW WE HELP
[image: Logo Square for Social.png]

Disability Rights New Jersey, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to
advancing and protecting the human, civil, and legal rights of people with
disabilities.

   - We aggressively investigate reports of abuse and neglect wherever a
   person with a disability may be receiving services.

   - We thoroughly monitor facilities and community-based programs to
   ensure that people living in those facilities and using those services are
   free from abuse and neglect, and that their rights are not violated.

   - We provide legal representation, without charge, to people with
   disabilities in cases that fall within our priority setting process.

   - We are dedicated to providing education, training, and technical
   assistance to people with disabilities, their families and advocates, the
   agencies that service them, and policy makers among others.

   - We provide state-of-the-art access to information and advice about
   assistive technology.

Read Our Story
<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WI1o1xWJJRl7vNezoHYvNd6xGHF2MzJEunb0aXMD7o9rUkOuNE7b71R3m6bsg7k1I8gSdlBOsOKJOm7cPKTTzSaYJxVITjndOiIek9J1-O4cbvt8O6bSJ-jr4lDxc463vgCw6dDakH8hI0r3_DfKxaPLMJoAqTJKZb0Xnntfo38=&c=EkiGrEICxfSwQbN5s2nCkQGb1B4YMNackC96ONq7hazPPgT_c9gJQA==&ch=qH21LJKudPEPRZvmsRnk1BsfNh00omCJNih0GTQTcqEz2fkDOUaWVA==>

Disability Rights NJ is funded by the Department of Health and Human
Services: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services - Center for Mental
Health Services; Administration for Community Living - Administration on
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities; Center for Integrated
Programs, through the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce
Development, U.S. Department of Education: Rehabilitation Services
Administration, and the Social Security Administration

DISABILITY RIGHTS New Jersey | disabilityrightsnj.org
<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WI1o1xWJJRl7vNezoHYvNd6xGHF2MzJEunb0aXMD7o9rUkOuNE7b71R3m6bsg7k17zeBKZ4Bumg9SMeAaPrD3Nw9PFCK_hM34UWBLYdgJMw8mxwJr-77gqUed2vBUfqFPtYrW02iTapHLMZNErmYzhwz_70L9Aty&c=EkiGrEICxfSwQbN5s2nCkQGb1B4YMNackC96ONq7hazPPgT_c9gJQA==&ch=qH21LJKudPEPRZvmsRnk1BsfNh00omCJNih0GTQTcqEz2fkDOUaWVA==>

210 South Broad Street
<https://www.google.com/maps/search/210+South+Broad+Street?entry=gmail&source=g>,
Third Floor

Trenton, New Jersey 08608

1.800.922.7233 (in NJ only) 1.609.292.9742 (Voice)

1.609.777.0187 (Fax) 1.609.633.7106 (TTY) 
[image: Facebook]
<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WI1o1xWJJRl7vNezoHYvNd6xGHF2MzJEunb0aXMD7o9rUkOuNE7b74sCGrs9Lpv_Ml5eKHlOb0ZcZqXnFB2WjEgbSIJ9ZJX6jrZ-ESSJqcB6A1nd4y74pc8lkSvbyWtDVIoyrLHrCfcynNxXo80et9ZJIPhSUXMln9nEhOHNeO5Dh4gog1aMkg==&c=EkiGrEICxfSwQbN5s2nCkQGb1B4YMNackC96ONq7hazPPgT_c9gJQA==&ch=qH21LJKudPEPRZvmsRnk1BsfNh00omCJNih0GTQTcqEz2fkDOUaWVA==>
 [image: Twitter]
<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WI1o1xWJJRl7vNezoHYvNd6xGHF2MzJEunb0aXMD7o9rUkOuNE7b73dJJNkpGlhNCTeIVW9iL9XnWBwEH69PsnqQ0ujVNbL2DggwBDLIbfOpXFTUJkgGQyVSOqXJxbZ3RPNlwTsrMpMJRBc6YrIaTt7Nqx64sfPZ&c=EkiGrEICxfSwQbN5s2nCkQGb1B4YMNackC96ONq7hazPPgT_c9gJQA==&ch=qH21LJKudPEPRZvmsRnk1BsfNh00omCJNih0GTQTcqEz2fkDOUaWVA==>
 [image: YouTube]
<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WI1o1xWJJRl7vNezoHYvNd6xGHF2MzJEunb0aXMD7o9rUkOuNE7b74sCGrs9Lpv_0e4CiYoZu8VR4xuz2BuGCuIwmSCOnrGWGlgnOvtW74JElICTDraFedRvNva5ehlV6zTRKv-N7ka7FjDxFudgyEkvz9i4k_HKGWwE4VmGp3UnJM-I3RTXLnWslvtOPScg&c=EkiGrEICxfSwQbN5s2nCkQGb1B4YMNackC96ONq7hazPPgT_c9gJQA==&ch=qH21LJKudPEPRZvmsRnk1BsfNh00omCJNih0GTQTcqEz2fkDOUaWVA==>
 [image: LinkedIn]
<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WI1o1xWJJRl7vNezoHYvNd6xGHF2MzJEunb0aXMD7o9rUkOuNE7b74sCGrs9Lpv_KV9JtuZujkKLT681-w7O4qdWfId0mkgvLXk4lysH44uNOysslW0l4djQHpzzSTPTTOVq_1pRO2ZGAGwzHwUOM_9kq3sC4FxwEv7wUnw3G3fX0-I_xrTzx_PoL2rTVrWT&c=EkiGrEICxfSwQbN5s2nCkQGb1B4YMNackC96ONq7hazPPgT_c9gJQA==&ch=qH21LJKudPEPRZvmsRnk1BsfNh00omCJNih0GTQTcqEz2fkDOUaWVA==>
Give Today
<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WI1o1xWJJRl7vNezoHYvNd6xGHF2MzJEunb0aXMD7o9rUkOuNE7b71R3m6bsg7k1VBlnYKri7W51vRjuZCZbYwyXz162v20-GSzoksdOL_lbHP082VxKC8M_kHX1GXeMpU9SGdPSr8fRA2ZnU0bYQBUMhlAohG2z49xPKBHU2tWK2_3Wxt-TbhL2GU4JRA24&c=EkiGrEICxfSwQbN5s2nCkQGb1B4YMNackC96ONq7hazPPgT_c9gJQA==&ch=qH21LJKudPEPRZvmsRnk1BsfNh00omCJNih0GTQTcqEz2fkDOUaWVA==>

Disability Rights New Jersey | 210 S Broad Street 3rd Floor
<https://www.google.com/maps/search/210+S+Broad+Street+3rd+Floor+,++Trenton,+NJ+08608?entry=gmail&source=g>,
Trenton, NJ 08608
<https://www.google.com/maps/search/210+S+Broad+Street+3rd+Floor+,++Trenton,+NJ+08608?entry=gmail&source=g>
Unsubscribe lindamelendez220 at gmail.com
<https://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=un&m=001zjLw25sRJDxSiYC9eC4baw%3D&ch=a73b4cde-028f-11eb-b1ba-d4ae527b79b7&ca=b4439970-67fb-4d54-8bf9-565df249e20e>
Update Profile
<https://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=oo&m=001zjLw25sRJDxSiYC9eC4baw%3D&ch=a73b4cde-028f-11eb-b1ba-d4ae527b79b7&ca=b4439970-67fb-4d54-8bf9-565df249e20e>
| Constant Contact Data Notice
<http://www.constantcontact.com/legal/about-constant-contact>
Sent by advocate at disabilityrightsnj.org in collaboration with
[image: Trusted Email from Constant Contact - Try it FREE today.]
<http://www.constantcontact.com/index.jsp?cc=nge&rmc=VF21_CPE&pn=ROVING&nav=b4439970-67fb-4d54-8bf9-565df249e20e>
Try email marketing for free today!
<http://www.constantcontact.com/index.jsp?cc=nge&rmc=VF21_CPE&pn=ROVING&nav=b4439970-67fb-4d54-8bf9-565df249e20e>
-- 

Warmly,
Linda Melendez, President
National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey
732-421-7063
president at nfbnj.org
www.nfbnj.org
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/NFB-NJ-353099574776238
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://nfbnet.org/pipermail/nfbnj_nfbnet.org/attachments/20220623/1ab5b3fc/attachment.html>