§ 15004. Responsibilities of the Secretary

(a) Program accountability

(1) In general

In order to monitor entities that received funds under this chapter to carry out activities under parts B, C, and D of this subchapter and determine the extent to which the entities have been responsive to the purpose of this subchapter and have taken actions consistent with the policy described in section 15001 (c) of this title, the Secretary shall develop and implement an accountability process as described in this subsection, with respect to activities conducted after October 1, 2001.

(2) Areas of emphasis

The Secretary shall develop a process for identifying and reporting (pursuant to section 15005 of this title) on progress achieved through advocacy, capacity building, and systemic change activities, undertaken by the entities described in paragraph (1), that resulted in individuals with developmental disabilities and their families participating in the design of and having access to needed community services, individualized supports, and other forms of assistance that promote self-determination, independence, productivity, and integration and inclusion in all facets of community life. Specifically, the Secretary shall develop a process for identifying and reporting on progress achieved, through advocacy, capacity building, and systemic change activities, by the entities in the areas of emphasis.

(3) Indicators of progress

(A) In general

In identifying progress made by the entities described in paragraph (1) in the areas of emphasis, the Secretary, in consultation with the Commissioner of the Administration on Developmental Disabilities and the entities, shall develop indicators for each area of emphasis.

(B) Proposed indicators

Not later than 180 days after October 30, 2000, the Secretary shall develop and publish in the Federal Register for public comment proposed indicators of progress for monitoring how entities described in paragraph (1) have addressed the areas of emphasis described in paragraph (2) in a manner that is responsive to the purpose of this subchapter and consistent with the policy described in section 15001 (c) of this title.

Not later than October 1, 2001, the Secretary shall revise the proposed indicators of progress, to the extent necessary based on public comment, and publish final indicators of progress in the Federal Register.

(D) Specific measures

At a minimum, the indicators of progress shall be used to describe and measure—

(i) the satisfaction of individuals with developmental disabilities with the advocacy, capacity building, and systemic change activities provided under parts B, C, and D of this subchapter;

(ii) the extent to which the advocacy, capacity building, and systemic change activities provided through parts B, C, and D of this subchapter result in improvements in—

(I) the ability of individuals with developmental disabilities to make choices and exert control over the type, intensity, and timing of services, supports, and assistance that the individuals have used;

(II) the ability of individuals with developmental disabilities to participate in the full range of community life with persons of the individuals’ choice; and

(III) the ability of individuals with developmental disabilities to access services, supports, and assistance in a manner that ensures that such an individual is free from abuse, neglect, sexual and financial exploitation, violation of legal and human rights, and the inappropriate use of restraints and seclusion; and

(iii) the extent to which the entities described in paragraph (1) collaborate with each other to achieve the purpose of this subchapter and the policy described in section 15001 (c) of this title.

(4) Time line for compliance with indicators of progress

The Secretary shall require entities described in paragraph (1) to meet the indicators of progress described in paragraph (3). For fiscal year 2002 and each year thereafter, the Secretary shall apply the indicators in monitoring entities described in paragraph (1), with respect to activities conducted after October 1, 2001.

(b) Time line for regulations

Except as otherwise expressly provided in this subchapter, the Secretary, not later than 1 year after October 30, 2000, shall promulgate such regulations as may be required for the implementation of this subchapter.

(1) In general

The Secretary shall maintain the interagency committee authorized in section 6007 of this title as in effect on the day before October 30, 2000, except as otherwise provided in this subsection.

(2) Composition

The interagency committee shall be composed of representatives of—

(A) the Administration on Developmental Disabilities, the Administration on Children, Youth, and Families, the Administration on Aging, and the Health Resources and Services Administration, of the Department of Health and Human Services; and

(B) such other Federal departments and agencies as the Secretary of Health and Human Services considers to be appropriate.

(3) Duties

Such interagency committee shall meet regularly to coordinate and plan activities conducted by Federal departments and agencies for individuals with developmental disabilities.

(4) Meetings

Each meeting of the interagency committee (except for any meetings of any subcommittees of the committee) shall be open to the public. Notice of each meeting, and a statement of the agenda for the meeting, shall be published in the Federal Register not later than 14 days before the date on which the meeting is to occur.

U.S. Code

§ 15004. Responsibilities of the Secretary