Policy Information
- Latest Action Alert
- TBI Info
- Legislative Grid (PDF) or (Excel)
New Freedom Initiatives
Overview
The 1999 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Olmstead v. L.C. and E.W. provided the impetus for States to redesign service delivery systems to address the community needs of individual’s with disabilities. The Federal government assists States in meeting that goal by providing grants and other incentives to address policies and programs that have an institutional bias.
NASHIA supports the continuation and expansion of these initiatives, such as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Systems Change and Nursing Home Transitions programs. NASHIA supports the concept of ensuring that "money follows the individual.”
The New Freedom Initiative (NFI) was announced by President Bush on February 1, 2001, followed up by the Executive Order 13217 on June 18, 2001, and is a nationwide effort to remove barriers to community living for people of all ages with disabilities and long-term illnesses. This initiative supports states' efforts to meet the goals of the Olmstead v. L.C. Supreme Court decision issued in July 1999 that requires states to administer services, programs, and activities "in the most integrated setting appropriate to the needs of qualified individuals with disabilities."
Fact Sheets
CMS Accomplishments that Support NFI [PDF 80KB]
DEHPG FY2005 Strategic Action Plan [PDF 246KB]
