J.D. McCarty Center

PROJECT PURPOSE

The hospital currently provides outpatient ABA services on a limited basis. We would like to expand our current outpatient program to serve additional children therefore we are proposing the construction of an outpatient ABA treatment building on our current 80 acres. The expansion of the program would allow the state to serve more of Oklahoma?s children with autism enhancing their independence and functional levels within their communities and families. The agency is requesting ARPA funding in lieu of increased appropriations, for this one time funding. The expanded program will be self sufficient through billing for services provided. If the funding is not made available this would significantly delay expansion of the program, which would negatively impact services available to children diagnosed with autism, an underserved population.

EVIDENCE

Currently in the state of Oklahoma families seeking ABA services for their child have a 6 month to over 1 year wait period to be accepted into an outpatient program. In a number of cases while families are waiting for services behaviors escalate posing a risk for destabilization of placement in the home. This results in higher future state expenditures via other interventions. Expanding our current program would allow us to serve more children and families seeking these services ultimately positively impacting the child?s and families life and utilizing less state resources throughout their lifespan.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

The proposed expansion of our current outpatient ABA clinic has the potential to serve children diagnosed with autism from 13 counties. The outpatient program is provided in lieu of or in conjunction with the child?s school program. Children diagnosed with autism and their families have been impacted exceptionally hard by the Covid-19 pandemic. With schools only offering virtual learning options throughout 2020-2021 school year, hands-on school based related support services were either significantly reduced or eliminated. Families were forced to make adjustments in the form of a working parent either tele-working from home or resigning to be able to work with their child with special needs. Children who require ABA services need a routine structure and consistent behavioral interventions to maintain their functional abilities. These children will require additional ABA services to regain losses experienced throughout the pandemic.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Key performance measures for this project will be measured through the hospital?s Quality Assurance Performance Improvement Program. These will include the monitoring of the number of families served and the number of unique encounters realized due to the increased capacity provided by the project. Additionally, the hospital will measure the number of parents/caregivers that receive intensive training regarding their child?s care plan, increasing the likelihood of quality outcomes. The amount of revenue realized through the billing of ABA services will also be measured to ensure that the program is revenue generating and has at least a net neutral fiscal impact.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma