Audit: 'Serious problems' within TN disabilities department

A scathing review of the state Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities uncovered a series of problems that directly impact thousands of state residents who live with Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injuries and other disabilities.

The agency did not perform proper background checks, and some subcontractors caring for patients had multiple drug convictions. The department spent millions of dollars to fix a computer system that is still not working. And the agency is violating state law and its own mission by not providing adequate care for people with developmental disabilities a finding that department officials strongly disagree with.

The audit, conducted by the state comptroller, also revealed that a former deputy commissioner abused his authority by overturning a finding by agency staff that abuse and neglect played a role in the deaths of two patients being treated by the same subcontractor. The officials actions allowed the contractor to be left unaccountable for their deaths, the audit said. The former deputy commissioner, Scott Modell, now oversees child safety at the Department of Childrens Services.

The agency, known as DIDD, must remedy serious problems in its service recipient safety practices, service delivery system, and information system implementation efforts, said Justin Wilson, the state comptroller. Wilsons staff spent eight months investigating the agency before releasing the 155-page report on Tuesday.

Agency officials dispute many of the findings.

While we believe audits are an important management tool to help make sure DIDD is running efficiently and protecting the taxpayers money, we strongly disagree with some of the findings, DIDD spokeswoman Cara Kumari said. We are always looking for ways to develop new and expand existing services while living within our budget, including planning services for people with developmental disabilities.

Lawmakers will question auditors and DIDD officials about the findings at a hearing today. Department of Childrens Services Commissioner Jim Henry will be among the officials answering to lawmakers. Henry as well as some of his current top aides at DCS led DIDD during the period covered by the audit: Jan. 15, 2011, through May 31, 2013. Henry served as DIDD commissioner between January 2011 and May 21, 2013.

DIDD was created two years ago to serve as the single state agency providing services to people with intellectual disabilities (defined as having an IQ below 70) as well as those with developmental disabilities, which include people with cerebral palsy, spina bifida and brain injuries. Previously two separate state agencies served those populations.

The audit found DIDDs services were primarily aimed at people with intellectual disabilities, and the agency had neglected many of its duties toward people with developmental disabilities. The agency created no new programs for people with developmental disabilities, sought no new sources of funding, did not try to tap into existing federal or state funding, and does not know how many people with developmental disabilities need services in the state, the audit found.

The departments planning efforts to offer such services have been minimal, the audit read.

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Audit: 'Serious problems' within TN disabilities department