PAIMI Council Meeting Minutes Via zoom April 22, 2025 Call to Order The meeting was called to order by Chair Ibrahim at 11:04 am. Introductions were made and it was noted there was not a quorum. Attendance Present: Christina Agle, Ashley Barber, Katie Curnow, Jennifer Gorman, Joelle Gurnoe-Adams, Fiona Hert, Veronica Ibrahim, Renee Kimball-Rouse Sharon Storch, Susan Thrush, Mora Wilkevicz Absent: Michelle Derdowski, Sue Franklin Staff: Michelle Roberts, Michele Brand, Theresa Diebolt, Kyle Williams, Simon Zagata, Kris Keranen Guests: Emily Henderson, McCall Hamilton DRM Update Michelle Roberts gave an update on the PAIMI program stating there is a proposed substantial cut from the US Department of Health and Human Services. It is early, however it gives an indication of what the administration is thinking and where their priorities lie. We anticipate cuts and have backup plans depending on how much funding DRM receives. PAIMI financial update Michele Brand explained the Advisory Council expenses for the second quarter and the expenses for PAIMI for the agency through the end of March, which shows 3% over budget. There were no questions. Approval of the Agenda A quorum was noted at 11:18 am. The agenda was presented and Chair Ibrahim asked for a motion for approval. Mora Wilkevicz MOVED to approve the agenda and Joelle Gurnoe-Adams seconded it. A vote was taken. AYES: all NAYS: none Motion carried. Approval of the minutes The January 17, 2025, meeting minutes were presented and Chair Ibrahim asked for a motion for approval. Joelle Gurnoe-Adams MOVED to approve the minutes, and Katie Curnow seconded it. A vote was taken. AYES: all NAYS: none Motion carried. Grievance update Theresa Diebolt gave a grievance update stating there were three requests for grievance packets since the last meeting on January 21, 2025. One request was from the PAIMI (mental illness) program, one from PADD (developmental disability), and the third from PAIR (individual rights). The PAIMI eligible client filed a grievance and Simon Zagata responded, and the case has been closed. A grievance was not filed in the PADD case. The PAIR eligible client filed a grievance claiming DRM violated her rights by asking for personal information. Michelle Roberts responded to the grievance and the case was closed. Public comment There were no public comments. Legislative update Emily Henderson discussed the budget and concerns about cuts on the federal level that could have a major impact in Michigan. She also talked about policy initiatives related to earned sick leave and tipped wages that took up the majority of the legislative agenda throughout the months of January and February. It was also noted that we have seen some legislation that was already introduced in previous sessions. Litigation update Kyle Williams stated the Motion for Preliminary Approval was granted in the children’s class action which means the settlement was preliminarily approved and we have moved into the notice phase. This phase allows people to comment and object to the settlement within a 90-day period. A separate email address was created so people can contact counsel directly with any questions, concerns or to request more information. The Legal Team gave a presentation on the settlement to the Mental Health Association of Michigan which was very well attended. The hearing for the judge to approve the settlement and our request for attorney fees will be held in August. Kyle highlighted another project the team is working on that focuses on issues with spend-down and income limits affecting Medicaid eligibility. They are trying to create strategies, plans and potential litigation to ensure people with disabilities in Michigan will continue to have access to health care. Education update Kris Keranen shared some of the types of calls they have been responding to including parents suggesting their child may have a disability and need an IEP. DRMs response is to put the request in writing, so a timeline can be tracked, and to have their child evaluated for an IEP. Kris went on to say schools are now responding with reasons why they will not conduct evaluations and instead will issue a Section 504 plan, and she explained the differences between an IEP and a 504 plan. With the disbanding of the US Department of Education and the closing of the Office of Civil Rights that served Michigan, many challenges have risen for parents as well as advocates and DRM. The team is preparing to file their first complaint with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights related to school rights. Kris also shared an update on the litigation against the Michigan Department of Education regarding their failure to have a system that ensures compliance is achieved after a particular school district had a history of complaints on the same issue over a period of several years. DRM recently filed a response to the Department of Education’s Motion for Summary Judgment asking for the case to be dismissed. CAIR Team update Simon Zagata began with a reminder that his team monitors psychiatric hospitals, including Walter Ruether, and during a visit, they saw class schedules and classes marked cancelled, and students reported receiving school packets with no instructions. As a result, a meeting was held with the superintendent, administrators, Michelle, Kris and Simon and some of the answers were very concerning. Simon followed up with Senator Weber and connected Kris Keranen to him and his staff. Simon gave an update on the documentary film stating DRM is currently seeking outside funding to move forward with that project. Simon discussed Senate Bill, SB142, that would make changes to the Office of Recipient Rights Advisory Council mandating that a member of Disability Rights Michigan be on that Council. That Bill is related to the recipient rights project the team is working on. Another Senate Bill introduced, SB143, would mandate written notice of rights for patients who sign in under what’s called formal voluntary status to inpatient hospitalization. The Bill would give the hospital 72 hours to either let a person out or start a probate court process to keep a person involuntarily. Simon shared results of some of the prison work his team has been working on involving inmates at Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility being paroled to mental health treatment. Old Business 1. Council membership. Michelle Roberts stated all seats are currently filled, however if members know of anyone who is interested and knows and/or cares about disability issues, please share information about DRM. 2. Conferences/trainings/initiatives. Members were reminded to let Theresa know when they attend any events where DRM or the PAIMI Council is mentioned. 3. Contact information – members can check the PAIMI portal to ensure their contact information is correct and let Theresa know of any changes. New Business 1. Outreach ideas – there was nothing to report. 2. Conferences/trainings/initiatives – the annual NDRN conference will be 100% virtual this year and is available to all PAC members at no cost and is scheduled for June 2-5. 3. Topics/interests to be discussed at future meetings. If anyone has any suggestions, please contact Theresa. Adjourn Chair Ibrahim adjourned the meeting at 12:32 pm into a closed session. * The next scheduled meeting is August 19, 2025. * Meeting minutes prepared by Theresa Diebolt, Executive Assistant. 2 2