FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For Further Information Contact:
Christian E. Jensen, MD, MPH
President and CEO
jensenc@dfmc.org
410-763-6292

Delmarva Foundation Awarded Contract for the Quality Management
of Developmental Disabilities in the State of Georgia
Organization Will Build Statewide Quality Assurance Review Program

Easton, MD, August 27, 2008 – Delmarva Foundation has been awarded a one-year contract, with four 1-year options, from Georgia’s Department of Human Resources, Division of Mental Health Developmental Disabilities Addictive Diseases (MHDDAD) to design and administer an extensive quality assurance review process. This process will directly impact the quality of services provided by the state to over 13,000 residents with lifelong disabilities, such as mental retardation, autism, cerebral palsy and spina bifida.

As part of the process, Delmarva will conduct person-centered reviews and onsite provider reviews.  Both will start with interviewing individuals receiving services from the Home and Community Based waivers.  For individuals willing to participate, National Core Indicator (NCI) interviews, along with some additional questions related to MHDDAD standards, will take place. The reviewers will also interview Support Coordinators and other providers/staff of direct services, do observations, and review the provider’s records to verify that supports and services are implemented as planned and driven by the individual’s needs and goals.

“For more than 25 years Delmarva has conducted quality assurance reviews for Medicaid programs in Maryland and the District of Columbia, with over 14 years of experience in quality assurance for State Developmental Disability Programs in 5 states” said Christian E. Jensen, MD, Delmarva Foundation’s President and CEO. “Our highly qualified team of reviewers is looking forward to contributing this expertise to Georgia’s Quality Management Program.”

Joining Delmarva on this project is Human Services Research Institute (HSRI), a non-profit organization with over 30 years experience in quality assurance, needs assessments, multi-state evaluations, and family support programs.

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About Delmarva Foundation for Medical Care, Inc.
Delmarva Foundation is a national, not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving quality in health care  in over 20 states. Since 1973, Delmarva has assisted in improving care in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, medical practices and health plans. Delmarva performs quality improvement, quality assurance, utilization review, external quality review and Program Safeguard activities. The company's corporate headquarters are located in Easton, Maryland with other offices in Baltimore, Maryland; Washington, DC; Columbia, South Carolina; Tampa, Florida; and Tallahassee, Florida. For more information, please visit Delmarva Foundation on the web at www.delmarvafoundation.org.