GOVERNOR DOUGLAS A. DUCEY

STATE OF ARIZONA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Executive Order 2019?03
Relating to Enhanced Protections for Individuals with Disabilities
WHEREAS, all Arizonans deserve to be safe wherever they reside;

WHEREAS, vulnerable populations including individuals with disabilities are at increased risk
of abuse and exploitation;

WHEREAS, the Bureau of Justice Statistics National Crime Victimization Survey found that
individuals with disabilities are three times more likely to be victims of violent crime;

WHEREAS, individuals with intellectual disabilities are seven times more likely to be sexually
assaulted;

WHEREAS, these statistics underscore the need for heightened protections for individuals with
disabilities living in group homes, intermediate care facilities, and other residential settings.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Douglas A. Ducey, Governor of the State of Arizona, by virtue of the
authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the State of Arizona hereby order as
follows:

1.) The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System the Arizona Department
of Health Services (ADHS), and the Department of Economic Security (DES), in
conjunction with disability advocates, shall review current protocols and jointly develop
training on preventing abuse and neglect, recognizing the signs and of abuse
and neglect, and reporting abuse and neglect for both providers for people with
disabilities and for parents and guardians.

2.) DHS, and DES shall ensure that all state contracts related to the care of
individuals with disabilities include a requirement that all staff, contractors, and vendors
who have direct interaction with members with disabilities shall annually undergo
training in preventing, recognizing, and reporting abuse and neglect.

3.) DHS, and DES shall ensure that all state contracts for residential, group
homes and day programs for individuals with disabilities include a requirement for the
prominent posting of signage which includes department approved language on how to
report abuse and neglect.

4.) DHS, and DES shall ensure that all state contracts related to the care of
individuals with disabilities include a requirement that a check of the Adult Protective
Services Registry before someone is hired.

5.) DHS, and DES shall convene a working group that includes individuals with
disabilities, disability advocacy organizations, providers, and family members. This
workgroup shall consider additional steps that can be taken to protect and improve care
for individuals with disabilities and shall make recommendations and submit a report to
the Governor?s of?ce by November 1, 2019.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my
hand and caused to be af?xed the Great Seal of the
State of Arizona.

4..

GOVERNOR

DONE at the Capitol in Phoenix on this 6th day of
February in the year Two Thousand and Nineteen
and of the Independence of the United States of
America the Two Hundred and Forty-Third.

 

ATTEST:

 

Secretary of State