The Mental Retardation Authority Services is the point of access for mental retardation services within the Harris County service delivery system. It is the system through which the State Authority (DADS) assigns some of its "gatekeeping" or "front door" responsibilities for mental retardation services to the local authority, i.e. Harris County.

COMPONENTS OF MR AUTHORITY SERVICES

MR Eligibility Determination: Serves as the point of access for mental retardation services. Completes evaluations to determine if consumer has a diagnosis of mental retardation, autism and/or pervasive
developmental disorder, which is a prerequisite for receiving mental retardation services. Coordinates the referral to the appropriate programs to provide the requested service.

MR Waiting List Management and Resource Coordination: Manages, maintains, monitors and updates the waiting list for mental retardation services. All persons placed on the waiting list are entered into the
statewide DADS Waiting List system. Assists consumers with brief services such as telephone referrals for appropriate community resources. Removes the consumer from the waiting list when the requested service becomes available on a first -come-first-serve basis.

Service Coordination: Provides assistance to individuals who are members of the priority population and residents of Harris County to access medical, social, educational and other appropriate services that will help a consumer achieve a quality of life and community participation acceptable to the consumer. Once a person has been determined to be eligible for mental retardation, a representative from the MR Eligibility Determination Unit will refer the individual to a Service Coordination unit to initiate a person directed planning process, to coordinate, authorize, and monitor services provided by providers within the provider network system.

MR Continuity of Services: State Facility (COS): Provides assistance in the coordination of admission of persons to a state facility, and the transition of persons residing in a state facility or institutional facility (large ICF-MR) recommended for community placement.

MR Continuity of Services: Medicaid: Provides assistance to consumers in exploring alternative living options when they choose to select a different Medicaid provider.

MR Service Authorization and Monitoring (SAM): Provides coordination and service authorization for persons who request no more than one service or have short term low intense needs.

In Home Family Support (IHFS): Provides funding for persons who are mentally disabled that may allow them to have an independent choice in the selection of services and assist individuals to maximize their optimal level of functioning.

The Mental Retardation Authority of Harris County serves children, adolescents, and adults who have been diagnosed by the MHMRA Eligibility Determination Unit as having mental retardation, autism and/or pervasive
developmental disorder. Persons receiving mental retardation services must be a resident of Harris County.

Individuals are assessed a fee based on the ability to pay. This fee is determined at the time of intake or determination of eligibility for services.