DMRS Reports at Fourth Status Conference

The fourth quarterly status conference required by the conditionally approved settlement agreement was held on August 25, 1998. Counsel for all parties and members of the Quality Review Panel were present.

The state defendants made an oral presentation regarding progress in the implementation of the settlement agreement. The parties and members of the Quality Review Panel were given the opportunity to question the state defendants regarding the implementation of the settlement agreement.

The Quality Review Panel also gave a report regarding the activities of the Quality Review Panel including a summary of the status of the review of transition plans, a summary of the community review conducted in West

Tennessee and a summary of the actions taken with the defendants to improve independent support coordination. The parties were given an opportunity to question the Quality Review Panel regarding their activities.

The Court questioned the parties regarding previously expressed concerns as to their ability to determine whether the state defendants are in compliance based on the state defendants' reports, assessments and self-monitoring.

While the parties noted that the defendants continue to rely on self-reporting, the parties agreed that the state defendants have responded to any concerns expressed or any request for information.

The next quarterly status conference will be held Thursday, December 3, 1998, at 9:00 a.m.

Jackson Named West Tennessee Regional Director

Max Jackson has been appointed to the position of Regional Director for the West Tennessee Region of the Division of Mental Retardation Services effective September 1, 1998.

He replaced Dr. Wanda Black, who resigned August 31, 1998. Mr. Jackson is former Superintendent of Arlington Developmental Center.

Armstrong Appointed To Head Arlington

Dr. James Armstrong has been appointed the new Superintendent at Arlington Developmental Center effective September 1, 1998.

Dr. Armstrong has over 30 years of progressively responsible experience in this field and direct experience with litigation such as the Arlington Developmental Center action. His most recent position was that of Superintendent of Austin State School in Austin, Texas.

Special Day Honors Direct Care Staff

Governor Don Sundquist proclaimed Wednesday, September 9 as Direct Care Staff Day in Tennessee.

Special ceremonies with refreshments and live music from Just by Chance, a band of six musicians, four of whom are Clover Bottom Developmental Center employees, were held at Clover Bottom Developmental Center in honor of employees who have the most significant

contact with and impact on citizens with developmental disabilities and mental illness.

On hand for the festivities were Commissioners John Ferguson, Ben Dishman, Nancy Menke; MR Deputy Commissioner Tom Sullivan; Debi Tate from the Governor's office; MH Assistant Commissioner Melanie Hampton; and Superintendents Bernie Simons, Jim Armstrong and Joe Carobene.