Fatality Review Board for Persons With Disabilities 2004-2005 Report

The Connecticut Fatality Review Board (FRB) investigated 361 deaths that occurred between July 1, 2003, and June 30, 2005.  Data concerning all of these deaths was reviewed, tracked and entered into a database.  Information on every death was summarized and reviewed by FRB members.  Board members then identified cases requiring further information gathering and, recommended cases to the executive director for an independent investigation or further review. During this time period, approximately 35 cases were subject to such in-depth discussion, monitoring, and review.

Since the FRB began its reviews in September 2002, it has identified a number of recurrent issues that merit close attention by providers, service planners and policy makers. In recognition of those issues, the board makes the following recommendations to the Connecticut Department of Mental Retardation:

• Significantly improve health care coordination for individuals living in the community who have chronic medical problems
   
• Develop health and wellness education programs specifically designed to reach people with intellectual disabilities
   
• Avoid nursing home placements; where possible, establish a network of preferred nursing home providers to meet short-term rehabilitation needs