Our analysis examined the procedure associated with applying for ODSP Special Diet Allowance funding, appealing special diet allowance rulings, and the various regulations associated with this program. Based upon our findings, we concluded that the ODSP Special Diet Allowance is failing to meet its stated objectives. In our report we identified the major issues associated with the current ODSP Special Diet Allowance program and recommended various steps that maybe taken to properly resolve these issues.

Major Issues

• The application guidelines prevent a Special Diet Allowance from being granted as a preventative measure for those at risk of developing a serious health issue.
  
  
• The program's list of qualifying medical conditions does not include mental health conditions or environmental illness.
  
  
• The set amounts of funding provided in the program's Schedule are very low. Of the 47 listed medical conditions in the Schedule, 13 have an amount for $10 and none set prescribe the maximum set amount of $250.
  
  
• Annual reviews are required for permanent medical condition, such as diabetes and food allergies, which imposes high costs on ODSP and the health care system in terms of unnecessary appointments and medical tests.
  
  
• The first stage of the appeals process is in the form of an internal review that results in only 12% of the original rulings being overturned.
  
  
• Applicants with legal counsel are far more likely to have their original decision regarding the Special Diet Allowance overturned than those without.

Recommendations

• Amend the Special Diet Allowance Schedule and ODSP Policy Directive 6.4 to make amounts available for preventative diets.
  
  
• Submit empirical evidence to the Expert Committee regarding the need for special diets for mental health illness and environmental sensitivities.
  
  
• Revoke the listing of medical conditions and corresponding amounts in the Schedule and return to amounts allocated based on a physician's determination of dietary need.
  
  
• In the event the Schedule is not abandoned, increase the overall ODSP amounts provided to a recipient so as to make a genuine difference in their food purchasing power.
  
  
• Amend Policy Directive 6.4 to provide for a regular review of the Schedule with public announcements requesting input from a broad group of medical professionals, community groups and individuals.
  
  
• Amend Policy Directive 6.4 to eliminate reviews for permanent medical conditions.
  
  
• Amend Policy Directive 6.4 and part VIII of the ODSP Act to eliminate the Internal Review Board component of the Special Diet Allowance appeals process.
  
  
• Require the ruling bodies hearing Special Diet Appeals to take more active measures in making applicants aware of how and where to obtain legal counsel and the benefits associated with doing so.

To read a full copy of the report, please follow this link (PDF)

http://publish.uwo.ca/~cforchuk/cura/Docs/Special_Diet_Allowance_Analysis.pdf

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