Board spokeswoman Billie Jo David says the day centers can no longer provide services that are directly paid for by Medicaid and be case managers for people getting the service. A 2014 federal law says that’s conflict of interest.

The first of the centers -- the one on West Exchange Street in Akron -- will close this summer.

But she says,the closing of all six will be gradual, with a transition of care to private providers.

“About 60 percent of the adults we serve in day programs already are receiving their services from somebody other than Summit DD. Summit DD is still coordinating and funding those and still insuring the health and safety of those individuals.  And, we will continue with those functions.”