House of Representatives

HB 2066

developmental disabilities; care workers

Sponsors: Rep. Jarrett, Knaperek, Weason, et al.

DP	Committee on Human Services
DPA	Committee on Appropriations
x	Caucus and COW	This bill as introduced contains an Appropriation clause.
	As Passed the House

HB 2066 appropriates monies from the state general fund to increase employee compensation, and stipulates single rate criteria for in-home services.

Provisions

· Allows a case manager to authorize additional service hours for training providers for persons with developmental disabilities, if a second provider is needed for direct training or for the safety assurance of the principle provider.

· Stipulates that additional service hours are considered temporary, and shall be reported by DES on a quarterly basis to the Governor’s Office of Strategic Planning and Budgeting and JLBC for FY 2001-02.

· Establishes that DES shall implement a single rate for the authorization and payment of in-home services such as respite care, attendant care, hourly habilitation and housekeeping. The single rate shall be in accordance with federal law and shall be implemented on or before November 15, 2001.

· Requires DES to increase the hourly pay rate by $1.50 for direct care employees that work with persons with developmental disabilities in group homes, day programs or who provide home and community based services.

· Clarifies that the pay rate increase is subject to availability of monies, to begin on July 1, 2001, for care providers that serve clients on or before December 31, 2001.

· States that the legislative intent is to allow commensurate pay increases to the state’s contract providers, beginning in FY 2003-04, and that the providers must submit a short explanation to the director of DES regarding intended usage of monies for salary or benefit increases for direct care employees.

· Requires the director of Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) to apply for matching funds from the Federal Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA).

· Contains a blank appropriation from the state general fund in FY 2001-02 for the pay rate increase of developmental disabilities workers, and exempts the appropriation from lapsing.

HB 2066 passed the Human Services Committee unamended.

HB 2066 was amended in the Appropriations committee as follows:

· Stipulates that DES will authorize additional service hours, rather than a case manager.

· Changes the term second provider to additional provider.

· Stipulates that DES shall implement a plan to provide flexibility, rather than a single rate.

· Clarifies that the pay increase covers contract providers and individuals operating under a service agreement, but not state employees.

· Excludes the legislative intent, but includes that each provider shall submit a report.

· Restricts expenditures for additional service hours to $950,000, which are appropriated from the state general fund, and reverts unexpended and unencumbered funds to the state general fund

· Appropriates from the state general fund $14,955,900 in FY 2001-02 and $16,607,900 in FY 2002-03 for the $1.50 pay rate increase, both are exempt from lapsing.

· Stipulates that pay increases shall not take place unless the director of AHCCCS applies for and receives matching funds from HCFA.

· Contains a delayed repeal set at July 1, 2002.

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· 45th Legislature

· First Regular Session 2 March 8, 2001

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