National Association of State Human Services Finance Officers Fall 2006

Transcription

1 National Association of State Human Services Finance Officers Fall 2006 HSFO News 2006 Annual HSFO Business Meeting August 3, 2006 The 59th Annual Business Meeting of the National Association of Human Services Finance Officers was called to order on August 3, 2006, by President James Fredyma of New Hampshire. The roll call was conducted by the Secretary, Suzi Ballinger of Ohio. A quorum of 32 member agencies was in attendance. The next item on the agenda was the reading of the minutes. Ms. Ballinger, Secretary, moved for the suspension of the reading of the minutes, due to their posting on the website. Her motion was seconded, approved, and the meeting proceeded. The Historian s Report was presented by Jeff Reynolds of Louisiana. Mr. Reynolds reported on the past year s conference in Williamsburg, Va. and this year s planning meetings, which were held in Charlotte, North Carolina and Bismarck, North Dakota. Mr. Reynolds also reported that major training events had occurred in connection with the planning meeting and in Raleigh, North Carolina; Salt Lake City, Utah; Charlotte, North Carolina; and in Madison, Wisconsin. His report was approved after some discussion and corrections. Rick Brennan (W. VA.) presented the Treasurer s Report. He reported on the associations s total assets, income and expense statement. There was some discussion of the accounting contract, the internet contract and the CPE application fee. The report was unanimously approved. President Fredyma then indicated that he would move to the standing committee reports. Jeff Roberts (Tenn.) presented the Arrangement s Committee Report. He re- Embassy Suites, Brentwood, Tennessee Meeting Minutes ported that the attendance at the conference was composed of 208 attendees, 57 guests, 32 youth and 19 speakers, for a total of 316 people. His report was approved as presented. Unanimous thanks were expressed to Jeff Roberts, Ruth Cooksey and Bob Bumbalough for hosting the conference. Following Mr. Roberts report, the Program Committee Report was presented by committee chair Dick Humiston (Idaho). The theme of the conference was Finding Strength in Challenging Times and had provided presentations on a wide variety of human service programs. Mr. Humiston reported that very positive feedback had been received on the program. He indicted that the evaluation forms had been received on the program and would be collected and summarized as a tool for planning the program for the next conference. His report was accepted and passed. The next order of business was the Auditors Report by Michelle McDonald (Maryland). After some discussion, the report was approved as presented. Stuart Kettner (Okla.) then presented the Membership Report. His report reflected 65 paid members for There are 60 members who were also members in Five agencies have not renewed as of the date of this conference. They are: American Samoa Department of Health and Human Services, California Los Angeles County, Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Maryland Baltimore, HDCD/Human Services Division, and Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families. Mr. Kettner reported that there are five new members; Illinois Health Care and Family Services (formerly Department of Public Aid), Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, Mississippi Department of Medicaid, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, and Virginia City of Norfolk Division of Social Services. Mr. Keltner s report was approved as presented. Deena Brown (Okla.) presented the Sponsor Development Report. She reported that for the current year there are 12 corporate sponsors. This includes seven continuing sponsors, which are Clifton Gunderson, efunds, VA, Inc., Maximus, Public Consulting Group, Sequoia Consulting Group, and University of Massachusetts - Center for Health Care Financing. The five new sponsors are: Bull Services, Inc., File Net., J.P. Morgan; Tier Technologies; and Albion, Incorporated. Ms. Brown (continued on page 2) IN THIS ISSUE Meeting Minutes Conference Program Presidents Messages Member Profile Federal Issues Resolutions

2 National Association of State Human Services Finance Officers Fall 2006 Page 2 Annual Business Meeting (continued from page 1) moved that her report be accepted. The report was adopted. The By-laws Report was presented by chair Toni Pintavalle (VA). Ms. Pintavelle introduced several by-laws changes that had been proposed. The most significant changes involved those necessary to include continuing professional eduction (CPE) programs and training opportunities, including establishment of a committee for monitoring and other forms associated with such CPE activity. After some discussion, the report was accepted as presented. Laura Baker (AK) then introduced the proposed Resolution. Resolutions were introduced recognizing the retirement and expressing appreciation of Paul Goultet (Past President, R.I.); recognizing the accomplishments and in appreciation of the Program, Arrangements, Training and C.P.E. committees. There were four federal resolutions (See We hereby Resolve... page 4). After much discussion, Ms. Baker s report was accepted and approved. Mr. Fredyma reported on the Newsletter in the absence of the Editor, Nancy Haber (IL). The Time and Place Report was presented by Doug Robinson (W. Va.) Mr. Robinson reported that conference arrangements are in place for 2007, 2008 and He further reported that in 2006, the Board selected and approved Bismarck, North Dakota, to host the annual conference in Mr. Robinson additionally indicated that West Virginia would be open to hosting a future planning meeting in Charleston, West Virginia, at a date that is agreeable to the board of directors. Mr. Robinson moved that his report be adopted. It was seconded and approved as reported. Mr. Allyn Guffey (North Carolina) presented the Training Committee Report. Mr. Guffey indicated that in addition to the training events that were contained in the Historian s Report, there are several more training events in the works. They include: Oct 2, 3, 4 Sept. 27, 28, 29 Sept. 27, 28, 29 Medicaid Baltimore, Md. Cost Allocation New Hampshire Child Welfare Services I Charleston, W. Va. Dec. 11, 12, 13 Child Welfare Services III New Orleans, LA. There then ensued discussion of the favorable impact of the trainings and influence on conference attendance. Mr. Guffey s report was approved as presented. The next report, Federal Issues, was prepared and presented by Simone Roy (NH). The report summary is presented separately on page 6 of this issue. Her report was accepted and approved. President Fredyma then asked Dick Houston (Idaho) to do a Special Report Update on Training CPE s. Mr. Humiston reported that based upon the work of a group formed by Rick Brennan (W.Va.) and Dave Butler (Idaho) an initial package was developed (and two packages of supplementary materials). HSFO was approved as a registered sponsor by the National Association of State Board of Accountancy (NASBA) for the period June 1, 2006 to June 1, This coverage is applicable for up to 15 group life programs that HSFO sponsors which meet the content and quality required by NASBA. This achievement is a significant step in maintaining national recognition of the professional standards and quality of the programs presented by HSFo. The report was approved as presented. The final report was that of the Nominating Committee chaired by Past President Harry Roberts. He announced that the following officers had agreed to move up in a succession for the next fiscal year: Mary Fernald (Ohio) President Suzi Ballinger (Ohio) Vice-President Rick Brennan (W. Va.) Secretary Jeff Reynolds (La.) Treasurer. Mr. Roberts then announced that the Nominating Committee had nominated Richard Humiston, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare for the position of the Historian. His recommendation carried and the slate of officers was approved by the membership. The final order of business was the election of Regional Directors for the Regions 2,4,6 and 8 and at-large Regional Director. The result of the election were: Hank Fitzer (MD) Region II Re-elected Nancy Haber (IL) Region IV RE-elected Kim Austin (Minn.) Region VI Re-elected Mike Torvinen (Nev.) Region VIII Re-elected Laura Baker (AK) At-Large Regional Director Meeting adjourned. Mark Your Calendar Dec. 9-13, 2006 Dec , 2006 May 5-10, 2007 July 30 - Aug. 3, 2007 Fall Planning Meeting, New Orleans, LA The Omni Royal Orleans Child Welfare III Training - New Orleans, LA The Omni Royal Orleans Spring Planning Meeting - Juneau, Alaska Prospector Hotel Annual Conference - Reno, NV John Ascuaga s Nugget Casino Resort (More details will be posted as they become available)

3 National Association of State Human Services Finance Officers Fall 2006 Page President s Message by Jim Fredyma Well, my term as your President is nearing the end. It is hard to believe that the year has gone by already. We had a successful 59 th National Conference in Nashville, TN, and planning meetings in Charlotte, NC and Bismarck, ND; all were well attended and helpful in learning more about our human services Jim Fredyma businesses. In addition, HSFo has sponsored seven training sessions across the country since last December, with at least one more in the planning stages. We continue to develop the training program in response to your requests. Allyn Guffey is ready to release a request for TANF, Child Care and Food Stamps training. I am working on a draft outline for a Medicare training to complement our Medicaid curriculum. The two programs are increasingly related and many of us need to better understand the Medicare implications for our business. Mary Fernald will officially assume the Presidency shortly. She is already at work on her 2007 agenda. Some of her committee chairs have started to prepare for next year s 60 th National Conference in Reno/Sparks, NV. I wish Mary great success as our next President and look forward to supporting her in continuing your HSFo s successes. I thank each of you for your support during the past year. It has been an honor to serve as President of your HSFo. Thank-you! HSFO Conference Program Covers Wide Variety of Topics Public Health A new topic to the Conference program this year was on Public Health. Dr. Nicole Smith of the Centers for Disease Control, Infectious Disease Center, presented a very informative presentation to attendees. Her presentation, Public Health Issues: Preparing for Pandemic Influenza Based upon Lessons Learned from Bioterrorism Events, Natural Disasters, and Disease Outbreaks provided a broad spectrum of public health issues that state and local governments are challenged with preparing for and responding to. In addition to the health risks, there is an impact to economic and social services infrastructures. Public health issues have a direct impact on our Health and Social infrastructures. Public health issues have a direct impact on our Health and Social Services programs that members of HSFO represent and work hard to support. FEMA Issues Jeff Reynolds, Louisiana, discussed the importance of ascertaining agency responsibility. Any project undertaken must be one for which the agency is legally responsible. He reviewed other key concepts that should be understood and plans that should be in place prior to beginning assistance. These were to include an understanding of the FEMA program and the selection of personnel designated to coordinate particular activities. In addition to learning agency and federal obligations and keeping up with new guidelines, Mr. Reynolds shared with us that it is also important to understand what expenses are allowable and the importance of proper documentation. Proper documentation also extends to recording expenses according to FEMA guidelines in preparation for audit. We also heard from Jerry Quinn, who gave a brief history of disaster assistance legislation. More recent Federal regulations have been aimed at controlling the costs of disaster assistance and streamlining the administration for that assistance in order to deliver to be more expeditious. Mr. Quinn reviewed the types of entities that public assistance was available as well as the types of assistance. His presentation reiterated the importance of knowing FEMA regulations, proper documentation and audit preparation stressed by Mr. Reynolds. He further discussed grant management procedures and common audit findings. Mr. Quinn spoke to us concerning specific assistance provided to Katrina evacuees and stressed the importance of getting promises in writing from a person who is legally able to hold FEMA accountable. Mr. Quinn wrapped up with a quick review of the keys to fiscal recovery based on meeting deadlines and time constraints. Economic Impact of Immigration Dr. Jim H. Johnson, Jr. was one of our presenters on the third day of the conference. As in past years, Dr. Johnson did an excellent job. He spoke with us on the topic The Economic Impact of Immigration on States. His topic was very enlightening as he addressed the economic impact that the Hispanic immigration has made on states, in particular North Carolina in the areas of spending, taxation, workforce, education and health service delivery. His presentation, which can be accessed at was filled with very informative and interesting details and statistics. 3

4 National Association of State Human Services Finance Officers Fall 2006 Page 4 The following are resolutions passed by the HSFo membership. These resolutions have been forwarded to the appropriate federal agencies. Resolution Federal Funding Reduction for Provider Taxes WHEREAS, the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 was the result of a collaborative effort between the states and the federal government to reform Medicaid by promoting policies that focused on enhancing and sustaining the Medicaid program while also producing cost savings for both the federal government and the states, and, WHEREAS, administrative changes proposed in the federal fiscal year 2007 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) budget are cost shifts form the federal budget to the states, resulting in reduced funding at a time when states are working to redesign their Medicaid programs to utilize the tools contained in the Deficit Reduction Act (DRA), and, WHEREAS, the proposed policy changes include a major reduction in allowable provider taxes, limits on payments to government providers, and other changes to reimbursement policies that would diminish long-standing, legitimate statefunding mechanisms that have been previously approved by CMS, and, WHEREAS, such changes in policy would impose a significant financial burden on states and impede state progress in implementing DRA reforms and hinder states ability to seek further reforms that would benefit both the federal government and the states; Now, therefore, be it resolved that: the National Association of State Human Service Finance Officers urges Congress to reconsider implementing these proposed administrative changes and rather to continue to work with the states to develop mutually beneficial reforms to the Medicaid program. Resolution No , Federal Funding for Child Support Performance WHEREAS, according to the federal office of management and budget, the child support enforcement program (CSE) received a performance assessment rating tool (PART) score of 90%, making it the highest rated social services program and the highest rated block/formula grant program amongst all programs reviewed government-wide and, WHEREAS, further improvements are still needed to ensure that parents are responsible, and America s children receive the child support they are due on time and in full and, WHEREAS, incentive grants reinvested and then matched with additional federal funds have provided a strong motivation for states to continue to improve their enforcement programs and, WHEREAS, effective October 1 st, 2007, the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 eliminates the ability to use incentive dollars as state funds for the purpose of matching federal funds, thereby reducing federal funding of this program. This significantly impedes state s ability to establish and enforce child and medical support orders, resulting in foregone child support collections, collections that families leaving or avoiding welfare depend upon for economic We Hereby Resolve... independence and, WHEREAS, these reductions will ultimately lead to greater expenditures as more families request increased assistance form state and federal budgets in the form of TANF and Medicaid applications: Now, therefore, be it resolved that: The National Association of State Human Service Finance Officers urges Congress to support the proposed amendments to restore funding to the child support enforcement program. Resolution No Targeted Case Management for Children in Foster Care WHEREAS, Section 6052 of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (DRA)- reforms of case management and targeted case management was to clarify what is an appropriate TCM service under Medicaid, and, WHEREAS, the Congressional intent of Section 6052 is that the defined case management activities continue to be allowable Medicaid activities for children to foster care, and, WHEREAS, Congress recognized the difficulty in isolating medical services from other services recommended for those vulnerable children in foster care who require a comprehensive approach to service coordination, and, WHEREAS, Congress further intended that reimbursement for the specified services to children in foster care not be either disallowed or rejected through the state plan amendment process; Association of State Human Service Finance Officers urges the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), in implementing the provisions of Section 6052 of the DRA, to adhere to the express Congressional intent to permit Medicaid eligible children enrolled in foster care and to cease any efforts to disallow claims or reject state plan amendments covering such expenses in violation of the intent of Congress. Resolution No Medicaid Citizenship Verification Mandate WHEREAS, the recently enacted Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) included the Medicaid citizenship verification mandate, and, WHEREAS, this new requirement applies to more than 50 million Medicaid clients and new applicants, and, WHEREAS, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) is preparing guidance on this new requirement, and, WHEREAS, CMS recently expressed a willingness at the National Association of State Medicaid Directors (NASMD) spring meeting June 2006 to consider suggested changes or clarifications to NASDM members and, WHEREAS, CMS guidance issued June 9, 2006, on this issue raised concerns by both the NASMD and the American Public Human Services Association as to the amount of flexibility afforded to states under the statue, and, WHEREAS, this new requirement has different impacts to each state, Now, therefore, be it resolved that: The National Association of State Human Service Finance Officers urges the centers of Medicare and Medicaid services to provide states with all the possible flexibility afforded under the statue in respect to implementation of this new requirement for Medicaid citizen verification. Incoming President s Message As I assume the privilege of serving as President of HSFo in this its 60 th year, I deeply appreciate the wealth of experience that our talented members have always made available in support of the organization and its membership. Indeed, the experience of its membership has been a core strength of HSFo throughout its history. Most recently we have been fortunate to have had the benefit of Jim Fredyma s Mary Fernald experience and leadership. I inherit a fine, well run organization from him. I hope to continue to build upon that core strength in the coming year. As all of us face the growing challenge of providing for the increased needs of our citizens with decreased dollars in our various state governments, I believe that HSFo can continue to be a source of useful ideas, support, guidance and training. So, our strength has always depended upon the growth, quality and participation of our membership. Existing and potential members participate if they perceive that our programs, training and interaction are effective and vital. Recent efforts have successfully revitalized our training and programs. I would like to see us draw upon that success to reach new members. Therefore, I am pleased that the people who have agreed to serve in the various capacities for next year have gotten off to an enthusiastic start. Already we have had lively discussions about membership and its role with respect to program. Ideas flow freely and I look forward to an exciting year. Finally, I ask that each of you take every opportunity to explore how HSFo might assist you with problems you confront in your governments. Communicate with your fellow members. Chances are that someone here has confronted a similar problem, and can offer ideas and insights. And please involve your co-workers, so that they, too, become aware of the tremendous benefits of HSFo that are often untapped.

5 National Association of State Human Services Finance Officers Fall 2006 Page M E M B E R P R O F I LE Current Position/Agency Senior Financial Manager, New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services Offices / Committee Chairs Director, Region 1, Program Committee What I Like Most About HSFO While the exchange of information and ideas is invaluable, I think it is the sense of a c o m m o n purpose that I experience whenever I am Frank Danieli with HSFo members. There is a real depth of commitment to the service they provide, a dedication that is admirable and passionate. They really care about the clients of their programs. This same caring attitude extends to fellow HSFo members as well, from genuine concern when a member of their family is ill; to taking in the adult child of an HSFo member after her home was destroyed by Katrina. My experience is that HSFo is a well-run, effective organization filled with dedicated and compassionate professionals. Background I graduated from Colby College in 1970 with a BA in Administrative Science. We continued to live in Maine for five years after graduation, and then moved to New Hampshire, where I spent the first eight years of my state career as the internal auditor at the State Psychiatric Hospital. After five years as the business administrator for the Division of Mental Health and Developmental Services, I did penance as a business supervisor in the state budget office for eight years. It was extremely political; pressure filled, and was the least rewarding of my 32 years in state government. I was finally rescued by the Department of Health and Human Services, where I have spent the last 10 rewarding years. I am married to Edie, the love of my life, for 37 years and counting. We have raised two sons that we are very proud of. David is regional director of finance for Marriott in the DC area. Dana is a project manager for a Florida construction company. In retrospect, I should have encouraged one or the other to take up golf so that I could now be traveling around the world as his caddy!!! Interests Outside of Work For 20+ years we have been very involved in a marriage enrichment organization called World Wide Marriage Encounter. While we no longer present weekends, we intend to stay active in the organization wherever we are. Beyond that, I learned a love of gardening from helping my mother with her show gardens and thoroughly enjoy experimenting in the kitchen. My real passion for my leisure time is golf, but I get little opportunity to play. I plan to change this next year when I retire. I don t think the Senior PGA has anything to fear, but it will be great to get to play as often as I want! Five Years from Now We will be retired, living in North Carolina, and I will be a volunteer museum guide in one of the museums in Salisbury, NC. History according to Frank! Also, I am looking forward to some travel and more time to spend gardening and playing golf. I plan to keep track of where HSFo annual conferences are held, and finally will get to go on some of those great spouse activities that are always planned. The Biggest Challenge For the immediate future, the biggest challenge is trying to use the flexibility of The Deficit Reduction Act to make reforms that do not unduly hurt recipients while making programs less expensive. Long term, New Hampshire, and all states, will face continuing pressure to further limit spending while protecting the most vulnerable members of our society. Accomplishing this will be made even more difficult by the clear intent of the federal government to reduce its investment in human service programs. Federal Issues Reports H i g h l i g h t s (continued from page 6) candidates is only allowed if reasonable efforts are being made to prevent the removal of the child from the home or if necessary to pursue the removal, and the State agency has made, at least every six months, a determination or predetermination that the child remains at imminent risk of removal from the home. Medicaid Medicaid Citizenship Documentation Requirements Effective Date July 6, 2006 Requires that States obtain satisfactory documentary evidence of an applicant s or recipient s citizenship and identity in order to receive FFP. Compliance with the documentation of citizenship and identity will be part of Medicaid program integrity monitoring (audits). Self-attestation of citizenship and identity is no longer an acceptable practice. For new Medicaid applicants or for currently enrolled individuals the State must obtain evidence of citizenship and identity at the time of application or at the time of the first redetermination occurring on or after July 1, Presentation of documentary evidence of citizenship is a onetime activity once a person s citizenship is documented and recorded in the case file or database subsequent changes ineligibility should not require repeating the documentation unless later evidence raises a question of a person s citizenship. CMS established a hierarchy of reliability of citizenship documents and specify when a document of lesser reliability may be accepted by the State. CMS provides an exemption for documenting citizenship and identity for Medicaid when in individual is receiving SSI or Medicare benefits, as both programs also require documentation of citizenship and identity. Title IV-E children receiving Medicaid must have a declaration of citizenship of satisfactory immigration status claimed on the declaration. 5

6 National National Association Association of of State State Human Human Services Services Finance Finance Officers Officers Fall 2006 Fall Page 2006 Federal Issues Reports Highlights by Simone Roy, N.H. Highlights of Impact of the D.R.A. of 2005 TANF Reauthorization effective 6/29/06 States must comply with regulation requirements by 10/1/06 or be subject to potential penalties during FY 2007 States are required to submit a Work Verification Plan by 9/30/06. States will be held accountable for failure to maintain adequate internal controls and work verification procedures that occurs after 10/1/07. Strengthens work participation requirements by recalibrating the caseload reduction credit so that states only receive credit for additional caseload reductions after FY Families in separate State programs for whom funds are claimed to meet the maintenance of effort (MOE) requirements are now included in the work participation rate calculation and other data collection requirements The 50% work participation requirement for all families and the 90% work requirement for two-parent families are trained. CERTIFICATE PRESENTED TO STAN MEAD In recognition of a lifetime of dedication and commitment to HSFo. We honor your enthusiasm and willingness to perform any task at any time. You can be counted on to be the first person ashore and the last person to leave when the job is done. Bully!! Requires that education and training for TANF recipients be directly related to a specific job. Child Welfare Title IV-E Administrative Claim Costs for children in unallowable facilities such as an unlicensed or unapproved facilities (inpatient psychiatric hospital, secure detention facility) is only allowed for 1 calendar month for an otherwise IV-E eligible child Costs for children in unlicensed relative homes is only allowed with an application pending for a foster family home license or approval and only for the lesser of 12 months or the average length of time it takes the State to license or approve the home when an otherwise eligible IV-E child is placed in the home of a relative. Costs for the Title IV-E foster care (continued on page 5) HSFo AT A GLANCE State Human Services Finance Officers HSFo News is published by the National Association of State Human Services Finance Officers as a service to members and others interested in the goals of our group. Member involvement in this publication is welcomed and encouraged. Please direct articles or comments to: Nancy Haber, Editor Illinois Department of Children and Family Services 406 East Monroe, Sta. 435 Springfield, Illinois Phone: Fax: Officers President Jim Fredyma, NH (603) Vice President Mary Fernald, OH (614) Secretary Suzi Ballinger, OH (614) Treasurer Rick Brennan, WV (304) Historian Jeff Reynolds, LA (225) REGIONAL DIRECTORS Region 1 Frank Darnell, NH (603) Region II Hank Fitzer, MD (410) Region III Jeff Roberts, TN (615) Region IV Nancy Haber, IL (217) Region V Deena Brown, OK (405) Region VI Kim Austen, MN (651) Region VII Kent Roner, UT (801) ?? Region VII Michael Torvinen, NV (775) AT LARGE DIRECTORS Region 1 Jerry Berry, AR (501) Laketha Miller, NC (919) COMMITTEES Arrangements Jeff Roberts, TN (615) Michael Torvinen, NV 2007 (775) Allyn Guffey 2008 (919) Jeff Reynolds, LA 2009 (225) Program Richard Humiston, ID (208) Resolutions Laura Baker, AK (907) By-Laws Toni Pintavalle, VA (804) Time & Place Doug Robinson, WV (304) Nominating Harry Roberts, DE (302) Membership Stuart Kettner, OK (405) Sponsor Development Deena Brown, OK (405) Auditor Michele McDonald, MD (410) Newsletter Nancy Haber, IL (217) Federal Issues Simone Roy, NH (503) Training Allyn Guffey, NC (919) Visit HSFo Web Page at