Bill > A2209

This bill establishes enhanced oversight for contracts between the Department of Human Services (DHS) and providers serving individuals with developmental disabilities, requiring providers to submit regular expenditure reports detailing costs like equipment, personnel, and general/administrative expenses. Failure to submit these reports can lead to "negative contracting action," which includes actions like contract non-renewal or termination. The Office of the State Comptroller and the Division of Developmental Disabilities will randomly and ongoingly review these expenditure reports to ensure costs are appropriate, documented, and that general and administrative expenses do not exceed 10% of the contract funds, a limit that will be stipulated in all new and renewed contracts. Furthermore, the bill mandates unannounced site visits by contract administrators at least annually to assess if providers are meeting contractual obligations and contributing to the success of individuals in achieving their individualized habilitation plan goals, with survey feedback from employees and guardians also being incorporated into contract renewal decisions. Before any negative contracting action is taken, providers will receive notice and an opportunity to be heard, and the DHS will explore the feasibility of an outcome-based payment system for these services.