Legislative Oversight Commission on Health and Human Resources Accountability study the implementation of Electronic Visit Verification in West Virginia Medicaid’s Home and Community Based Services.
Impact
The resolution aims to address issues arising from the state's implementation of EVV that many stakeholders believe exceed the federal mandate's intention of being minimally invasive. Providers and patients have reported frustrations concerning the current system, particularly those in rural and underserved areas, highlighting a lack of access to necessary technological resources. The study is a response to the need to protect the rights and privacy of these individuals and to recommend possible alternatives that align better with the federal guidelines.
Summary
House Concurrent Resolution 53 (HCR53) calls for a study to be conducted by the Legislative Oversight Commission on Health and Human Resources Accountability regarding the implementation of Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) in West Virginia's Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services. This resolution responds to the federal 21st Century Cures Act, which requires states to adopt EVV for all personal care services and home health services involving in-home visits. HCR53 reflects growing concerns from providers and patients about the burdensome nature of the current state implementation of EVV.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HCR53 appears to be largely supportive from healthcare providers and patient advocacy groups, who view this resolution as a necessary step towards alleviating undue pressure created by current EVV practices. However, there may also be concerns from those who feel that prolonged discussions could delay essential services and that administrative studies could divert focus from immediate patient care needs. Overall, there is a sense of urgency from the community regarding these issues.
Contention
A notable point of contention is centered around the adequacy of the technological requirements imposed by the state’s current EVV system. Stakeholders argue that it is not only burdensome but also potentially harmful to those it serves, particularly in rural areas where patients often lack broadband access. The resolution seeks to facilitate a thorough examination of these concerns with the goal of formulating recommendations for more appropriate implementations moving forward.
Equal access to human services electronic verification system data for electronic verification vendors establishment; weekly electronic documentation of certain services authorization
Urges and requests the La. Department of Health to fully fund the costs to providers of implementation of the electronic visit verification system that the department has mandated