West Virginia 2024 Regular Session

West Virginia Senate Bill SB815

Introduced
2/16/24  
Refer
2/16/24  
Report Pass
2/21/24  
Engrossed
2/23/24  

Caption

Requiring annual analysis of contracts from DHS and Bureau for Social Services

Impact

The bill outlines specific requirements for child-placing agencies, advocating for contracts that focus on positive outcomes such as the safety, permanency, and well-being of children. Additionally, it mandates an evaluation of current reimbursement levels, necessitating the Department of Human Services and the Bureau for Social Services to analyze workforce capacity and report on the impact of these rates on child placements. This focus on data-driven assessments seeks to foster improvements in service delivery and aligns financial incentives with the performance outcomes of the agencies, ultimately aiming to improve the child welfare system in the state.

Summary

Senate Bill 815 is a legislative proposal introduced in West Virginia that seeks to amend existing laws regarding child-placing agencies by mandating the implementation of performance-based contracting. This strategy aims to enhance the quality of care provided to children and families through measurable outcomes, ensuring that reimbursement rates for these agencies are consistently assessed and adjusted based on actual performance metrics. It emphasizes accountability by requiring comprehensive annual reporting on the performance of child-placing agencies to the Legislative Oversight Commission on Health and Human Resources Accountability.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding SB 815 is predominantly positive among advocates for child welfare reform who view its provisions as a step towards more effective and accountable service delivery in the foster care system. Supporters argue that transitioning to performance-based contracts will enhance the quality of care for vulnerable children. However, there may be some apprehension regarding the potential complexities involved in implementing such a system and whether the associated financial risks are manageable for smaller agencies.

Contention

Notable points of contention include concerns regarding how performance-based contracting might affect existing relationships between state agencies and child-placing agencies, particularly smaller or less-resourced entities that may struggle with the operational demands associated with new performance metrics. Critics might also question whether the emphasis on quantifiable outcomes could inadvertently overlook the nuanced and multifaceted needs of children in foster care, leading to a reduction in the quality of service that cannot be easily measured. The bill is positioned within a larger context of ongoing discourse about the effectiveness and efficiency of the state's child welfare system.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WV SB155

Requiring medical professionals to report injuries and side effects from vaccines to Bureau for Public Health

WV HB2538

Requiring usage of child welfare information technology systems

WV SB219

Requiring medically necessary care and treatment to address congenital anomalies associated with cleft lip and cleft palate

WV SB691

Requiring Mountaineer Challenge Academy and Bureau for Social Services to provide reimbursement for cadets' enrollment costs

WV SB239

Requiring Commissioner of Bureau for Behavioral Health to engage certain providers and leaders to study homeless demographic

WV HB2854

Relating to priorities for the use of funds for child-care and performance-based contracting

WV HB3430

To prohibit the bureau from assessing a fee upon local health departments

WV HB2428

Relating to foster care

WV HB2196

To remove opioid treatment programs from requiring a certificate of need

WV HB2150

Requiring parents or guardians to participate in programs for juveniles in an out-of-home placement

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