Establishes participation in assigned risk plans for voluntary foster care agencies (Part A); requires the office of children and family services to establish standards of payment for liability insurance costs beginning July 1, 2028 for the 2027-2028 rate year that ensures the maximum state aid rate accurately reflect the year over year increased costs for voluntary foster care agencies; directs such office to establish an application process (Part B); establishes the voluntary foster care agency insurance bridge fund; establishes a process for the distribution of moneys in such fund; sets eligibility requirements; requires certain supporting documentation (Part C).
Impact
This bill will have significant implications for state laws regarding insurance for foster care agencies. Effective from July 1, 2028, the office of children and family services is mandated to establish standards for payment related to liability insurance costs, ensuring that state aid rates reflect annual increases in such costs. This initiative intends to create a better financial framework for these agencies, allowing them to maintain compliance with insurance requirements without compromising the quality of their services.
Summary
Bill S09113 aims to address the challenges faced by voluntary foster care agencies concerning liability insurance costs and their participation in assigned risk plans. It introduces a 'voluntary foster care agency insurance bridge fund' that will provide financial assistance to these agencies to alleviate increasing liability insurance expenses. The fund will be managed by the state controller and the commissioner of taxation and finance, ensuring that agencies can access the necessary resources to offset their insurance costs.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding S09113 may arise from the financial implications of establishing and maintaining the insurance bridge fund. Critics may argue about the funding source for the $20 million appropriation outlined in the bill, as well as concerns regarding the management of these funds. Additionally, the process for agencies to prove eligibility for assistance may raise questions about oversight and accountability, particularly in relation to how increased liability costs are documented and justified.
Same As
Establishes participation in assigned risk plans for voluntary foster care agencies (Part A); requires the office of children and family services to establish standards of payment for liability insurance costs beginning July 1, 2028 for the 2027-2028 rate year that ensures the maximum state aid rate accurately reflect the year over year increased costs for voluntary foster care agencies; directs such office to establish an application process (Part B); establishes the voluntary foster care agency insurance bridge fund; establishes a process for the distribution of moneys in such fund; sets eligibility requirements; requires certain supporting documentation (Part C).
Establishes participation in assigned risk plans for voluntary foster care agencies (Part A); requires the office of children and family services to establish standards of payment for liability insurance costs beginning July 1, 2028 for the 2027-2028 rate year that ensures the maximum state aid rate accurately reflect the year over year increased costs for voluntary foster care agencies; directs such office to establish an application process (Part B); establishes the voluntary foster care agency insurance bridge fund; establishes a process for the distribution of moneys in such fund; sets eligibility requirements; requires certain supporting documentation (Part C).
Includes both the birth family and the foster family of children in foster care, and other families receiving child welfare services from the authorized agency or the local departments of social services in the case of authorized agencies in the definition of family for purposes of services provided by voluntary foster care agency health facilities.
Includes both the birth family and the foster family of children in foster care, and other families receiving child welfare services from the authorized agency or the local departments of social services in the case of authorized agencies in the definition of family for purposes of services provided by voluntary foster care agency health facilities.
Requirements establishment for voluntarily retired licenses, procedures for reinstatement of voluntarily retired and terminates licenses, an administrative hold status and interim procedures for registration reinstatement