Video & Transcript Research : 'DHS'
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AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
STATE AGENCIES & GOVT'L AFFAIRS-SENATE AND HOUSE May 6th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Lori McDonald, Chief of Staff, DHS. All right. Thank you all for being here this morning.
- How long have you been at DHS? How long have you been in your current role?
- So in June, I'll have been with DHS for two years.
- DHS attorney not here today? Am I observing it right?
- Are y'all the DHS attorneys? Oh, no, sir. No, sir.
Summary:
The Joint State Agencies committee met to approve the October 8, 2025 minutes and then held an extended oversight discussion with the Department of Human Services about the death of Zachary Moore at the Southeast Arkansas Human Development Center (later clarified in testimony as the Warren facility). DHS officials described Moore’s background, said he died after being restrained in a prone position for about 13 minutes, and reported that a nurse later administered a chemical restraint before CPR was attempted. They said the agency settled with the family for $725,000, terminated 13 staff members, changed facility leadership, and brought in consultants under a directed plan of correction from the Office of Long-Term Care to review policies, retrain staff, and conduct a root-cause analysis. Later testimony clarified that the death certificate listed the manner of death as homicide and the cause as physiologic stress associated with struggle and prone restraint; committee members also noted that six people had been charged with manslaughter and neglect of a vulnerable person.
Members focused on restraint policy, staff training, chain of command during emergencies, family communication, and whether warning signs had been missed. DHS said it has written restraint protocols, annual restraint training, and a mortality review process, but acknowledged that the Warren facility had multiple failures, including use of a prone restraint, improper chemical restraint, poor supervision, inadequate communication, and problems with equipment and behavior plans. Officials said they were revising policies, creating clearer crisis-team roles, and retraining staff, and that the consultant work would be shared across the other human development centers. Several members pressed DHS on why the family had not been kept informed, why the agency was not prepared with basic facts, and whether a more formal independent audit of facilities should exist.
The committee also discussed broader staffing and funding issues across the human development centers. DHS said CNAs start at about $39,000 a year, that the centers rely heavily on float and contract staff, and that there are about 2,000 people on a waiting list for services. Members argued that low pay, turnover, and rural staffing shortages contribute to risk and asked for recruitment and retention plans, possible regional pay differentials, and more legislative support. DHS said it is drafting a systemwide retention and recruitment plan and expects to bring it to ALC, while also implementing a separate rate study for certain PASS program services in January 2027. The meeting ended after comments from Zachary Moore’s mother, Angela Stevens, who said money cannot replace her son and urged the state to ensure no other family experiences the same loss; the committee asked DHS to keep members and Ms. Stevens updated on consultant reports and recruitment efforts before adjourning.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 03/05/25
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- They'd be administering it and paying the provider unless they chose to turn it over to DHS.
- The provider unless they chose to turn it over to DHS.
- When government fails or if DHS fails, they’re just rewarded.
- When government fails or if DHS fails, they’re just rewarded.
- When government fails or if DHS fails, they’re just rewarded.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- When DHS appreciates that leadership.
- We received the money from DHS Friday. We received the money from DHS on<00:37:34.800>
Wednesday. - DHS.
- I do see the oi but I that DHS was here.
- roll up our sleeves to partner with DHS roll up our sleeves to partner with DHS in<01:51:37.440>
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations - Room 216, 2 February, 2026; 1:30 PM
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- mental to Senator Hopson's point CPS DHS mental health<00:08:24.319>
uh <00:08:25.120>youth - , that can involve that can involve DHS, that can involve multiple<00:10:29.839>
agencies. - If you're talking about CPS and DHS, they're on, as far as I know, on state systems.
- ,<00:12:29.360>
they're talking about CPS and DHS, they're talking about CPS and DHS, they're - But, you know, part a process with DHS.
Summary:
The committee first took up Senate Bill 2189, described as a transfer bill that brings forward code sections tied to the various funds used to compose the budget. With no questions, the committee adopted a title sufficient do pass motion and reported the bill.
The committee then considered Senate Bill 2190, which would raise Mississippi’s rainy day fund cap from 10% to 15% of general fund revenue. The chair explained that the change would gradually build the reserve over time to a little over $1 billion, and clarified in response to questions that the figure did not include money being used for PERS or capex. The bill received a title sufficient do pass recommendation.
Next, Senate Bill 2717 was presented as a modernization of the My Kids youth court information system, which was described as 35 to 40 years old and antiquated. Senator Wiggins said the bill follows an audit and would support an $8 million replacement effort, with a three-year implementation and training period, and that the new system would be cloud-based and allow better data sharing among youth court-related agencies while preserving county-level protections. Senators raised concerns about prior ARPA funding, disclosure of youth court records, and the effect of a repealer in current law; Wiggins and others said related disclosure issues were being addressed in separate Judiciary A bills. The committee then voted title sufficient do pass.
The committee also advanced Senate Bill 2896, a DPS-requested measure tied to pay increases for highway patrol, Bureau of Narcotics, and Bureau of Investigation personnel, with the chair saying the proposal would keep the bill alive through a reverse repealer in the committee substitute. Finally, the committee considered companion bills Senate Bills 2898 and 2924 to provide $20 million to MEMA’s Disaster Assistance Trust Fund in response to the recent ice storm and to cover state disaster expenses. Members discussed federal disaster reimbursement rules, the distinction between individual assistance and public assistance, insurance requirements, and the need for local governments to document eligible expenses. Both bills were adopted by title sufficient do pass, and the committee also passed Senate Bill 2917, which changes Mississippi Valley State University’s request from a new residence hall to repair and renovation of existing residence halls. The chair then set remaining bills aside for a later meeting and the committee rose and reported.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Suspend rules to take up HF3819 4/30/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And the then Inspector General in DHS tried to stop the head of the criminal investigation unit from
- <00:14:36.680>
And <00:14:36.800>they investigations of fraud in DHS. - And they investigations of fraud in DHS.
- criminal investigation unit in DHS. criminal investigation unit in DHS.
- So, the work that we do in DHS programs.
Summary:
The House took up an urgency motion to recall House File 3819 from committee and advance it to final passage. Supporters said the bill was needed to address fraud in the child care assistance program (CCAP), citing recent FBI raids on child care centers, prior audit findings, and long-standing concerns about weak oversight. They described the bill as restoring a penalty of perjury for attendance records, requiring electronic attendance tracking, mandating unannounced inspections, and requiring camera monitoring for higher-funded providers so the state can verify attendance and reduce improper payments.
Opponents argued the bill was not ready, raised concerns about cost, implementation, and the inclusion of camera surveillance, and said the language could create problems related to retention and possible misuse of video. One member said the state had already taken bipartisan action on child care fraud in prior sessions and that the larger fraud estimates being cited were overstated compared with convictions. Another member emphasized that electronic attendance monitoring was the one part they supported, but said the bill lacked clarity and a Senate companion.
Members also discussed the history of CCAP fraud investigations, including earlier OLA reports, criminal investigations within DHS, and allegations that fraud vulnerabilities had been known for years. Supporters argued the bill would help recover taxpayer dollars and improve affordability by reducing fraud, while critics warned that added camera requirements could increase costs for providers and potentially threaten child care center viability. The debate included questions and answers about video retention, with the bill author stating the intended retention period was 90 days, though a member noted that language was not clearly visible in the version before the House.
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE Jun 18th, 2026
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- And, you know, the waivers that DHS and workforce services has to go through just to do what we want
- And, you know, the waivers that DHS and workforce services has to go through just to do what we want
- So DHS and workforce services are separate departments.
- So, you know, the workforce services, if they talk to DHS, they would know who these people are that
- DHS and public assistance offices, again, in every county in the state, is something that 100% needs
Summary:
The committee met to hear consultants Mason Bishop and Cameron Christie discuss Arkansas’s “one door/no wrong door” workforce and social services modernization effort. Bishop argued that the current system is fragmented across multiple agencies, offices, and portals, making it hard for job seekers and employers to access services efficiently. He said the goal is to create a more integrated system that promotes upward mobility, longer labor force attachment, better employer access to talent, greater efficiency, and faster adaptation to changes such as AI and other economic disruptions.
Bishop repeatedly pointed to Utah as a model, describing how that state combined workforce and public assistance functions into a single agency, used statewide cost allocation to blend funding streams, and improved customer service and outcomes after reform. He said Arkansas should consider integrating governance, service delivery, and financing, including possible waivers, a statewide cost allocation plan, and a benefits-cliff pilot. He also said Arkansas’s current local workforce board structure creates duplication and weak coordination, and that Launch is a useful tool but not a full service-delivery system.
Committee members asked how the proposal would work in practice, including whether TANF could be used to cross-train DHS workers, how federal waivers might be obtained, how local boards would be affected, and how disabled clients would be handled. Bishop said TANF should be treated as part of a workforce strategy, that federal pilot authority for workforce reform nearly passed but did not, and that waivers are now the practical path. He also said Arkansas could either merge functions more fully or at minimum co-locate workforce staff in DHS offices statewide. No votes were taken; the meeting ended with plans to continue the discussion in August, including a focus on case management and whether the state is managing programs or people.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 1/22/25
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- First of all, DHS did not know about the extent of these overpayments and the outstanding balances until
- Second, DHS's data are so poor related to this issue that, frankly, neither DHS nor our auditors could
- Finally, the third thing that concerns me the most is that DHS plans to forgo recovery of overpayments
- <00:02:17.760>
plans concerns me the most is that DHS plans concerns me the most is that DHS - OA and DHS disagreed the most in terms of their ability to recover.
Summary:
The committee approved the January 16, 2024 minutes without objection. Members then heard a presentation from the Office of the Legislative Auditor on its December 2024 performance audit of the Department of Human Services’ outstanding provider debt in Minnesota’s Medicaid fee-for-service program. Legislative Auditor Judy Randall said the audit was launched after the office noticed a large accounts receivable balance during the state financial statement audit and became concerned that DHS did not understand the extent of the overpayments, had poor data, and planned to forgo recovery of some recoverable balances.
Deputy Legislative Auditor Lori Lyson explained that DHS had reported $51.7 million in provider debt across about 2,500 providers in fiscal year 2023, with testing focused on long-term care facilities and the largest balances. The audit concluded DHS did not comply with legal requirements and lacked adequate internal controls. Findings included that DHS had not attempted to recover more than $40 million since collection notices were last sent in 2015 and 2019; that the department planned to write off some balances under $1,000 and some older than six years despite the auditors’ view that at least some of that debt may still be recoverable; that DHS overstated accounts receivable in its financial reporting because it had not updated its allowance calculation since 2019; and that MMIS data were insufficient to verify balances, with 20 of 59 sampled providers not reconciling and many dates inaccurate.
In response to member questions, the auditors said the overpayments appeared to be routine program adjustments rather than fraud, but the department could not explain many of them because detailed data are only retained for about three years. They also said they did not know which specific DHS leader approved not collecting the debt, and that responsibility for recovery appeared split between program and finance staff, with each pointing to the other. The auditors recommended DHS recover the debt where possible, improve internal controls, retain better documentation, ensure accurate financial reporting, and work with the legislature if needed to clarify recovery authority.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- DHS, yeah. And so in the last—when did we do that? In 2019. They were moved under Commerce.
- quarter... ...and DHS number two.
- I did not catch the change on DHS at this point.
- There are 60, DHS is 60% higher than Department of Corrections.
- Like the, there are 60, DHS is 60% higher than Department of Corrections on this quarter. Okay.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- DHS, yeah. And so in the last—when did we do that? In 2019.
- DHS and other institutional places also are the second in line with the most overtime.”
- quarter DHS is $600,000 higher than the Department of Corrections.
- I did not catch the change on DHS.”
- “Well, that's like, DHS is 60% higher than Department of Corrections on this quarter. Okay.
Summary:
The committee first considered a Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism request to swap three administrative coordinator positions for one park superintendent, one maintenance supervisor, and one park manager for Blanchard Springs State Park. Members were told the change would be funded by conservation tax special revenues, would not increase total positions, and had OPM’s support. The item was reviewed and approved without objection.
Members then approved two special compensation plans: one from the Department of Commerce for lump-sum bonuses of up to $5,000 for employees involved in the unemployment insurance system migration to a cloud-based platform, and one from the Department of Veterans Affairs for $2,000 recruitment bonuses for certified nursing assistants at the Fayetteville and North Little Rock State Veterans Homes. The Department of Health also received approval to reinstate a previously frozen fiscal support manager position for the State Medical Board, with the agency noting the position was already authorized and would not increase total staffing.
The committee spent substantial time on a Commerce reduction-in-force affecting the Division of Services for the Blind and related workforce operations. Secretary Hugh McDonald said the layoffs were driven by over-obligated federal funds, lack of fiscal planning, and a need to realign operations; he said the RIF would be permanent and that 56 employees remained furloughed, with 17 positions slated for elimination. Senators questioned the division’s accountability structure, the role of the board and governor, and whether the cuts disproportionately affected African American employees; Commerce was asked to provide racial composition data for the workforce and the RIF.
The committee also reviewed quarterly employment and overtime reports. Members asked about overtime levels at DHS, Corrections, and Transportation, and whether higher staffing levels and the new pay plan were reducing overtime. OPM said overtime was being monitored, that direct-care positions are exempt from the hiring freeze, and that the state had hired more than 1,200 employees at DHS since the new system went live. No further action was taken on the report items, and the meeting adjourned.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- have this authority agencies like DHS have this authority when<00:11:44.960>
they <00:11:45.080 - <01:00:30.800>
know you let the DHS know you let the DHS know uh<01:00:32.800>that - has their own process as and then DHS has their own process as well. well. well.
- So, our process goes: we get a referral from DHS. We look at it.
- goes we get a referral from DHS. goes we get a referral from DHS.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 2/19/25
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- We are working at DHS to finalize an overall plan that we would be able to share within a...
- Just want to make a quick point of comparison here: during the ravages of COVID, DHS along...
- Just want to make a quick point of comparison here: during the ravages of COVID, DHS along...
- work that is occurring currently in DHS work that is occurring currently in DHS in<01:07:01.400>
- We want to work with you, DHS, to figure out how to do that better, how to expand capacity.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- This is a request for DHS Division of Aging and Adult Behavioral Health Services.
- A request for DHS Division of County Ops.
- This is a request from DHS Division of Developmental Disabilities, transferring out one DHS division
- Next item for DHS is item I. This is Governor's Letter 13.
- Request from DHS Secretary's Office receiving one procurement coordinator from County Ops, taking their
Summary:
The committee first considered the Lieutenant Governor’s Office budget and personnel request. Office representatives said they wanted to move the office to the state pay plan to better align salaries with other constitutional offices and remain competitive, noting that OPM had approved the positions and grades. Senators questioned the size of the requested increases and the office’s workload, and after discussion the motion to adopt the proposal failed on an 8-8 tie. The committee then voted to expunge that vote and returned to the regular agenda.
The committee approved a series of Governor’s letters involving position transfers and appropriation adjustments across several agencies. These included changes for AETN, the Department of Health and Nursing Board/Dietetics Board, multiple DHS divisions, DFA shared services and budget management, and the Department of Public Safety shared services division. Most of these items involved moving positions and associated salary appropriations between divisions, with no major opposition and motions passing.
A lengthy discussion followed on the transfer of child nutrition and related nutrition programs from the Department of Education to the Department of Agriculture. Education and DFA officials explained that the programs fit better under Agriculture because the funding and commodities are tied to USDA programs, and they clarified that both state and federal funding and all related positions would move. Senators raised concerns about the math in the letters, the split between state and federal funding, and whether all program resources were being transferred. After the explanation, the committee approved the Education side of the transfer and then approved the Agriculture companion letter.
The committee also discussed the Educational Freedom Account program budget. Officials said the $309 million request matched current participation and included a $70 million reserve in case applications increase. Several senators expressed concern about the program’s growth and its effect on public education funding and adequacy, while others noted that the program’s rules and funding levels could be adjusted through the State Board and future legislative action. The committee then approved a Public Safety classification change and a member amendment changing a title at East Arkansas Community College from assistant to the president to assistant to the chancellor, with no change in positions or appropriation.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- This is a request for DHS Division of Aging and Adult Behavioral Health Services.
- A request for DHS Division of County Ops.
- This is a request from DHS Division of Developmental Disabilities, transferring out one DHS division
- This is a request for DHS Division of Youth Services, receiving one social services supervisor expert
- Next item for DHS is Item I. This is Governor's Letter 13.
Summary:
The committee first considered the Lieutenant Governor’s Office budget and personnel request to move that office onto the state pay plan and increase salaries for its positions. Office representatives said the request was intended to make pay competitive with other constitutional offices and state agencies, that OPM had approved the grades, and that the office did not plan to max out any positions. Members questioned the size of the increase and the office’s workload. A motion to adopt the proposal failed on a tie vote, and the committee then voted to expunge the vote before moving on.
The committee then approved a series of Governor’s letters and related personnel transfers, including cuts for Arkansas Educational Television Network, transfers within the Department of Health and several DHS divisions, and a DFA shared services reorganization. The committee also approved moving child nutrition and related nutrition programs from the Department of Education to the Department of Agriculture, with department officials explaining that the programs fit better under Agriculture because the grants come from USDA and the transfer would include the positions and funding tied to the programs. Members raised questions about how the appropriations and positions were split between state and federal funding, and about the broader implications of the transfer, but the committee ultimately approved both the Education and Agriculture sides of the move.
The meeting also included extended discussion of the Educational Freedom Account program. Members questioned the $309 million appropriation, whether it matched current participation, and whether future demand could require additional funding. Department officials said the amount covered current participation and that the governor had set aside an additional $70 million in case applications increased, but that any amount beyond the appropriation would require returning to the committee. Some members argued the program’s growth could threaten funding for public schools and adequacy, while others noted that the program is governed by rules under the LEARNS Act. The committee also approved a technical title change at East Arkansas Community College from assistant to the president to assistant to the chancellor.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Rehabilitative mental health service providers 3/4/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- >> So that is a DHS technical assistance.
- The bill was shared with the Minnesota Department of Human Services, and DHS technical assistance has
- Bill proponents stand ready to work with DHS if they come forward with further technical assistance.
- The bill was shared with the Minnesota Department of Human Services, and DHS technical assistance has
- Bill proponents stand ready to work with DHS if they come forward with further technical assistance.
Summary:
House File 3520, as amended by an A1 technical amendment from DHS, was heard in committee. The bill was described as a policy-only measure aimed at modernizing mental health statutes to reduce confusion, ease staffing burdens, and improve recruitment and retention in a workforce facing shortages. The author said the bill was developed with mental health stakeholders over several years, shared with DHS, and intended to have no cost unless provisions are later flagged for fiscal impact.
Chris Westgard of Touchstone Mental Health testified in support and walked through the bill’s main provisions. Section 1 would exclude weekends and holidays from the 10-day deadline for completing diagnostic assessments after admission to intensive residential treatment services, which he said would reduce weekend and holiday work for limited staff. Section 2 would clarify statutory language governing the behavioral health fund’s coverage of intensive residential treatment and residential crisis stabilization services. Section 3 would update Youth ACT rules by allowing board-certified psychiatrists with relevant clinical experience to serve as prescribers, making registered nurses optional team members, and allowing teams with demonstrated experience to serve children and youth ages 8 to 20.
Members raised questions about statutory wording, including the use of “notwithstanding” and the term “qualified provider.” Nonpartisan staff said the bill could be tightened with a cross-reference if it advances. There was no public testimony against the bill. The committee laid House File 3520, as amended, over for possible inclusion.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Finance and Policy Working Group 1/15/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- You have MinnesotaCare and other health care grants at DHS, also the entirety of the health department
- I mentioned at the outset that another topic is other health care grants at DHS.
- So they are covered under HMOs or county-based purchasing plans that contract with DHS.
- <00:15:39.040>
contracts Managed Care Works um so DHS contracts Managed Care Works um so DHS - Then those providers bill DHS directly for the services provided, and then DHS reimburses those providers
Summary:
The meeting was an informational walkthrough for the Health Finance and Policy Working Group, focused on committee structure, budget basics, and major health-related accounts and programs. Staff explained the roles of House Research and House Fiscal, then reviewed key funds used by the committee, including the general fund, government special revenue fund, federal funds, the health care access fund, remediation account, and drinking water revolving fund. They also outlined the committee’s main budget areas, noting that medical assistance is the largest general fund item and that the Department of Health is a substantial agency funded by a mix of federal, general fund, and special revenue dollars.
A major portion of the presentation covered subsidized health coverage programs. Staff described Medical Assistance (Minnesota’s Medicaid program) as an entitlement for eligible Minnesotans, with no premiums or cost sharing, and explained its managed care and fee-for-service delivery systems. MinnesotaCare was presented as a separate federal-state basic health program for people who are not eligible for MA, with income limits, premiums for adults age 21 and older, and cost-sharing requirements; staff noted that federal premium tax credit changes affect MinnesotaCare premium ranges. The presentation also summarized MNsure’s role in the individual market and in determining eligibility for premium tax credits, cost-sharing reductions, MinnesotaCare, and MA.
The committee also received an overview of health-related licensing boards and occupational regulation. Staff said Minnesota has 16 health-related licensing boards, funded mainly through the state government special revenue fund and subject to legislative appropriation, and explained that health occupations may be regulated by the Department of Health, the Office of Emergency Medical Services, or the boards under chapter 214. Interstate licensure compacts were briefly noted as a way to ease practice across states. No bills were debated and no votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- E8 is also DHS. Thank you. E8, it's also DHS. Please introduce yourself for the record.
- Moving on to E9, DHS Division of County Operations. E9, DHS Division of County Operations.
- This particular rule, we want to move things on, but DHS has the ability, correct?
- Was DHS in the room when that was happening? Yes, ma'am. Thank you, sir.
- Back to for DHS to point back to.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- here can answer representatives from DHS here can answer that<00:09:05.320>
as <00:09:05.480>< - as Miss Johnson alluded to that DHS as Miss Johnson alluded to that DHS submitted<00:49:04.520><
- So, but I don't want to put this on the back of the DHS staff.
- My name is Christy Grom, and I'm the director of state government relations at DHS.
- and they say hey DHS and they say hey DHS staff<01:47:43.159>
um <01:47:43.440>please<
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE Mar 16th, 2026
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- So I've asked DHS to come and give us a presentation this morning, covering all of what we do in our
- Eubanks will come forth from DHS, we'll get this morning started.
- But I just think it's really important for us to see what DHS is spending their money on.
- Janet Mann, DHS Secretary. Ms. Eubanks, Deputy Secretary, DHS.
- Misty Eubanks, Deputy Secretary, DHS. Thank you, ladies. Please proceed.
Summary:
The subcommittee met to review Arkansas DHS hospital spending and reimbursement methods, with Secretary Janet Mann and Deputy Secretary Misty Eubanks explaining Medicaid hospital payments. They described fee-for-service per diem payments, cost settlements, and the upper payment limit (UPL) program, noting that SFY 2025 hospital payments included $688 million in inpatient/outpatient claims, $473 million in UPL payments, $248 million in cost settlements, and about $47 million in other payments such as graduate medical education and disproportionate share hospital funds. Members asked about why per diem rates vary, how cost settlements work, why UPL applies mainly to private hospitals, and how assessment fees are structured and funded. DHS said the hospital assessment fee is broad-based and uniform, used as the state share to draw federal funds, and that supplemental hospital payments after federal match totaled $548 million with no general revenue used.
The Arkansas Hospital Association’s Jody Ann Tritt then gave a broader overview of the hospital landscape, explaining the different hospital types in the state, including critical access hospitals, rural emergency hospitals, PPS hospitals, and specialty hospitals. She said Arkansas hospitals face financial strain, citing a negative 5.18% patient service margin statewide and lower reimbursement than surrounding states. She argued that Arkansas hospitals are paid less than hospitals in neighboring states for similar services, that commercial payer rates and administrative burdens are a major problem, and that Medicaid and Medicare rates remain below cost even with UPL support. She also said hospitals are the backbone of community care, provide emergency and public health functions, and are looking for ways to invest in technology and telehealth but often lack the revenue to do so.
Members pressed for clearer data on hospital finances, reimbursement adequacy, and the impact of commercial insurers. Tritt said the association had just authorized a statewide survey to gather updated financial information from hospitals, which she said would take about a year to complete. She also explained that Medicaid pays weekly, Medicare and commercial plans can involve delays and denials, and that hospitals often spend significant resources on revenue cycle work. The discussion ended with a brief update on assisted living reimbursement: DHS said one facility, The Pillars of the Community in Crossett, had announced closure, nine Living Choices waiver clients were being transitioned, and the updated rate study would be available after cost reports are collected, likely before the end of the fiscal year. The meeting then adjourned.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- minor adjustments are allowed by t DHS minor adjustments are allowed by t DHS without<00:34:34.639
- So, DHS is actually enforcing this stuff.
- <00:45:06.000>
this So, DHS is actually enforcing this So, DHS is actually enforcing this - <00:48:28.000>
employee mistake or opinion of a DHS employee mistake or opinion of a DHS employee - Um not to rag on DHS again, but it Okay.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - Part 2 - 03/17/26
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- proponents stand ready to work with DHS proponents stand ready to work with DHS on<00:43:04.120>
- <01:16:03.200>
and interagency agreement between DHS and interagency agreement between DHS - >
to <01:25:54.680>provide Currently, DHS is required to provide Currently, DHS is required - Um and the next one I have is the DHS um Um and the next one I have is the DHS um health<01:56:46.240
- This is related to extension of a DHS This is related to extension of a DHS legislative<02:01:00.560