Video & Transcript Research : 'certificate programs'

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ND

North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session Apr 8th, 2025 at 01:00 pm

North Dakota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The original bill had this program being administered by the Department of Labor.
  • to accept administering the program.
  • States slices that pie for the different programs.
  • Section 7 and 8 offer new language that clarifies... ...managed repair program.
  • And the health department has a whole program for dividing up those districts.
Keywords: 908, all
Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present. The chamber received notice that the governor had signed several bills, and the Speaker appointed conference committees after the Senate failed to concur with House amendments on Senate Bills 2180 and 2330. The House also approved several sixth-order amendments without objection before moving into reconsideration and final action on House Bill 1300, which concerns legislative term limits. After procedural motions to reconsider and undo concurrence, the House voted to do not concur on HB 1300, sending it back to the chair’s lap for further negotiation. A major portion of the meeting focused on Senate Bill 2232, which changes mandatory reporting rules for prenatal exposure to controlled substances and alcohol. Supporters said the bill is intended to keep pregnant women in prenatal care by removing an automatic CPS report if a woman tests positive but enters and stays on a treatment plan; opponents argued it weakens protections for unborn children and creates vague standards for mandated reporters. The House passed the bill 57-36. The chamber also passed Senate Bill 2280 unanimously, establishing timelines and standards for prior authorization in health insurance, and passed Senate Bill 2186, which creates a civil remedy for interference with court-ordered parenting time, a child custody review task force, and related reporting requirements. The House then took up Senate Bill 2239, an apprenticeship grant program with a $1.1 million appropriation, but rejected it 14-79 after the committee said the program lacked a clear administrative home. Senate Bill 2241, creating a framework for public charter schools, generated extensive debate over school choice, local control, funding, staffing, and rural impacts; supporters emphasized flexibility and community-driven options, while opponents warned about diversion of funds and weak guardrails. The bill passed 64-29. The House also passed Senate Bill 2024, the Department of Environmental Quality budget, after discussion about federal funding uncertainty; Senate Bill 2374, updating property insurance laws and market rules; Senate Bill 2216, creating a waterfowl habitat restoration stamp; Senate Bill 2245, allowing certain duck and goose hunting from anchored floating craft; and Senate Bill 233, establishing a distressed ambulance services process, which drew questions about how affected districts and neighboring services would be involved.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session - part 2 Apr 29th, 2025

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Just a brief word about the Veteran Homelessness Prevention Program: I want to say When a program is
  • The program that we're working with is through Lutheran Social Services, and it's a proven program.
  • , is a great program.
  • on loans, that money must go back into the program.
  • that those on the program could potentially stay on this program. just that little bit above the 50%
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Finance Division I (03/05/2025)

Transcript Highlights:
  • 187 because I don't like program 187 because I don't like program spending<01:50:31.560> you<
  • <03:23:22.120> and lot of the needs that the program and lot of the needs that the program
  • It talks about the grant program.
  • It talks about the grant program.
  • So they pre-funded the program. We typically have never pre-funded the program.
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The committee took up House Bill 2 provisions affecting the New Hampshire Retirement System, focusing on Group 2/Tier B retirement changes in pages 25 through 39 of the bill. NHRS Executive Director Jan Goodwin and deputy chief counsel Mark Kavanaugh explained that the 2025 bill is largely similar to prior versions and to HB 727, with the main difference being that the 2025 version does not include the earlier increase in the maximum benefit. They also said the fiscal note for HB 2 is based on earlier actuarial work and that an updated valuation was expected later in the week. A major topic was whether the bill accidentally removed an anti-spiking or special-duty compensation limit. NHRS said the omission appears to be a scrivener’s error caused by moving language between Group 1 and Group 2 definitions, and they planned to flag it in the fiscal note. Members also reviewed the bill’s intent to restore Tier B members to pre-2011 benefit rules, including changes to earnable compensation, average final compensation, and the comp-over-base rule. Some members questioned whether restoring those older rules was appropriate, arguing the 2011 changes were meant to curb pension spiking and that undoing them could be problematic. The committee also discussed the bill’s cost and funding assumptions. NHRS said the 2025 bill would reduce unfunded actuarial liability by about $98.2 million and would have a more favorable effect than the 2023 version, while employer contribution impacts would remain relatively small. Members noted the bill assumes annual appropriations of $27.5 million for 10 years, but House Bill 1 currently provides only $5 million in the first year, and NHRS had not yet analyzed the effect of that shortfall. No votes were taken in the portion provided; the discussion was informational and focused on clarifying the bill’s language, intent, and fiscal impact.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

PSM-EIG, PSM DEFER, PSM, PSM-EDU Public Hearings 02-13-2026

Public Safety and Military Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • State Tuition Assistance Program. State Tuition Assistance Program.
  • be able to extend to graduate programs. be able to extend to graduate programs.
  • Do you have award<00:48:41.119> programs award programs award programs like<00:48:44.000> his
  • Um we also do have award programs.<00:49:07.920> One<00:49:08.400> program<00:49:08.880
  • One program that is um about programs.
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The committees heard and then took action on several measures. Senate Bill 3048, relating to the State Building Code Council and the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, received support from OPSD and the Chamber of Commerce, with OPSD requesting amendments tied to software licensing and a public permitting dashboard. The committees ultimately recommended passing the bill with amendments, including an effective date, and later adopted that recommendation by vote. Senate Bill 3083, relating to protective orders, drew support from the U.S. Defense State Liaison Office, the Military and Community Relations Office, and a member of the public, while the Judiciary asked that the bill be deferred or amended because a prior notification process had lapsed and a new mandate could be difficult to implement. The committees nevertheless recommended passage with amendments and an effective date, noting implementation concerns in the report, and that recommendation was adopted. The committees also considered Senate Bill 3010, which would allow law enforcement, animal control officers, and firefighters to enter unattended vehicles to rescue animals in distress. The Animal Legal Defense Fund supported the measure as a common-sense good Samaritan protection, and the Hawaii Association for Justice recommended a small amendment. The bill was recommended for passage with amendments and later adopted. Senate Bill 3187, relating to off-site construction and SPEED Task Force recommendations, received OPSD testimony in support with comments; the committees recommended passing it with amendments, deleting the dollar amount and adding an effective date, and adopted that recommendation. In a later joint hearing with the Committee on Education, Senate Bill 2138, which would expand the Hawaii National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program to graduate study, received support from the University of Hawaii, the Department of Defense, the Hawaii Army National Guard, and the U.S. Defense State Liaison Office. Members asked whether the current law limited assistance to undergraduate degrees and whether the program would require new funding; witnesses said the bill would simply expand authority and could be implemented within the current budget. Senate Bill 2614, authorizing high school diplomas for certain veterans whose schooling was interrupted by military service or wartime practices, also drew support from DOE and the U.S. Defense State Liaison Office, with DOE explaining it had previously issued diplomas under an earlier version of the law and would verify eligibility through an application process. Senate Bill 2687, requiring a 100th Infantry Battalion history curriculum plan and pilot program, drew mixed testimony: DOE said the topic is already covered in existing social studies standards and the bill was unnecessary, while supporters argued the history is not being consistently taught and should be mandated. The transcript cuts off before final action on the education bills.
CO

Colorado 2026 Regular Session

Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 105 Apr 29th, 2026

Colorado Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • <02:17:35.040> funding And it sets the total program funding And it sets the total program
  • Would ask a result of the grant program.
  • <02:34:13.760> and the strengthen homes program and the strengthen homes program and information
  • We specifically in with a grant program.
  • Meals on Wheels, kids getting school programs, any of those other human services or social services programs
Keywords: 981, all
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Public Education May 6th, 2025

Public Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • We raised the funding from $50 to $150 per student program.
  • Is that the only ones that you want served on this program?
  • They approved a bond program back in 2018.
  • Those programs have really ceased to exist as TEA changed.
  • It creates a permissive school security volunteer program. ...security volunteer program with veterans
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/11/2026 - Senate Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency

Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency

Transcript Highlights:
  • Technical Registration through reciprocity or endorsement must hold a valid license, registration, or certification
  • profession in which the registration is sought, and clarifies that the valid license, registration, or certification
  • profession's national council certifying that the individual satisfies the national council's certification
  • experience rather than four years of experience following the person's licensure, registration, or certification
  • This bill allows for the registration of a fetal death certificate and affirms parental rights over the
Bills: HB2122, HB2184, HB2910
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

House Minerals, Business & Economic Development Committee, March 2, 2026

Minerals, Business & Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:
  • And it relates to when the capital requirement is in place, when you get a certificate of authority,
  • On page four, discussion of the certificates of authority to commence business.
  • But again, this was a request to provide clarity between having a certificate of authority, having a
  • <00:21:58.320> of requirements for a certificate of requirements for a certificate of authority
  • <00:22:06.480> of clarity between having a certificate of clarity between having a certificate
Bills: HB0116, HB0056
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Select Committee on Health Care and Behavioral Health Oversight Dec 3rd, 2025

Joint Select Committee on Health Care and Behavioral Health Oversight

Transcript Highlights:
  • It’s across Medicaid and other programs, as well as SNAP.
  • Also, thank you for Cascade Care Savings, our state premium assistance program.
  • This highlights a couple of the other programs again on that focus on affordability.
  • This highlights a couple of the other programs again on that focus on affordability.
  • We also have recently responded to an HR1 program opportunity.
Summary: The committee first welcomed new DSHS Secretary Angela Ramirez, who introduced herself and described her background in public service, federal and state legislative work, and health and human services leadership. Members emphasized the importance of building strong relationships with her and noted her focus on protecting services, using strategic approaches in a tight budget environment, and improving partnerships with the Legislature. Ramirez said she wanted to keep communication open and that her priorities would be shaped by what she learns from lawmakers and agency partners. The next work session focused on the West Coast Health Alliance and the broader Governor’s Public Health Alliance. Department of Health and governor’s office staff said the West Coast alliance, involving Washington, Oregon, California, and Hawaii, was formed to coordinate science-based public health guidance, especially around vaccines, return-to-work guidance, and responses to federal changes. They said the alliance is intended to reduce confusion, counter misinformation, and preserve access to evidence-based recommendations, with early actions including vaccine guidance for COVID-19, flu, and RSV, a statement rejecting any vaccine-autism link, and preparation for possible ACIP changes. Members asked about workload and coordination with other regional alliances, and staff said there is informal coordination but no formal regular meetings. The committee then heard from the Washington State Health Benefit Exchange about open enrollment and the effects of federal policy changes. Exchange leaders said the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits, HR1 provisions, and immigration-related eligibility changes are affecting affordability and enrollment, with some customers facing large premium increases and some counties becoming harder to serve. They reported early open-enrollment traffic increases, nearly 10,000 new sign-ups, and nearly 12,000 active coverage drops so far, while noting that many more people may disenroll later if subsidies are not extended. They also described mitigation efforts such as silver loading, Cascade Care Savings, outreach through navigators and community partners, and planning for future HR1 requirements like ending auto-renewal and adding verification steps. In the final work session, staff from the Health Care Authority and Insurance Commissioner’s office reviewed Washington’s health reform history and the state’s current affordability and access efforts. They highlighted past ACA-related coverage gains, continued work on prescription drug affordability, PBM oversight, primary care and behavioral health access, and a pending legislative proposal to preserve access to preventive services. They also discussed federal changes affecting Medicaid and the exchange, including work requirements, six-month redeterminations, and the need to coordinate across agencies to implement new rules. Members raised concerns about network adequacy, provider access, and the complexity of the health care system, while staff said they are trying to mitigate harm, simplify administration, and keep coverage and access as stable as possible.
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

Workforce committee approves HF1355 3/11/25

Transcript Highlights:
  • And the certification just does not sound like a hardship to these companies.
  • just does not and the certification just does not sound<00:14:45.720> like<00:14:45.880> a
  • um so it doesn't seem like certification um so it doesn't seem like it's<00:14:56.000> a<00:14
  • I'm just here to testify on the importance of scuba certification.
  • Trained through scuba certification and actually hands-on with a professional helping them go through
Keywords: 1183, house
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Elections Committee Mar 26th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • Historically, the statutory process of certification has been uncontrolled.
  • Historically, the statutory process of certification has been an uncontroversial post-election formality
  • However, since November 2020, counties in eight different states have delayed certification of their
  • With tight certification deadlines at the local, state, and federal levels, delays at the local level
  • Since November 2020, counties in eight different states have experienced delayed certifications because
Summary: The Assembly Elections Committee met on March 26, 2025, adopted its 2025-26 committee rules, and approved a five-bill consent calendar. The committee then heard several election-related measures focused on transparency, accessibility, and election administration. AB 775 (Fong) would modernize behested payment reporting by extending filing deadlines, requiring direct filing with the FPPC in most cases, and improving online public access; the FPPC chair testified in strong support, and the bill drew no opposition. AB 287 (Lackey) would require vote centers and polling places to provide accessible parking and curbside voting accommodations for voters with disabilities; Los Angeles County election officials and Disability Rights California supported the bill, while LAUSD raised concerns about parking shortages and storage costs and requested amendments. AB 331 (Pellerin) would clarify that certification of election results is a ministerial duty, address misleading ballot return envelopes, and ensure voter information guides reach incarcerated voters in a usable format; the Attorney General’s office sponsored the bill, while the Secretary of State expressed concerns about the feasibility of a state takeover of county canvassing and said it was working on a solution with the author. The committee members generally supported the bills, emphasizing transparency, voter access, and election integrity. AB 775 and AB 287 both received favorable votes after brief discussion, with members noting the importance of transparency in campaign-related reporting and accessibility for voters with disabilities. AB 331 also passed, though the Secretary of State’s office flagged implementation concerns about the proposed certification backstop and the lack of state equipment and staff to canvass ballots. The chair indicated she would continue working with the Secretary of State and other stakeholders on amendments or a workable remedy. All items ultimately passed out of committee. AB 775 was approved 5-0 and re-referred to Appropriations, AB 287 passed 6-0, and AB 331 passed 6-0 and was re-referred to Public Safety. The committee also later confirmed the votes of absent members and adjourned after all agenda items were disposed of.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Culture, Recreation & Tourism Apr 23rd, 2025

Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Transcript Highlights:
  • Most of my experience has been around the visualization program.
  • We're developing certificate programs for re-skilling and up-skilling the existing workforce.
  • We specifically state the Texas Moving Imaging Incentive Program. program because of the really remarkable
  • Back in 2015, Representative Shaheen filed legislation to abolish the program.
  • It's going to go towards this program rather than be used to, say, cut property taxes.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • 69 by McLaughlin relating to creating the Texas Flash flood Ally Interability Council and a grant program
  • HB number 94 by TOTH relating to creating a grant program administered by the Texas Division of Emergency
  • To the emergency Response Planning and Emergency preparedness of youth camps and campus programs for
  • Relating to the Texas flood recovery reimbursement and reconstruction program authorizing civil penalty
  • HB number 172 by Hicklin relating to campground emergency safety certification requirements providing
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama House Education Policy Committee Feb 12th, 2025

Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • replace line 93 on page four with the following: The board shall notify the educator preparation program
  • But I really like this program, and anything that we can do to promote it, I think this is one of the
  • But I just find that so many of the students who fit into the criteria don't know the program exists.
  • us to do a better job of marketing the program to all of the students as well as their parents.
  • However, the kids know more about those signature programs for workforce development, and they don't
Bills: HB9, HB102, HB9
CO

Colorado 2026 Regular Session

Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 114 May 8th, 2026

Colorado House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • . program. program.
  • <01:13:18.560> So negatively impacting a program. So negatively impacting a program.
  • The grant program then ended.
  • That's why we need this program.
  • lose that certification lose that certification serving<02:01:17.360> in<02:01:17.520>
Keywords: 981, all
MN
Transcript Highlights:
  • The top part, the voter certification, had what purported to be her signature on it.
  • The top part, the voter certification, had what purported to be her signature on it.
  • The top part, the voter certification, had what purported to be her signature on it.
  • The top part, the voter certification, had what purported to be her signature on it.
  • . certification. certification.
Keywords: 919, house, all
Summary: The committee first took up HF 2526 and received a walkthrough of the DE1 amendment from nonpartisan staff. The amendment revised the bill’s gift and ethics provisions by defining local government and public safety officer, narrowing covered mental health or wellness services to those provided by a qualified mental health professional and tied to recovery from a traumatic event, excluding luxury services or events as determined by the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board, and allowing local governments to adopt additional gift restrictions. It also added a bribery-related provision for gifts made with intent to influence a public safety officer. Members noted the language had been worked on by Representatives Duran, Vernig, and Freiberg, and the DE1 was adopted unanimously. HF 2526, as amended, then passed to the floor on a voice vote. The committee then turned to HF 3722, which would remove deceased voters from the state voter registration system. The bill author argued that deceased voters should not remain on the rolls and that removing them would clean up the voter list. Secretary of State staff testified in opposition, saying deceased voters are already kept in a separate deceased status, not on active rolls, and that retaining the record helps flag suspicious activity and preserves voter history in case of administrative error. A second testifier described a real case in which a deceased voter’s retained record helped election officials identify and investigate a fraudulent ballot. After discussion, the committee tabled HF 3722. Finally, the committee heard HF 3723, which would require additional verification for absentee ballot applications and permanent absentee voters. Supporters said the bill would help ensure ballots are not sent to people who have died or moved out of state. Secretary of State staff opposed the bill, saying most voters are already verified at registration, that the proposed checks would duplicate existing procedures, and that additional verification could create delays or false rejections. A testifier also objected to the bill’s effective date, saying it would take effect only days after absentee voting begins. The sponsor argued that voters remain on the permanent list indefinitely and that periodic verification is needed because people move or die; the committee did not reach a final vote in the portion provided.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

House of Representatives Apr 28th, 2026

Louisiana House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Whereas the Louisiana 4-H program is a youth development program of the LSU AgCenter that engages young
  • Whereas the Louisiana 4-H program is a youth development program of the LSU AgCenter that engages young
  • House Bill 181 by Representative Bacala, Medicaid Program, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
  • Members, this bill establishes the Bayou Growth Opportunity Workforce Program.
  • of medical assistance program integrity law. You have a right to close.
Summary: The House met on April 27, 2026, with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of personal privileges recognizing Domestic Violence Prevention and Advocacy Day, Guarantee Corporation’s 100th anniversary, Delta Waterfowl, FFA and 4-H students, St. Bernard Parish Day, the Louisiana Notary Association, and New Orleans Day. The chamber also received Senate messages, committee reports, and introduced several resolutions, including measures on Gulf States renewable energy, asthma and allergy awareness, St. Bernard Parish Day, and other commemorations. The floor then took up a long series of bills and resolutions. Among the notable measures were House Bill 316 on literacy and tutoring, House Bill 578 changing statutory references from gender to sex, House Bill 748 expanding toll exemptions for school board vehicles, House Bill 101 redesignating a portion of U.S. Highway 190 as the Jesse Jackson Memorial Highway, House Bill 1032 cleaning up DWI terminology, House Bill 1081 transferring the Louisiana Ports and Waterways Investment Commission, House Bill 1108 creating a homeschool pride prestige plate, House Bill 1129 giving in-state auctioneers preference for selling surplus state property, House Bill 1157 creating a Louisiana State Infrastructure Bank, House Bill 1192 creating a dental hygienist prestige plate, House Bill 1195 revising athletic commission rules and NIL-related provisions, House Bill 1198 barring arbitration in child custody and visitation matters, House Bill 181 allowing limited tax-data sharing for Medicaid/SNAP integrity, House Bill 1118 requiring disclosure of hospital ownership by real estate investment trusts, House Bill 1082 changing venue rules in suits involving municipal police employees’ retirement systems, House Bill 225 proposing a lifetime two-term limit for governor, House Bill 864 on municipal fire limits and storage of flammables, House Bill 1189 requiring captain’s licenses for certain freshwater charter guides, and House Bill 549 creating the Bayou Growth Opportunity Workforce Program. Most measures passed, often after brief debate and technical amendments. Several bills were recommitted or returned to the calendar, including House Bill 902, House Bill 1245, and House Bill 1247, while House Bill 225 failed on final passage. The House also considered and passed multiple Senate bills dealing with tax administration, child custody testimony, Supreme Court disciplinary jurisdiction over out-of-state lawyers, civil investigation demands in Medicaid fraud cases, service of process fees and notice, and permanent homestead exemption registration. The session ended with the House in recess after completing its bill agenda for the day.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part I) Apr 28th, 2025

State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • Bot technology, which is defined generally as a program that's designed to mimic human behavior and content
  • I found a harmful sexuality education program, a harmful social emotional learning curriculum.
  • I also found a program, a mental health program created by Lady Gaga, the music singer... ...a mental
  • health program created by Lady Gaga, the music singer.
  • It is a mental health program in which a child, who is a female, basically said she was a boy and said
Summary: The Committee on State Affairs heard several bills, mostly on alcohol regulation, ethics procedures, the Alamo, and free speech in professional associations. SB 2633 would let the City of Garland hold local option elections on alcohol sales within designated zones and use zoning/land-use rules for alcohol-selling businesses; Senator Johnson and Garland officials said it would reduce the burden of the petition process and support economic development. SB 2637 would require social media platforms to disclose when posts are made by bot accounts and allow Attorney General enforcement; supporters framed it as consumer protection against misleading automated content, while members raised questions about how platforms would identify bots and how enforcement would work. SB 2334 would allow airlines with passenger transportation permits to store sealed alcoholic beverages within five miles of an airport in the same county, which the sponsor and an American Airlines witness said would improve logistics without changing permits, taxes, or alcohol sourcing. The committee also heard SB 2781 and SB 2782, both related to Texas Ethics Commission procedures. SB 2781 would cap civil penalties tied to certain campaign contribution violations by former legislators who later lobby, and SB 2782 would require TEC to adopt discovery control plans and align discovery rules more closely with the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure to limit costly, open-ended discovery. Both bills were left pending after no public testimony. SB 3059 would transfer oversight of the Alamo from the General Land Office to a new Alamo Commission beginning in 2027; Senator Campbell said it would provide long-term stewardship and transparency, while Senator Birdwell questioned the need for a change and the commission’s structure, and GLO witnesses said they were not aware of any problem prompting the shift. HB 1130, a House companion to a previously passed Senate bill, would provide liability protections for cavern entities that post warning signs, and it was also left pending. A major portion of the meeting focused on SB 2713, which would bar professional or trade associations from denying membership or access based on protected characteristics or lawful speech and assembly. Senator Middleton and invited witnesses described disciplinary actions by realtor associations against members for social media posts, sermons, or political speech, arguing that the National Association of Realtors’ ethics rules were being used to punish private expression and threaten livelihoods through loss of MLS access. Committee members and witnesses discussed whether the bill should be narrowed to avoid affecting religious organizations, how association discipline works, and whether the measure should address existing penalties or only future conduct. The bill was left pending after extensive invited testimony and committee discussion.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • They retain total discretion whether to implement the program or not.
  • And the parents ended up having to pay for different programs those kids were in.
  • Even in the first year of the program, we've already seen a noticeable decrease in student anxiety.
  • However, I believe it is important for the District Alternative Education Program to have a District
  • They are alternatively certified, and I don't think our alternative certification programs are doing
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • Currently, we serve program.
  • enrolled in both the Medicaid program enrolled in both the Medicaid program and<00:41:58.319>
  • And that 600,000 Insurance Program.
  • So for the hospital rate improvement program and the ambulance provider assessment program, those two
  • So for the hospital rate improvement program and the ambulance provider assessment program, those two
Keywords: 958, all
Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Health and Family Services heard a presentation on Kentucky personal care homes from representatives of the Kentucky Association of Healthcare Facilities, Management Systems of Kentucky, and Elder Care Partners. Witnesses described personal care homes as a lower-cost, 24/7 residential option for adults with serious mental illness who do not qualify for nursing home care but need structured support, medication assistance, meals, housekeeping, transportation, and supervision. They said the homes are regulated by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, are not Medicaid-funded, and rely on a state supplementation rate of about $50.70 per day, which they argued no longer covers operating costs because of rising food, labor, insurance, and maintenance expenses. The presenters said the sector has shrunk significantly over time, citing a drop from 64 homes in 2002 to 34 today among the homes serving this population, with 30 closures over 23 years and two more closures since August. They argued that the closures have contributed to homelessness, hospital overcrowding, and longer stays in psychiatric hospitals, and they gave examples of residents who had spent many months in hospitals before stabilizing in a personal care home. One provider also described spending more than $800,000 on capital improvements after acquiring Kentucky facilities and said reimbursement is too low to sustain safe operations. They asked for an incremental reimbursement increase over two years and said they have also proposed an assisted-living model for people with mental illness. Members asked about staffing, reimbursement, and the number of people still needing placement. The presenters said there is no requirement for licensed or certified staff in these facilities, though some homes use medication technicians and occasional LPNs. They estimated they are currently serving about 2,000 residents and said they receive roughly 30 referrals for every one person admitted, with many referrals involving people whose needs exceed the personal care home level. Senator Meredith and Representative Fleming said any funding request would need documentation of savings and corresponding budget offsets, while Representative Duval expressed support and asked about possible staffing and program improvements. The witnesses also compared Kentucky’s flat-rate reimbursement to a more individualized reimbursement model in Minnesota, saying a needs-based system would better match staffing and reduce hospitalizations.