Substitute Senate Bill No. 1215, now Public Act No. 23-198, is an act concerning employees working in intermediate care facilities. The act amends previous legislation to allocate funds for fiscal years ending June 30, 2022, and June 30, 2023, to increase rates for state-contracted providers. These funds are intended for wage enhancements and related expenses such as Federal Insurance Contributions Act, workers' compensation, and unemployment insurance for employees serving individuals with intellectual disabilities through the Department of Developmental Services. The bill specifies that providers who fail to increase employee salaries as required may face a rate decrease equivalent to the adjustment. Additionally, the Commissioner of Developmental Services has the discretion to allocate funds for enhanced benefits, ensuring that federal reimbursement is not jeopardized.

The bill introduces new provisions, particularly in subsections (c) and (d), which allow for the use of allocated funds for wage enhancements and related benefits for employees working in intermediate care facilities. These employees provide services to individuals with intellectual disabilities through the Department of Social Services. Furthermore, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023, state-contracted providers who are yet to receive funds will be permitted to use forthcoming funds for wage enhancements and related benefits for employees working in intermediate care facilities who serve individuals with intellectual disabilities or behavioral health needs. The act was approved on June 28, 2023.