This bill mandates the Departments of Human Services (DHS) and Children and Families (DCF) to establish and hire a full-time, salaried Director of Medical Services for their respective offices: the Office of Program Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) in DHS and the Institutional Abuse Investigation Unit in DCF. The directors will serve as advisors to investigative entities dealing with cases of abuse, neglect, or death, particularly when complex medical issues arise. They are required to be licensed physicians with specific educational and experiential qualifications, and their responsibilities include providing expert testimony, reviewing medical policies and practices, and recommending improvements to enhance care standards.
Additionally, the bill appropriates a total of $480,000 from the General Fund, with $240,000 allocated to each department for the hiring of these directors. This funding aims to support the establishment of these positions and ensure that the departments have the necessary medical expertise to address complex cases effectively. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage.