This bill aims to enhance the Child Welfare Payment System in West Virginia by introducing a new article that addresses the urgent need for prompt payment to socially necessary service providers contracted by the state. It outlines legislative findings that highlight the financial struggles faced by these providers, including reliance on lines of credit, inability to expand services, and delayed payments affecting staff compensation and service availability. The bill mandates the Department of Human Services to implement significant changes by July 1, 2027, including decoupling payments from individual worker actions, transitioning to an invoice-based payment system, and establishing a formal reconciliation process.

Additionally, the bill requires the creation of a dedicated payment resolution process and regular meetings between provider representatives and the department's finance unit to improve communication and address payment issues. It also allows child placement agencies to update foster family statuses directly in the State PATH system to ensure accurate payments and addresses systemic coding errors that affect transitional living service reimbursements. Overall, the bill seeks to rectify existing payment issues and improve the financial stability of service providers, ultimately benefiting the children they serve.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 49-13-1, 49-13-2, 49-13-3