By Rose Hoban & Minali Nigam
This year the House and Senate agreed on a target number of $22.2 billion this year, which legislators said made the process of reconciling their two chambers’ visions easier. In the end, thought, lawmakers bumped up the final spending plan by about $116 million, helped along by about $62 million in late dollars flowing back into the state’s General Fund from agencies that had money left over from their year’s spending.
The big story in the Health and Human Services budget, as often is the case, was Medicaid. This year, instead of being under budget, the program wound up the fiscal year with a projected $318 million in extra dollars, in no small part due to generous budgeting last year.
As often happens, the Senate has inserted some significant policy language into their budget; this year that includes statutory language that would mandate all physicians, nurse practitioners, dentists – essentially anyone with a prescription pad who can order opioid pain relievers for a patient – to sign up for the state’s Controlled Substances Reporting System. Failure to register would result in license suspension or revocation.
“It’s a little bit of an onerous thing to get signed up and it’s a little bit of an onerous thing to use,” said Rep. Greg Murphy (R-Greenville), the legislature’s only physician. He said the system hadn’t been well publicized, but this will get it onto people’s radar.
“It’s altogether the right thing to do,” he said.
Note: Text in dark blue denotes a budget item that remained the same through the entire process.
HOUSE |
SENATE |
FINAL |
| CENTRAL MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION | CENTRAL MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION | CENTRAL MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION |
| Projects $10,989,017 as earned revenue for NC FAST for FY 2016-17, orders that any cash balance shall be used to match federal funds to speed up development of the Child Care Services modules of the system. | Projects $10,989,017 as earned revenue for NC FAST for FY 2016-17, orders that any cash balance shall be used to match federal funds to speed up development of the Child Care Services modules of the system. | Projects $10,989,017 as earned revenue for NC FAST for FY 2016-17, orders that any cash balance shall be used to match federal funds to speed up development of the Child Care Services modules of the system. |
| Appropriates $25.9 million in DHHS receipts (up from $13.2M) to provide for maintenance & operations of NC FAST, adds three new technology support analysts. | Appropriates $25.9 million in DHHS receipts (up from $13.2M) to provide for maintenance & operations of NC FAST, adds three new technology support analysts. | Appropriates $12.64 million in DHHS receipts (up from $13.2M) to provide for maintenance & operations of NC FAST. No new FTEs. |
| Budgets federal receipts of $12.6M and prior earned revenue of $1.6M from FY 2015-16 towards NC FAST upgrades and improvements. | Budgets federal receipts of $12.6M and prior earned revenue of $1.6M from FY 2015-16 towards NC FAST upgrades and improvements. | Budgets federal receipts of $12.6M and prior earned revenue of $1.6M from FY 2015-16 towards NC FAST upgrades and improvements. |
| Delays the reporting for the Community Paramedicine Pilot Program (mental health pts go directly to mental health services) up to March 2017 from Nov. 2016 | Delays the reporting for the Community Paramedicine Pilot Program (mental health pts go directly to mental health services) up to March 2017 from Nov. 2016. | Delays the reporting for the Community Paramedicine Pilot Program (mental health pts go directly to mental health services) up to March 2017 from Nov. 2016. |
| Orders the School of Gov’t at UNC Chapel Hill to prepare a training program to train DHHS management in contract management. RFP for the training program due by Aug. 1, 2016. Proposal needs to include budget estimates and administrative requirements. | Orders the School of Gov’t at UNC Chapel Hill to prepare a training program to train DHHS management in contract management. RFP for the training program due by Aug. 1, 2016. Proposal needs to include budget estimates and administrative requirements. | Orders the School of Gov’t at UNC Chapel Hill to prepare a training program to train DHHS management in contract management. RFP for the training program due by Aug. 1, 2016. Proposal needs to include budget estimates and administrative requirements. |
| Revises the list of not-for-profit programs that are required to participate in a competitive grant process, removing the food bank network, Prevent Blindness NC and TROSA from the number of programs required to submit annual competitive grants for state support. . | Revises the list of not-for-profit programs that are required to participate in a competitive grant process, adding a program that provides sports training and athletics for people with disabilities. Keeps the rest of the competitive grants process the same. | Revises the list of not-for-profit programs that are required to participate in a competitive grant process, adding a program that provides sports training and athletics for people with disabilities. Keeps the rest of the competitive grants process the same, meaning the food bank network, Prevent Blindness NC & TROSA remain in the competitive grants process. |
| Provides $50,000 for Able to Work USA to assist people with disabilities find meaningful employment (Vocational Rehab). Org is based in Wilmington. | ||
| Food banks receive a revised appropriation of $3.2M, $2,990,290 in recurring funds | Remains in competitive bidding system. | Food banks remain in the competitive bidding system. |
| Limits an appropriation of $2.4M to the Boys and Girls Clubs to FYs 2015-17 only, limits an appropriation to TROSA of $1.62M to the 2015-16 FY only, eliminating the appropriation for FY 2016-17. | Remains in competitive bidding system. | TROSA remains in the competitive bidding system. Boys and Girls Clubs receive one-time grant of $125,000, total appropriation for the organization at $2.6M. |
| ARC of NC receives revised appropriation of $1.6M, $271,343 in recurring funds | Remains in competitive bidding system. | ARC of NC remains in the competitive bidding system. |
| Marketing Association for Rehabilitation Centers receives revised appropriation of $300,000 in nonrecurring funds to create more jobs | Remains in competitive bidding system. | Marketing Association for Rehabilitation Centers receives revised appropriation of $300,000 in nonrecurring funds to create more jobs |
| Allocates $250,000 recurring funds for each FY 2015-17 plus $1,250,000 nonrecurring funds for FY 2016-17 for Medicaid data analysis pilot program | Allocates $250,000 recurring funds for each FY 2015-17 plus $1,250,000 nonrecurring funds for FY 2016-17 for Medicaid data analysis pilot program. Revises net appropriation to $1.3M | Allocates $250,000 recurring funds for each FY 2015-17 plus $1,250,000 nonrecurring funds for FY 2016-17 for Medicaid data analysis pilot program. Revises net appropriation to $1.5M |
| Allocates $1,918,824 nonrecurring to expand scope of pilot program to include new and ongoing data sources, customized reporting and analysis, and analysis for claims data to help with NC transition to capitated managed care. Revised net appropriation is $25.7M | Orders expansion of the scope of the pilot program to include integration of new data sources (e.g. HEDIS measures), customized reporting and analysis, and analysis for claims data to help with NC transition to capitated managed care. No mention of extra appropriation. | Allocates $1,918,824 nonrecurring to expand scope of pilot program to replace current hardware and move towards “enterprise solution” with enhances performance and technical support. Initiative is intended to help with NC transition to capitated managed care. Revised net appropriation is $25.7M |
| Requires analytics to be developed and implemented in collaboration with the Government Data Analytics Center. | ||
| Allocates $200,000 nonrecurring fund to pharmacy program for access to medications, patient support, advocacy and related services to indigent and uninsured NC residents; net appropriation is $2.7M | Appropriation for prescription assistance is unchanged at $2.5M | Allocates $200,000 nonrecurring fund to pharmacy program for access to medications, patient support, advocacy and related services to indigent and uninsured NC residents; net appropriation is $2.7M |
| Provides 2% salary increase and $500 bonus for permanent full-time State employees in different Divisions of the Department of Health and Human Services totalling: $7,469,462 recurring and $3,320,393 nonrecurring | Provides $31 million for salary increases and $46 million for one-time merit-based bonuses for State employees. Orders the Office of State Human Resources shall develop policies for the allocation of these salary increases and merit-based bonuses. Merit-based bonuses provided by employing agencies shall not be considered compensation for retirement purposes. | Compensation Increase Reserve Total: $5,668,479 Recurring & $1,834,669 Non-recurring |
| Increases contribution to State Health Plan by 3.43%; net appropriation for health benefits for active employees is $1.4B, an increase of $46.9M for FY 2016-17; total net appropriation in other reserves for retirees is $23.3M, total State Contributions to the State Health Plan across different Divisions of the Department of Health and Human Services: $1,140,056 | ||
| Increases State contribution to Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (TSERS) to fund actuarially determined contirbution, provide 1.6% cost-of-living adjustment, provide additional benefits to probation/parole officers, and fund retiree medical premums; net appropriation for members of TSERS is $1.6B, increase of $121.3M for FY 2016-17; total State Retirement Contributions across different Divisions of the Department of Health and Human Services: | Increases State contribution to Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (TSERS) to fund actuarially determined contribution by a total of $962,652 across all DHHS departments. Net appropriation for members of TSERS is $1.5B, an increase of $31.6M for FY 2016-17. | State Retirement Total: $962,652 Recurring & $1,443,977 Non-recurring |
| Adds $143K to provide 3 people to develop performance standards for counbty DSS departments and provide guidance on how to improve timeliness of Medicaid eligibility determinations, also train on NC FAST and manage Medicaid workload. | Adds $143K to provide 3 people to develop performance standards for counbty DSS departments and provide guidance on how to improve timeliness of Medicaid eligibility determinations, also train on NC FAST and manage Medicaid workload. | |
| Revises qualifications for the Director of the Office of Program Evaluation, eliminating the requirement that the applicant have at least 10 years of experience. | ||
| Continues a $3.2M department-wide reduction in contract payments. | ||
| DIVISION OF CHILD DEVELOPMENT & EARLY EDUCATION | DIVISION OF CHILD DEVELOPMENT & EARLY EDUCATION | DIVISION OF CHILD DEVELOPMENT & EARLY EDUCATION |
| Budgets TANF Block Grant receipts which allows for reduction of state appropriation for NC Pre-K by $4.2M on a one-time basis. Total appropriation from all sources is $52.6M | Budgets TANF Block Grant receipts which allows for reduction of state appropriation for NC Pre-K by $6.4M on a one-time basis. Total appropriation from all sources is $46.5M | Budgets TANF Block Grant receipts which allows for reduction of state appropriation for NC Pre-K by $6.4M on a one-time basis, by replacing state funds with those from federal block grants. Total appropriation from all sources is $47.8M, which is $5.1M than budgeted last year. Total funds available for NC Pre-K is $144.2M |
| Increases the number of children served in NC Pre-K by increasing state appropriation of $4M | Appropriates an additional $1.325M to Increase the number of children served in NC Pre-K by 260. Total state appropriation is $47.8M | |
| Budgets TANF block grant receipts which allows for reduction of Child Care Subsidy state dollars by $3.6M. Revised net appropriation is $44M | Budgets $3.6 M in TANF block grant receipts and $2.8M in Child Care Development block grants receipts which allows for reduction of Child Care Subsidy state dollars by $6,4M. Revised net appropriation is $46M | |
| Allows private child care facilities and those operating in public schools to meet similar building standards. | Allows private child care facilities and those operating in public schools to meet similar building standards. | Allows private child care facilities and those operating in public schools to meet similar building standards. |
| Orders the Division of Child Development and Early Ed to study how rates are set for the child care subsidy, deliver report by March, 2017 | Orders the Division of Child Development and Early Ed to study how rates are set for the child care subsidy, deliver report by March, 2017 | Orders the Division of Child Development and Early Ed to study how rates are set for the child care subsidy, deliver report by March, 2017 |
| Projects increase in child care subsidy market rates based on rates recommended from 2015 Child Care Market Rate Study in the amount of $3.45M | Projects increase in child care subsidy market rates based on rates recommended from 2015 Child Care Market Rate Study in the amount of $3.45M. Reduces net appropriation for child care subsidy from $51M to $46M. | |
| Maintains Smart Start Match requiring NC Partnership for Children and local partnerships to match 17% matching of funds received from the state, with 12 percent must be met with cash and up to the rest of the 17 percent can be in kind for each FY 2015-17. | Increases the amount of matching funds the Smart Start system is required to raise annually to 19%, if the system misses the target, it’s a dollar-for-dollar penalty reduction in funds for the coming year (this was originally established in the 2015-17 budget document). | |
| Orders a study of costs and effectiveness of NC Pre-K slots. One goal: determine if costs for NC Pre-K are justified or whether there are other alternatives to achieve the same objectives. Another goal: determine the amount of funds needed to maintain the current number of slots if the per slot cost was incresaed to the amount recommended by the study. | ||
| Orders DHHS, DPI and other agencies to study early ed in the state and “wighin resources currently available” collaborate in order to develop and implement a statewide vision for early childhood education. Create data indicators. Make reporpt to HHS Oversight committee by Jan. 2017 and follow up report in Jan. 2018. | ||
| Appropriates an additional $1.325M to Increase the number of children served by child care subsidy by 260. Total state appropriation is $46M | ||
| Appropriates $52,371,075 to Smart Start- Child Care Related Activities | Appropriates $52,371,075 to Smart Start- Child Care Related Activities | |
| Budgets $7,346 in Child Care Development Fund block grant receipts. Total CCDF block grant available is now $1.6M | ||
| DIVISION OF SOCIAL SERVICES | DIVISION OF SOCIAL SERVICES | DIVISION OF SOCIAL SERVICES |
| Requires child welfare state child welfare programs, including Child Protective Services and NC FAST, to comply with national standards for child welfare policy and practices; implemented by DHHS and DSS; also requires that NC come into compliance with the Child and Family Services Review and improve performance data to better track children and outcomes across county lines. | Requires child welfare state child welfare programs, including Child Protective Services and NC FAST, to comply with national standards for child welfare policy and practices; implemented by DHHS and DSS; also requires that NC come into compliance with the Child and Family Services Review and improve performance data to better track children and outcomes across county lines. | Requires child welfare state child welfare programs, including Child Protective Services and NC FAST, to comply with national standards for child welfare policy and practices; implemented by DHHS and DSS; also requires that NC come into compliance with the Child and Family Services Review and improve performance data to better track children and outcomes across county lines. |
| As part of Child Welfare Program Improvement Plan, creates training for supervisors who coach/ manage field social workers, adds three positions to help carry out the Program Improvement Plan that came out of the CFSR. Adds in-home service dollars to help keep families intact, prevent placement in foster care. All told the plan receives $167,083 in recurring funds and $8.4M in one time funds, with $8.1M of that going to family preservation and support. | As part of Child Welfare Program Improvement Plan, creates training for supervisors who coach/ manage field social workers, adds three positions to help carry out the Program Improvement Plan that came out of the CFSR. Adds in-home service dollars to help keep families intact, prevent placement in foster care. All told the plan receives $167,083 in recurring funds and $8.4M in one time funds, with $8.1M of that going to family preservation and support. | As part of Child Welfare Program Improvement Plan, creates training for supervisors who coach/ manage field social workers, adds three positions to help carry out the Program Improvement Plan that came out of the CFSR. Adds in-home service dollars to help keep families intact, prevent placement in foster care. All told the plan receives $167,083 in recurring funds and $8.4M in one time funds, with $8.1M of that going to family preservation and support. Increases appropriation for Family Preservation and Support fund to $9.6M. |
| Adds $691,965 in recurring funds and $11,614 in one time funding to improve licensing for the foster care system, provide technical assistance to counties working to improve their child welfare worker training, and support for foster families. | Adds $691,965 in recurring funds and $11,614 in one time funding to improve licensing for the foster care system, provide technical assistance to counties working to improve their child welfare worker training, and support for foster families. | Adds $691,965 in recurring funds and $11,614 in one time funding to improve licensing for the foster care system, provide technical assistance to counties working to improve their child welfare worker training, and support for foster families. |
| Takes $737,067 from the Social Services Block Grant to use for training needs of county child welfare training staff, notes the funds cannot be used to supplany any other funding for training. . Also exempts local DSSs from requiring matching funds. | ||
| Creates statutory definitions in juvenile code of caretaker to include potential adoptive parents, allows for information disclosure to child placement agencies licensed by DHHS, and gives courts more leeway to decide about reunification efforts. | Creates statutory definitions in juvenile code of caretaker to include potential adoptive parents, allows for information disclosure to child placement agencies licensed by DHHS, and gives courts more leeway to decide about reunification efforts. | |
| Inserts language requiring that Native American children in the foster care and adoption system be “served in a culturally appropriate manner” | Inserts language requiring that Native American children in the foster care and adoption system be “served in a culturally appropriate manner” | Inserts language requiring that Native American children in the foster care and adoption system be “served in a culturally appropriate manner” |
| Revises the date for a report on the Eastern Band of the Cherokee assuming social service responsibility to April 2017. | Revises the date for a report on the Eastern Band of the Cherokee assuming social service responsibility to April 2017. | Revises the date for a report on the Eastern Band of the Cherokee assuming social service responsibility to April 2017. |
| Revises appropriation for adoption assistance downward by $1M “based on projected enrollment,” to a new total of $44.3M. | Revises appropriation for adoption assistance downward by $1M “based on projected enrollment,” to a new total of $44.3M. | Revises appropriation for adoption assistance downward by $1M “based on projected enrollment,” to a new total of $44.3M. |
| Funds 3 additional positions to perform child fatality reviews to meet statutory requirements. at a cost of $59K in recurring funding and $750 one-time funding | Funds 3 additional positions to perform child fatality reviews to meet statutory requirements. at a cost of $59K in recurring funding and $750 one-time funding | Funds 3 additional positions to perform child fatality reviews to meet statutory requirements. at a cost of $59K in recurring funding and $750 one-time funding |
| DHHS required to report on the implementation of the child welfare component of NC FAST to the Legislative Oversight Committee quarterly, beginning in Oct 2016. | DHHS required to report on the implementation of the child welfare component of NC FAST to the Legislative Oversight Committee quarterly, beginning in Oct 2016. | DHHS required to report on the implementation of the child welfare component of NC FAST to the Legislative Oversight Committee quarterly, beginning in Oct 2016. |
| Transfer adminstration of eligibility process for Medicaid and NC Health Choice from counties to Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is contingent on CMS approval of State Plan amendments and Medicaid waivers | Transfer adminstration of eligibility process for Medicaid and NC Health Choice from counties to Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is contingent on CMS approval of State Plan amendments and Medicaid waivers | Transfer adminstration of eligibility process for Medicaid and NC Health Choice from counties to Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is contingent on CMS approval of State Plan amendments and Medicaid waivers |
| Reduces the Child Welfare Program Improvement Plan by $60,000 and moves that funding to the DSS to create a grant program to recruit foster parents who are members of Native American tribes, also to provide training on Native cultural appropriateness for county DSS workers. | Takes $60,000 from the Family Preservation and Support fund and moves that funding to the DSS to create a grant program to recruit foster parents who are members of Native American tribes, also to provide training on Native cultural appropriateness for county DSS workers. | |
| Should the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians receive federal approval and assume responsibility for SNAP and other programs under G.S. 108A-25(e), State statutes and rules for those programs will no longer apply to the Tribe | Should the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians receive federal approval and assume responsibility for SNAP and other programs under G.S. 108A-25(e), State statutes and rules for those programs will no longer apply to the Tribe | Should the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians receive federal approval and assume responsibility for SNAP and other programs under G.S. 108A-25(e), State statutes and rules for those programs will no longer apply to the Tribe |
| Orders DHHS to establish a pilot program to engage dually eligible recipients (eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid), with the goal of improving their health, increasing independence and reducing costs. | Orders DHHS to establish a pilot program to engage dually eligible recipients (eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid), with the goal of improving their health, increasing independence and reducing costs. | Orders DHHS to establish a pilot program to engage dually eligible recipients (eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid), with the goal of improving their health, increasing independence and reducing costs. |
| Orders DHHS to establish a pilot program to increase access to Food and Nutrition Services for dually eligible (Medicare and Medicaid) individuals; total requirements for Food and Nutrition Services Pilot Program are $1.2M and net appropriation is $600,000 | Orders DHHS to establish a pilot program to increase access to Food and Nutrition Services for dually eligible (Medicare and Medicaid) individuals; total requirements for Food and Nutrition Services Pilot Program are $1.2M and net appropriation is $600,000 | Orders DHHS to establish a pilot program to increase access to Food and Nutrition Services for dually eligible (Medicare and Medicaid) individuals; total requirements for Food and Nutrition Services Pilot Program are $1.2M and net appropriation is $600,000 |
| Orders DSS to report to the Legislative Oversight Committee on HHS on the progress of the pilot by Feb, 2018. States that “if the funding and capacity exist,” DSS can expand the pilot. | Orders DSS to report to the Legislative Oversight Committee on HHS on the progress of the pilot by Feb, 2018. States that “if the funding and capacity exist,” DSS can expand the pilot. | Orders DSS to report to the Legislative Oversight Committee on HHS on the progress of the pilot by Feb, 2018. States that “if the funding and capacity exist,” DSS can expand the pilot. |
| Expands Angel Watch, a foster care program for children 0-6 years not in custody of Department of Social Services and whose families are temporarily unable to provide care because of a crisis, to more counties; net appropriation is $1.1M Orders an interim report on the program by March, 2017. | Expands Angel Watch, a foster care program for children 0-6 years not in custody of Department of Social Services and whose families are temporarily unable to provide care because of a crisis, to more counties; net appropriation is $1.1M | |
| Allocates $400,000 recurring for Child Advocacy Centers to bring funding for FY 2016-17 to FY 2015-16 level; net appropriation is $793,000 | Allocates $200,000 in one-time funding for Child Advocacy Centers; net appropriation is $593,000 | Allocates $400,000 recurring for Child Advocacy Centers to bring funding for FY 2016-17 to FY 2015-16 level; net appropriation is $793,000 |
| Changes dates and requirements for the TANF benefit implementation plan in “electing” counties, Beaufort, Caldwell, Catawba, Lenior, Lincoln, Macon and Wilson for three years, from 2016-2019. This allows these counties to move money from TANF funds to the Work First Family Assistance and Work First Diversion Assistance. Work First “provides eligible families with short-term assistance to facilitate their movement to self-sufficiency through gainful employment.” in so-called “electing” counties, the local boards of commissioners (rather than local DSSs) are responsible for designing and overseeing the Work First program. | Changes dates and requirements for the TANF benefit implementation plan in “electing” counties, Beaufort, Caldwell, Catawba, Lenior, Lincoln, Macon and Wilson for three years, from 2016-2019. This allows these counties to move money from TANF funds to the Work First Family Assistance and Work First Diversion Assistance. Work First “provides eligible families with short-term assistance to facilitate their movement to self-sufficiency through gainful employment.” in so-called “electing” counties, the local boards of commissioners (rather than local DSSs) are responsible for designing and overseeing the Work First program. | |
| Provides $100,000 in funding for the South Davidson Family Resource Center. | ||
| Provides $150,000 in funding for children’s homes: $50K for the American Children’s Home in Lexington and $100,000 for the Mills Home in Thomasville. | ||
| DIVISION OF AGING AND ADULT SERVICES | DIVISION OF AGING AND ADULT SERVICES | DIVISION OF AGING AND ADULT SERVICES |
| Increases the state-county special assistance rate for residents in adult care homes to $1,216, up from $1,182 starting Oct 2016. Keeps reimbursement for residents in Alzheimer’s/ dementia special care units the same. | Keeps the rate for state-county special assistance the same. | Creates temporary assistance for facilities licensed to accept stet-county special assistance. Allows for an extra $34 / month for each eligible resident and limits the payments for a time only between Oct 2016 and June 2017. |
| Appropriates $550,000 to Project CARE (Caregiver Alternatives to Running on Empty) starting October 1, 2016 to support families acting as caregivers for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease | Appropriates $300,000 to Project CARE (Caregiver Alternatives to Running on Empty) starting October 1, 2016 to support families acting as caregivers for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease | Appropriates $550,000 to Project CARE (Caregiver Alternatives to Running on Empty) starting October 1, 2016 to support families acting as caregivers for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease |
| The overall appropriation for SA is $61.1M, with $3.75M in added annual money to meet need created by increase in the payment rate, However, reduces this year’s overall state appropriation for state-county special assistance by $1M due to reduced number of people in the program. | The overall appropriation for SA is $57.4M. Reduces this year’s overall state appropriation for state-county special assistance by $1M. | Overall appropriation for special assistance is $3.75M and counties are required to provide matching funds so that the total provided for SA is $7.5M |
| Changes eligibility threshold for state-county special assistance, requiring an additional $4.1M in funding. | No mention. | Reduces state-county special assistance by $1M, due to decrease in the number of people in the program. Total SA funding is now $57.4M |
| Permits DHHS to perform audits of adult care homes and use documentation gathered from these and other reports to adjust the adult care home rate at least every two years. Orders DHHS to adopt rules for rate-setting methodology and the audited costs reports. | Permits DHHS to perform audits of adult care homes and use documentation gathered from these and other reports to adjust the adult care home rate at least every two years. Orders DHHS to adopt rules for rate-setting methodology and the audited costs reports. | Permits DHHS to perform audits of adult care homes and use documentation gathered from these and other reports to adjust the adult care home rate at least every two years. Orders DHHS to adopt rules for rate-setting methodology and the audited costs reports. |
| Orders DHHS to suspend admissions to adult care homes that fail to submit their semi-/ annual reports. | Orders DHHS to suspend admissions to adult care homes that fail to submit their semi-/ annual reports. | Orders DHHS to suspend admissions to adult care homes that fail to submit their semi-/ annual reports. |
| Adds two full time staff ($200K) in the Division to help with “No Wrong Door” initiative. Helps provide funding for the 2-1-1 system, and management of Alzheimer’s initiatives and partnerships. | Adds two full time staff ($200K) in the Division to help with “No Wrong Door” initiative. Helps provide funding for the 2-1-1 system, and management of Alzheimer’s initiatives and partnerships. | Adds two full time staff ($200K) in the Division to help with “No Wrong Door” initiative. Helps provide funding for the 2-1-1 system, and management of Alzheimer’s initiatives and partnerships. |
| DIVISION OF PUBLIC HEALTH | DIVISION OF PUBLIC HEALTH | DIVISION OF PUBLIC HEALTH |
| Creates a federally funded health insurance premium assistance program within the NC AIDS Drug Assistance Program to provide premium and cost-sharing assistance for private health insurance coverage; states DHHS will ensure compliance of program with federal HRSA | Creates a federally funded health insurance premium assistance program within the NC AIDS Drug Assistance Program to provide premium and cost-sharing assistance for private health insurance coverage; states DHHS will ensure compliance of program with federal HRSA | Creates a federally funded health insurance premium assistance program within the NC AIDS Drug Assistance Program to provide premium and cost-sharing assistance for private health insurance coverage; states DHHS will ensure compliance of program with federal HRSA |
| Orders DHHS to submit a report to the Legislative Oversight Committee on HHS by March 2017 about implementation of the program and any obstacles. | Orders DHHS to submit a report to the Legislative Oversight Committee on HHS by March 2017 about implementation of the program and any obstacles. | Orders DHHS to submit a report to the Legislative Oversight Committee on HHS by March 2017 about implementation of the program and any obstacles. |
| Stops new awards from the Community-Focused Eliminating Health Disparities Initiative grants. | Stops new awards from the Community-Focused Eliminating Health Disparities Initiative grants. | Stops new awards from the Community-Focused Eliminating Health Disparities Initiative grants. |
| Moves funding from the Office of Minority Health to the Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention Section to be used for community-based diabetes prevention services aimed at minorities. Reduces grant funding by $1.9M, leaving revised net appropriation of $1.2M | Orders Office of Minority Health to fund evidence-based programs to address health disparities among minority populations. | Appropriates $2.7M to Office of Minority Health to the Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention Section for community-based diabetes prevention services aimed at minorities. |
| Develops a process for out-of-school programs to be recognized as meeting the national Out-of-School Time Healthy Eating and Physical Activity (HEPA) standards | No mention. | Develops a process for out-of-school programs to be recognized as meeting the national Out-of-School Time Healthy Eating and Physical Activity (HEPA) standards |
| Calls for DHHS to implement process for reviewing out-of-school time program self-assessments, revise and update program standards based on advancements in nutrition science and physical activity standards, issue annually renewable certificate to out-of-school time programs that meet HEPA standards, and provide a full list of out-of-school time programs meeting HEPA standards on its website | No mention. | Calls for DHHS to implement process for reviewing out-of-school time program self-assessments, revise and update program standards based on advancements in nutrition science and physical activity standards, issue annually renewable certificate to out-of-school time programs that meet HEPA standards, and provide a full list of out-of-school time programs meeting HEPA standards on its website |
| Last year’s budget underestimated the amount of receipts from the NC Quitline, reduces appropriation to the service by $250,000. | Last year’s budget underestimated the amount of receipts from the NC Quitline, reduces appropriation to the service by $500,000. | Reduces appropriation to NC Quitline by $250,000 |
| You Quit Two Quit, smoking prevention and cessation program for pregnant and postpartum women and mothers, receives $250,000 in nonrecurring funds | You Quit Two Quit, smoking prevention and cessation program for pregnant and postpartum women and mothers, receives $200,000 in nonrecurring funds | You Quit Two Quit, smoking prevention and cessation program for pregnant and postpartum women and mothers, receives $250,000 in nonrecurring funds |
| Stops awarding new Community-Focused Eliminating Health Disparities Initaitve grants and transfers funding to The Chronic Disease and Injury Section to establish an evidence-based Diabetes Prevention Program, specifically for minority groups; receives appropriation of $10.2M, $1,910,516 recurring funds | No mention. | No mention. |
| Creates a vector surveillance program and recommends control measures to protect public health against vector-borne diseases; develops infrastructure to detect, prevent, control and respond to Zika virus and other vector-borne diseases; creates 4 positions and provides $355,000 to aid counties statewide; Zika infrastructure receives appropriation of $750,000 | Creates a vector surveillance program and recommends control measures to protect public health against vector-borne diseases; develops infrastructure to detect, prevent, control and respond to Zika virus and other vector-borne diseases; creates 3 positions and provides $177,500 to aid counties statewide; Zika infrastructure receives appropriation of $477,500 | Creates a vector surveillance program and recommends control measures to protect public health against vector-borne diseases; develops infrastructure to detect, prevent, control and respond to Zika virus and other vector-borne diseases; creates 3 positions and provides $177,500 to aid counties statewide; Zika infrastructure receives appropriation of $477,500 |
| Allocates $3.4M nonrecurring to State Public Health Laboratory to partially offset increased newborn screening costs and decreased Medicaid receipts; total appropriation $6.7M | New requirements increase screening costs from $19 per infant to $44 per infant, but screening fees increase to $44, generating $2.4M. Provides $1M in annual funds to offset decreasing Medicaid receipts. Total appropriation at $3.3M | New requirements increase screening costs from $19 per infant to $44 per infant, but screening fees increase from $24 to $44, generating $2.4M to offset increased costs; revised net appropriations from all actions for State Public Health Laboratory is $4.3M |
| GIves extra $8.5M in extra money to local health departments to make up for reduced Medicaid rates. | No mention. | Provides funds to local health departments to make up for reduced Medicaid rates, $14,800,000 in nonrecurring funds |
| Prevent Blindness North Carolina receives appropriation of $1M, $452,160 recurring funds | No mention. | Prevent Blindness North Carolina receives $560,837 out of the Maternal and Child Health Block Grant |
| Nurse Family Partnership Program home visiting services in the State receives appropriation of $1.3M, $400,00 nonrecurring funds | Nurse Family Partnership Program home visiting services in the State receives appropriation of $1.3M, $400,00 nonrecurring funds | Nurse Family Partnership Program home visiting services receives appropriation of $560, 837 from Women’s Health block grant, $400,00 nonrecurring funds from State |
| Establishes 2 receipt-supported positions to support efforts to reduce infant mortality; no effect on total appropriation for maternal and infant health activities | Establishes 2 receipt-supported positions to support efforts to reduce infant mortality; no effect on total appropriation for maternal and infant health activities | Establishes 2 receipt-supported positions to support efforts to reduce infant mortality; no effect on total appropriation for maternal and infant health activities |
| Budgets extra Preventative Health Services Block Grant receipts of $44,000 | Budgets extra Preventative Health Services Block Grant receipts of $44,000 | Budgets extra Preventative Health Services Block Grant receipts of $44,000 |
| Budgets additional federal Maternal and Child Health Block Grant receipts of $646K | Budgets additional federal Maternal and Child Health Block Grant receipts of $646K | Budgets additional federal Maternal and Child Health Block Grant receipts of $646K |
| DIVISION OF MENTAL HEALTH/ DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES | DIVISION OF MENTAL HEALTH/ DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES | DIVISION OF MENTAL HEALTH/ DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES |
| Creates a three-year pilot program to be run by federally qualified health centers to study the effectiveness of combining behavioral therapy with use of Naltrexone. Before beginning the program, FQHCs can collaborate with state agencies to help design and accomplish the pilot. Appropriates $500,000 from federal Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grants to do the work. | Creates a three-year pilot program to be run by federally qualified health centers to study the effectiveness of combining behavioral therapy with use of Naltrexone. Before beginning the program, FQHCs can collaborate with state agencies and the UNC School of Government to help design and accomplish the pilot. Appropriates $500,000 from federal Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grants to do the work. | Creates a three-year pilot program to be run by federally qualified health centers to study the effectiveness of combining behavioral therapy with use of Naltrexone. Before beginning the program, FQHCs can collaborate with state agencies and the NC Institute of Medicine to help design and accomplish the pilot. Appropriates $500,000 from federal Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grants to do the work. |
| Sets out criteria for choosing FQHCs, participants, standards, etc, which will be used in the pilot program. Also sets out criteria for reporting and evaluating the program. Orders report in Nov 2020 | Sets out criteria for choosing FQHCs, participants, standards, etc, which will be used in the pilot program. Also sets out criteria for reporting and evaluating the program. Orders report in Nov 2020 | Sets out criteria for choosing FQHCs, participants, standards, etc, which will be used in the pilot program. Also sets out criteria for reporting and evaluating the program. Orders report in Nov 2020 |
| Adds $500,000 from the federal Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant to be allocated for treatment services for the 2016-17 FY. Money goes to a participating FQHCs to offset costs of medications, services, 14 days of detox, therapy and drug testing and monitoring. | ||
| No mention. | Closes Wright School. | Wright school remains open. |
| No reduction. | Reduces appropration to Cherry Hospital for operating costs by $3M due to construction delays which have pushed back the opening for new beds until September, 2016. | Reduces appropration to Cherry Hospital for operating costs by $3M due to construction delays which have pushed back the opening for new beds until September, 2016. |
| In last year’s budget, the NCGA ordered to reduce single stream funding for FY 2016-17 to mental health LME/MCOs by $152M, that number has been revised downward to $122M. This reduction is to be divided up among the state’s LME/MCOs depending on the size of their individual fund balances. The bill requires that this reduction not result in any reduction of services. | In last year’s budget, the NCGA ordered to reduce single stream funding for FY 2016-17 to mental health LME/MCOs by $152M, that number remains the same. | No mention of single stream funding revisions, which means last year’s $152 million reduction to single stream funding remains the same. |
| Last year’s budget also provided a mechanism to restore $30M cut from LME/MCOs if the Medicaid budget had a surplus, which it did. So, that $30M is restored. | Last year’s budget also provided a mechanism to restore $30M cut from LME/MCOs if the Medicaid budget had a surplus, which it did. So, that $30M is restored. Does the same thing for the coming year only if LME/MCOs have met consolidation milestones set by DHHS by June 2017 | No mention of single stream funding revisions, which means the $30M restoration of funding proceeds. Does the same thing for the coming year only if LME/MCOs have met consolidation milestones set by DHHS by June 2017 |
| As per the recommendations of the Governor’s Mental Health and Substance Use Task Force, the budget orders creation of a $30M reserve fund to implement the task force’s recommendations. This money shall not revert back to the state and shall be used pending approval of the Legislative Oversight Committee on HHS and with approval of the Office of State Budget and Management. | No mention of Governor’s Task Force recommendations. | Creates reserve monies to fund priorities created in the report delivered by the Governor’s Task Force on Mental Health and Substance Use. Money can only be spent once DHHS gets approval from the Office of State Budget and Mangement on a detailed implementation plan. Then DHHS has to report to the HHS oversight committee on its plans and spending priorities. Allocation is $10M in one-time money and $10M in recurring money. |
| Budgets extra money from the federal Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant totalling $658,000 | ||
| Sets out a “Strategic Plan for Improvement of Behavioral Health Services” which orders for DHHS to devise state plan by Nov 2017 including: assigning responsibility for the organization and delivery of services, defines roles of LME/MCOs, devising goals for LME/MCO services and use a single contract with each provider or MCO “regardless of the source of funding,” create solvency standards for LME/MCOs, perform a statewide needs assessment for mental health, DD, substance use, TBI services. | Sets out a “Strategic Plan for Improvement of Behavioral Health Services” which orders for DHHS to devise state plan by Jan 2018 including: assigning responsibility for the organization and delivery of services, defines roles of LME/MCOs, devising goals for LME/MCO services and use a single contract with each provider or MCO “regardless of the source of funding,” create solvency standards for LME/MCOs, perform a statewide needs assessment for mental health, DD, substance use, TBI services. | |
| Establishes Joint Legislative Oversight Committee subcommittee on Behavioral Health Services to oversee development of strategic plan. | Establishes Joint Legislative Oversight Committee subcommittee on Behavioral Health Services to oversee development of strategic plan. | |
| Appropriates $25M from the sale of the Dorothea Dix Hospital property to increase inpatient mental health crisis capacity, by constructing beds in existing acute care hospitals into mental health beds, as well as constructing new facilities. These beds will provide capacity in rural areas. | Appropriates $12M from the sale of Dorothea Dix Hospital property to pay for new psychiatric units or facility-based crisis centers in rural areas, either by constructing new facilities or converting existing inpatient acute care beds; any of the beds to be named in honor of Dorothea Dix. | Appropriates $18M from the sale of Dorothea Dix Hospital property to pay for new psychiatric units or facility-based crisis centers in rural areas, either by constructing new facilities or converting existing inpatient acute care beds, or a combination; the beds to be named in honor of Dorothea Dix. |
| DHHS will run a 3-year pilot program to assist rural hospitals to create these new mental health beds (either new or converted), up to a maximum of 50 beds in each of three rural regions, including one region located near Wake County. As a condition of participation, half the beds will be reserved for state three-way contract beds or referrals of indigent or Medicaid patients from the local LME/ MCO. | DHHS to report back by Dec 2017 on the number and location, along with a proposal for funding the recurring operating costs, including ID of potential new funding sources. | Instructs the HHS Secretary to select hospitals in the three state regions for mental health facility construction, each rural hospital will reserve at least 50% of the funding for 3-way beds, and 50% for referrals from local LME/MCOs. Exempts the new beds from certificate of need review. |
| DHHS is ordered to do regular semi-annual monitoring and inspection of these mental health beds’ usage, and each participating hospital will issue a monthly report to DHHS on usage, demographics, etc. | Allows for development of a facility by another county neighboring a county with at least 60,000 people (Franklin), creating a total inventory of 18 licensed short-term mental health beds, these will also be exempt from CON review. | |
| DHHS is to report to the Legislative Oversight Committee on HHS annually on the number, usage, referrals to and outcome measures of patients served in these new beds. | DHHS is to report to the Legislative Oversight Committee on HHS annually on the number, usage, referrals to and outcome measures of patients served in these new beds. Another report is due in 2020 on how to fund these beds beyond the initial 3-year period. | |
| Appropriates $2M in funds to create crisis treatment and prevention services for children, adolescents and adults in every LME/MCO catchment area. This money will come from the Dorothea Dix Hospital Property Fund in FY 2016-17. | Appropriates $2M in funds to create crisis treatment and prevention services for children, adolescents. This money will come from the Dorothea Dix Hospital Property Fund in FY 2016-17 and goes to DHHS to award grants on competitive basis to create two new facility-based crisis centers. | Appropriates $2M in funds to create crisis treatment and prevention services for children, adolescents. This money will come from the Dorothea Dix Hospital Property Fund in FY 2016-17 and goes to DHHS to award grants on competitive basis to create two new facility-based crisis centers. |
| Appropriates $1.9M in annual funds to hire/ pay additional staff to help move in/ transition of the new Broughton Hospital, scheduled to open June 2017. | No mention. | Provides $500,000 in funding for maintenance at Broughton. |
| Allows for up to $4M of the FY 2016-17 budget for “three-way beds” to pay for facility-based crisis services and non-hospital detox, even if the person using the services is not “medically indigent” | Allows for up to $4M of the FY 2016-17 budget for “three-way beds” to pay for facility-based crisis services and non-hospital detox, even if the person using the services is not “medically indigent” | |
| DIVISION OF HEALTH SERVICE REGULATION | DIVISION OF HEALTH SERVICE REGULATION | DIVISION OF HEALTH SERVICE REGULATION |
| Further extends the moratorium on licensing more home care agencies for in-home aide services to June 2017. | Further extends the moratorium on licensing more home care agencies for in-home aide services to June 2019. | Further extends the moratorium on licensing more home care agencies for in-home aide services to June 2019. Lifts the restriction, however, on agencies that supply companion, sitter or respite services. |
| Revises the cost reporting for adult care homes from annual to biannual reports to the Division of Health Service Regulation. Orders DHSR to revise the reporting period for adult cares homes, for both homes covered by Chapter 131E and Chapter 122C of the NC General Statutes. DHHS is required to establish specific reporting deadlines for each type of facility. | Revises the cost reporting for adult care homes from annual to biannual reports to the Division of Health Service Regulation. Orders DHSR to revise the reporting period for adult cares homes, for both homes covered by Chapter 131E and Chapter 122C of the NC General Statutes. DHHS is required to establish specific reporting deadlines for each type of facility. | Revises the cost reporting for adult care homes from annual to biannual reports to the Division of Health Service Regulation. Orders DHSR to revise the reporting period for adult cares homes, for both homes covered by Chapter 131E and Chapter 122C of the NC General Statutes. DHHS is required to establish specific reporting deadlines for each type of facility. |
| No mention. | Allows hospitals to operate a facility in a separate, adjoining county, under the same license as the main facility, so long as the satellite hospital has operated within the past three years. | Allows hospitals to operate a facility in a separate, adjoining county, under the same license as the main facility, so long as the satellite hospital has operated within the past three years. It also allows any related clinics or facilities affiliated with the formerly closed hospital to operate under that same license. |
| No mention. | Repeals Mission Hospitals Certificate of Public Advantage as of Sept. 30, 2016 | Repeals Mission Hospitals Certificate of Public Advantage as of Sept. 30, 2016 |
| DIVISION OF MEDICAL ASSISTANCE | DIVISION OF MEDICAL ASSISTANCE | DIVISION OF MEDICAL ASSISTANCE |
| Orders DHHS to return $147M in Medicaid savings to be returned to the General Fund to be accounted for as state non-tax revenue. | Orders DHHS to return $147M in Medicaid savings to be returned to the General Fund to be accounted for as state non-tax revenue. | Orders DHHS to return $147M in Medicaid savings to be returned to the General Fund to be accounted for as state non-tax revenue. |
| Medicaid rebase results in total Medicaid requirements for FY 2016-17 of $3.6B, reducing projected need by $310M in recurring dollars and $8.06M in one-time funding. This is a 7.9 percent decrease from the budget enacted at the beginning of the FY 2015-17 biennium. | Medicaid rebase results in total Medicaid requirements for FY 2016-17 of $3.6B, reducing projected need by $310M in recurring dollars and $8.06M in one-time funding. This is a 7.9 percent decrease from the budget enacted at the beginning of the FY 2015-17 biennium. | Medicaid rebase results in total Medicaid requirements for FY 2016-17 of $3.6B, reducing projected need by $310M in recurring dollars and $8.06M in one-time funding. This is a 7.9 percent decrease from the budget enacted at the beginning of the FY 2015-17 biennium. |
| NC Health Choice rebase results in total Health Choice requirements for FY 2016-17 of $1M, reducing recurring dollars by $4.6M and making a one year appropriation of $4.96M. This program is being phased out as children are moved into the Medicaid program. | NC Health Choice rebase results in total Health Choice requirements for FY 2016-17 of $1M, reducing recurring dollars by $4.6M and making a one year appropriation of $4.96M. This program is being phased out as children are moved into the Medicaid program. | NC Health Choice rebase results in total Health Choice requirements for FY 2016-17 of $1M, reducing recurring dollars by $4.6M and making a one year appropriation of $4.96M. This program is being phased out as children are moved into the Medicaid program. |
| Orders DHHS to inform people eligible for ABLE Accounts that in the event of their death, the state can file a claim for payment for Medicaid services against that recipient’s ABLE account. | Orders DHHS to inform people eligible for ABLE Accounts that in the event of their death, the state can file a claim for payment for Medicaid services against that recipient’s ABLE account. | Orders DHHS to inform people eligible for ABLE Accounts that in the event of their death, the state can file a claim for payment for Medicaid services against that recipient’s ABLE account. |
| Adds categories to the list of Medicaid “high risk” providers: Add providers who were excluded by the Medicare program or from the Children’s Health Insurance Program within the prior 10 years from participating in Medicaid. | Adds categories to the list of Medicaid “high risk” providers: Add providers who were excluded by the Medicare program or from the Children’s Health Insurance Program within the prior 10 years from participating in Medicaid. | Adds categories to the list of Medicaid “high risk” providers: Add providers who were excluded by the Medicare program or from the Children’s Health Insurance Program within the prior 10 years from participating in Medicaid. |
| Currently, if Medicaid or Health Choice overpays a provider by less than $150, that amount does not get recovered. The budget orders DHHS to issue a request for proposals by October, 2016 in order to contract with a provider who will recover those overpayments. The fee for recovery wil be a percentage of the recovered amounts. | Currently, if Medicaid or Health Choice overpays a provider by less than $150, that amount does not get recovered. The budget orders DHHS to issue a request for proposals by October, 2016 in order to contract with a provider who will recover those overpayments. The fee for recovery wil be a percentage of the recovered amounts. Orders DHHS to report to the legislative oversight committee on Medicaid and Health Choice on this contract by October, 2016. | |
| Reaffirms the authority of the Secretary of DHHS to have oversight of both the Medicaid program and the NC Health Choice program, and reiterates that total expenditures no exceed the authorized budget for those programs. | Reaffirms the authority of the Secretary of DHHS to have oversight of both the Medicaid program and the NC Health Choice program, and reiterates that total expenditures no exceed the authorized budget for those programs. | Reaffirms the authority of the Secretary of DHHS to have oversight of both the Medicaid program and the NC Health Choice program, and reiterates that total expenditures no exceed the authorized budget for those programs. |
| Orders the DHHS Medicaid program to study the costs/ benefits of covering, without cost sharing, all adult preventative services recommended by the US Preventive Services Task Force, which would result in North Carolina Medicaid receiving an extra 1 percent in Medicaid matching money from the federal government. | No mention. | Orders the DHHS Medicaid program to study the costs/ benefits of covering, without cost sharing, all adult preventative services recommended by the US Preventive Services Task Force, which would result in North Carolina Medicaid receiving an extra 1 percent in Medicaid matching money from the federal government. Also orders DHHS to submit timeline for any waiver submission if the legislature decides to cover these services. |
| Orders appropriation to reinstate Medicaid coverage for routine eye exams for adults by Jan 2017, appropriates $2,143,564 in annual dollars to cover costs. | ||
| Removes sunset on Medicaid eligibility/ COLA disregard. This means if a person’s income increases over the threshold of Medicaid eligibility because of a cost of living adjustment in retirement/ Social Security, they will lose medicaid benefits. Previously, this “COLA disregard” was due to sunset Dec. 31, 2017. | Removes sunset on Medicaid eligibility/ COLA disregard. This means if a person’s income increases over the threshold of Medicaid eligibility because of a cost of living adjustment in retirement/ Social Security, they will lose medicaid benefits. Previously, this “COLA disregard” was due to sunset Dec. 31, 2017. | Removes sunset on Medicaid eligibility/ COLA disregard. This means if a person’s income increases over the threshold of Medicaid eligibility because of a cost of living adjustment in retirement/ Social Security, they will lose medicaid benefits. Previously, this “COLA disregard” was due to sunset Dec. 31, 2017. |
| Provides a 1.6 percent cost of living increase for retired state employees and teachers. | Provides a one-time 1.6 percent bonus payment to retired state employees and teachers. | |
| Requires DHHS to study how adequate current Medicaid rates are for residential treatment services for these categories: residential services for chidlren with emotional or mental illnesses, substance use issues or developmental disabilities; psychiatric residential treatment and supervised living for children and adolescents with all kinds of disabilities. Requires a report to be delivered to the Legislative Oversight Committee by Oct, 2016. | No mention. | Requires DHHS to study how adequate current Medicaid rates are for residential treatment services for these categories: residential services for chidlren with emotional or mental illnesses, substance use issues or developmental disabilities; psychiatric residential treatment and supervised living for children and adolescents with all kinds of disabilities. Requires a report to be delivered to the Legislative Oversight Committee within 30 days of any decision to change rates. |
| Orders a study of how to decrease the waiting list for slots in the 1915 (c) Medicaid “Innovations” waiver that provides home and community services for people with developmental disabilities. Also to study single-stream funding, federal mandates that affect Home and Community-Based Services and the coverage of autism treatments. | No mention. | Orders a study of how to decrease the waiting list for slots in the 1915 (c) Medicaid “Innovations” waiver that provides home and community services for people with developmental disabilities. Also to study single-stream funding, federal mandates that affect Home and Community-Based Services and the coverage of autism treatments. Requires report to be delivered to NCGA for 2017 session. |
| Provides $2,595,840 for 250 additional slots for the 1915(c) innovations waiver which allow people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who would otherwise be institutionalized to remain in the community with supports. Effective Jan. 2017. | ||
| Orders the state auditor to do a performance audit of county DSS’ administration of the Medicaid program, and the timeliness of enrollment and application determinations. | Orders the state auditor to do a performance audit of county DSS’ administration of the Medicaid program, and the timeliness of enrollment and application determinations. | |
| Inserts statutory language that would monitor the timeliness of county DSS Medicaid eligibility determinations and provides a mechanism for temporary state DSS takeover of county agencies in the event of significant delays. | Inserts statutory language that would monitor the timeliness of county DSS Medicaid eligibility determinations and provides a mechanism for temporary state DSS takeover of county agencies in the event of significant delays. | |
| Provides $156,785 in funding for 4 human services positions to assist county DSSs to use data warehous and analyze NC FAST eligiblity data for medicaid. Total service support budget is up $326,339 | ||
| Funds Medicaid to staff and operate 3 critical organizational units (Business Information Office, Clinical Policy, and Operations); $690,000 recurring funds, 15 positions. | Funds Medicaid to staff and operate 3 critical organizational units (Business Information Office, Clinical Policy, and Operations); $1,380,000 recurring funds, 30 positions. | Funds Medicaid to staff and operate 3 critical organizational units (Business Information Office, Clinical Policy, and Operations); $1,150,000 recurring funds, 25 positions. |
| Orders study for “all possible funding options” to keep payment for Graduate Medical Education from Medicaid, once the state converts to managed care. | No mention. | Orders study for “all possible funding options” to keep payment for Graduate Medical Education from Medicaid, once the state converts to managed care. |
| Appropriates $2,373,086 each FY of 2015-17 to TBI services; $359,218 will fund contracts with Brain Injury Association of NC, Carolinas Rehabilitation, and/or other appropriate service providers; $796,934 towards supporting residential programs for TBI individuals; $1,216,934 used to support requests by individuals for residential support services, home modifications, transportation, and other provider approved requests | Appropriates $2,373,086 each FY of 2015-17 to TBI services; $359,218 will fund contracts with Brain Injury Association of NC, Carolinas Rehabilitation, and/or other appropriate service providers; $796,934 towards supporting residential programs for TBI individuals; $1,216,934 used to support requests by individuals for residential support services, home modifications, transportation, and other provider approved requests | Appropriates $2,373,086 each FY of 2015-17 to TBI services; $359,218 will fund contracts with Brain Injury Association of NC, Carolinas Rehabilitation, and/or other appropriate service providers; $796,934 towards supporting residential programs for TBI individuals; $1,216,934 used to support requests by individuals for residential support services, home modifications, transportation, and other provider approved requests |
| Requires quarterly removal of information older than six years from the controlled substances reporting system database; purged information maintained in a separate database | Requires quarterly removal of information older than six years from the controlled substances reporting system database; purged information maintained in a separate database | Requires quarterly removal of information older than six years from the controlled substances reporting system database; purged information maintained in a separate database |
| Adds $600K in one-time funding to upgrade the Controlled Substances Reporting System to have it talk to other systems in surrounding states, hosted in the Dept of Info Technology. Adds $375K in annual funding for ongoing maintenance and operation; Appropriates one-time funding of $653,400 to pay for contract upgrades. | Adds $600K in one-time funding to upgrade the Controlled Substances Reporting System to have it talk to other systems in surrounding states, hosted in the Dept of Info Technology. Adds $375K in annual funding for ongoing maintenance and operation; Appropriates one-time funding of $653,400 to pay for contract upgrades. Total budget for Mental Health service support up by $1.63M | |
| Adds statutory language mandating all licensed health care professionals who are able to write prescriptions for controlled substances to 1) register in the CSRS and 2) use the system to review each prescription for controlled substances, failure to do so will result in suspension or loss of licensure. Emergency uses of controlled substances exempted. Would become effective July 1, 2016. | Adds statutory language mandating all licensed health care professionals who are able to write prescriptions for controlled substances to 1) register in the CSRS. Failure to do so will result in suspension or loss of licensure. Would become effective July 1, 2016. | |
| Expands support for patients with Alzheimer’s disease and families by changing the North Carolina Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults waiver to increase by a maximum of 320 slots; appropriates $1.5M in recurring funding for additional slots | Expands support for patients with Alzheimer’s disease and families in the North Carolina Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults waiver to increase by a maximum of 213 slots; appropriates $1M in recurring funding | Expands support for patients with Alzheimer’s disease and families by changing the North Carolina Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults waiver to increase by a maximum of 320 slots; appropriates $1.5M in recurring funding for additional slots |
| Increases payment to registered nurses and licensed practical nurses by 10% for services covered through the Community Alternatives Program for Children (CAP/C) | Increases payment to registered nurses and licensed practical nurses by 10% for services covered through the Community Alternatives Program for Children (CAP/C). Allocates $2.26 in annual funds to cover the increased cost. | |
| Conducts a study to identify school-based health services eligible for Medicaid coverage; DHHS will provide report by November 1, 2016 to Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Medicaid and NC Health Choice which includes an analysis of fiscal impact and description of plans for adding Medicaid coverage to school-based health services | No mention. | Conducts a study to identify school-based health services eligible for Medicaid coverage; DHHS will provide report by November 1, 2016 to Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Medicaid and NC Health Choice which includes an analysis of fiscal impact and description of plans for adding Medicaid coverage to school-based health services |
| Appropriates $7.7M to support establishment of residency program at Cape Fear Valley Hospital affiliated with Campbell University Medical School. This makes up, in part, for Medicaid and Medicare funds lost to the hospital system by changing its designation from “urban” to “rural.” | Appropriates the lesser of either $7.7M OR the amount lost by Cape Fear Valley Medical Center as a result of its reclassification from “urban” to “rural” less $3M. This is done to support establishment of residency program at Cape Fear Valley Hospital affiliated with Campbell University Medical School. This makes up, in part, for Medicaid and Medicare funds lost to the hospital system by changing its designation. | Appropriates the lesser of either $7.7M OR the amount lost by Cape Fear Valley Medical Center as a result of its reclassification from “urban” to “rural” less $3M. This makes up, in part, for Medicaid and Medicare funds lost to the hospital system by changing its designation. This is done to support establishment of residency program at Cape Fear Valley Hospital affiliated with Campbell University Medical School. Sets conditions for the payment: receipt of $3M in private donations, getting CMS approval for the reclassification to a rural hospital, obtains approval from the Accreditation Council for GME or the American Osteopathic Assoc. Total 130 residency slots. |
| Cape Fear Valley Hospital receives $759,008 in response to its reclassification from an urban to rural hospital | Cape Fear Valley Hospital receives $759,008 in response to its reclassification from an urban to rural hospital | Cape Fear Valley Hospital receives $431,182 in response to its reclassification from an urban to rural hospital, this is calculated against a reduced hospital assessment. |
| Orders study to assess Medicaid and NC Health Choice rates paid to Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) and to Rural Health Clinics (RHC); includes assessment of CMS requirements, State Plan portions regarding payments to FQHCs and RHCs, a clear process to apply for rate recalculations, and the fiscal impact of any recommended revisions; report findings to House Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, and Fiscal Research Division by March 1, 2017 | Orders study to assess Medicaid and NC Health Choice rates paid to Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) and to Rural Health Clinics (RHC); includes assessment of CMS requirements, State Plan portions regarding payments to FQHCs and RHCs, to “more appropriately” reflect the costs of services. | |
| Exempts some Medicare Accountable Care Organizations which are approved by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services from some state insurance regulations. | No mention. | No mention. |
| Orders DHHS to evaluate the classification of mental health providers as “high risk” provider types, except for state approved “Critical Access Behavioral Health Agencies). Also asks DHHS to propose a tool to help evaluate which providers fall into the “high risk” category, and report findings and recommendations to the Legislative Oversight Committee on Medicaid and NC Health Choice by Dec, 2016. | No mention. | Orders DHHS to evaluate the classification of mental health providers as “high risk” provider types, except for state approved “Critical Access Behavioral Health Agencies). Also asks DHHS to propose a tool to help evaluate which providers fall into the “high risk” category, and report findings and recommendations to the Legislative Oversight Committee on Medicaid and NC Health Choice by Dec, 2016. |
BLOCK GRANT CHANGES |
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| Moves money in the TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) Block Grant from Work First Family Assistance and County Block Grants into a new Child Welfare Initiatives fund of $1.4M to train DSS workers how to improve outcomes for families and enhance the provision of services. Moves $3.6M into a one time Child Care subsidy swap. | ||
| Increases the total TANF funds from $78M to $80M | ||
| Provides $2.9M for teen pregnancy prevention initiatives | ||
| Decreases the Low Income Energy Assistance BG by $2.1M | ||
| Creates $603,580 in funds for County Child Welfare Program Resources and $400,000 in funds for DSS State Child Welfare Program Improvement Resources within the TANF Emergency Contingency Fund | ||
| Creates a separate fund within the Social Services Block Grant for Eastern Band of Cherokee Indian Tribal Public Health and Human Services of $244,740 | ||
| Also creates a fund of $737,067 for Child Welfare Training for Counties/ Mobile Training in the SS Block Grant. Stipulates these funds not be used to supplant any other source of funding for staff and requires a local match of 25 percent. | ||
| Increases funds for an Electronic Tracking System within the Child Care and Development Fund Block Grant by $1.2M. | ||
| Increases funds for First Psychotic Symptom Treatment within the Mental Health Services BG by $787,360 | ||
| Adds funds for administration in the Division of Mental Health of $200,000 for each year of the biennium. | ||
| Adds $500,000 in funds for a Medication-Assisted Treatment Pilot program in the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment BG. | ||
| Allocates $100,000 from federal Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment BG to fund the First Step Farm of WNC. | ||
| From the Maternal Child Health Block Grant, funds the Safe Sleep Campaign at $45,000, Prevent Blindness at $560,837 and community based Sickle Cell Centers at $100,000 | ||
| Also from the Maternal Child Health Block Grant, funds March of Dimes at $350,000, $650,000 for Teen Pregnancy Prevention Initiatives, $52,000 for the 17P Project, which provides medication to pregnant women at risk of early labor. Also provides $509,018 for the Nurse-Family Partnership and $300,000 for the Carolina Pregnancy Care Fellowship | ||
| Also from the Maternal Child Health Block Grant, funds $1,575,000 for Evidence-based programs in counties with highest infant mortality rates. | ||
MISCELLANEOUS |
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| Orders study of an Optometry School at Wingate University. Adds language ordering a projection of how a state appropriation of $800,000 would impact tuition for these students. | ||
| Orders development and implementation of data and service management information system to replace current system used by Division of Services for Deaf and hard of Hearing. Move $750K from other budget lines to cover cost. | ||
| Increases funding for the Medical Review Program in the Division of Motor Vehicles by $1.3M recurring funds to add contract workers to implement changes ordered in case brought by Disability Rights NC, and changes the program. | ||
| Creation of a cybersecurity apprenticeship program for disabled veterans, appropriates $500,000 | ||
| Creates a provision where local school superintendents are required to query the parents/ guardians of children with visual/ hearing disabilities in order for those families to learn about educational opportunities at the NC Schools for the Deaf and for the Blind. Information gleaned from the query can be forwarded to the schools. | ||
| Appropriates $250,000 in one-time funding to provide subsidy to small corner stores to purchase refrigeration and shelving equipment so that they can more easily stock fresh fruits and vegetables. | ||
| Extends the deadline to the end of June, 2016 (from 2015) for a report on Broughton Hospital on control and reuse of the land around the old facility. | ||
| Orders a quarterly report on costs of medical care for juvenile offenders and inmates, study should also explore whether contracts for inmate health services should be expanded to additional hospitals. | ||
| Expands line-of-duty death benefit for firefighters to include deaths from mesothelioma, testicular and intestinal cancers. Adds $45,000 in recurring funds, brings fund up to $0.8M total also increases the Firefighters’ and Rescue Squad Workers’ Pension fund by $3.7M in recurring funding. | ||
| Orders a report on the ABLE accounts trust fund, examing how other states manage their funds, and coming up with a detailed plan for administration. | ||
| Orders the development of a new formula for awarding grants on domestic violence prevention. | ||
| Provides $500,000 to UNC Chapel Hill to conduct study nutrient management strategies for Jordan Lake. | ||
| Appropriates $3M to establish the “Western School of Medicine” in Asheville as an extension campus of the UNC School of Medicine in conjunction with Mountain AHEC and appropriates $4M in one-time and $4M in recurring funding for East Carolina University’s medical school for sustainability funding, and replace lost revenue. | ||
| Appropriates $8M in a one-time building fund to construct a new 35,000 square foot facility on the MAHEC campus in Biltmore Forest to house the Western School of Medicine. | ||
| Provides $8.6M in one-time funding for the Clean Water Management Trust Fund. | ||
| Provides $120,000 to the SBI for the Operation Medicine Drop, which conducts events for people to bring unused or expired medications to a central location for safe disposal. | ||
| Provides $250,000 to digitize mental health records in order to bring clerks of court into compliance with the SL 2015-195 Amend Firearm Laws which states that sheriffs should be able to check a computerized record when performing a firearm purchasing background check. | ||
| Provides $50,000 to the Healing Waters Fly Fishing project, which does physical and emotional rehabilitation for disabled active duty military members and veterans. | ||
| Provides $50,000 in one-time funding to Project New Hope (located in Minnesota), which provides retreats for military servicemembers and their families. | ||
| Provides $250,000 in one-time funds to Iredell County to perform asbestos abatement work at the old Davis Hospital Site. | ||
| Provides $200,000 in one time funding for the Council of Women to provide domestic violence prevention support. | ||