JOINT LABOR, HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES INTERIM COMMITTEE

 

Standard Budget:     $55,000.00

 

Priority #: 1     Health Reform

 

The Committee will focus on federal and state health care reform, including:

 

     •        Monitoring implementation of the federal Affordable Care Act and recommending appropriate state-level responses, including the possibility of Medicaid expansion if adequate flexibility is authorized under Health and Human Services regulations;

     •  Analysis of the impact of the Affordable Care Act on state-funded health programs.

 

Priority #: 2     Department of Health Studies

 

The Committee will receive reports on and monitor required Department of Health studies and reports, including the Life Resource Center study, Medicaid managed care report and redesign of Medicaid waiver programs.

 

Priority #: 3     Department of Workforce Services

 

The Committee will review the Unemployment Insurance program rules and regulations, especially regarding the appeals process and the Workers Compensation Division's safety programs, participation levels and determination/appeals process. [Modified by Management Council]

 

Priority #: 4     Title 25 - Involuntary hospitalizations and emergency detentions.

 

The Committee was assigned this topic for the 2012 interim and completed its review of statutory issues.  The Committee will continue with a systems review of Title 25 issues, especially regarding discharge planning and community-based follow-up care following hospitalization at the Wyoming State Hospital.

 

Priority #: 5     Statutorily required reports

 

The Committee will receive approximately 20 statutorily-required reports from executive branch agencies.  The Committee will analyze those reports and respond as needed and appropriate with proposed legislation.

 

Priority #: 6     Additional consideration

 

In addition, the Joint Labor Committee has heard serious concerns raised about problems with the physical facilities of several Department of Health institutions, including especially the Life Resource Center and the Pioneer Home.  The chairmen do not believe that this committee has the time or expertise to investigate these matters, but someone should.  We suggest the State Building Commission.

 

Priority #  7 Agency Budget Review

 

The Committee will review proposed 2%, 4% and 6% budget cuts as submitted by the supervised agencies designated for the Committee's review last interim. [Study added by Management Council]