Financial Reporting of Rate-Based Wage Increases for Direct Service Workers

Section 240.2023  Financial Reporting of Rate-Based Wage Increases for Direct Service Workers a)         In-home service provider agencies will be required to submit a cost report to the Department to document compliance with any rate increase authorized for the purpose of increasing wages paid by a provider agency to direct service workers who provide homecare aide services under the Community Care Program. b)         The cost report must be submitted within 60 calendar days after issuance of written notification of such a rate increase by the Department. c)         The accuracy of the cost report must be attested to by an authorized representative of the in-home service provider agency. d)         The Department reserves the right to require the in-home service provider agency to engage an independent certified public accounting firm to verify the information and data submitted by the provider if the Department is in possession of evidence to suggest the information and data submitted is inaccurate, incomplete or fraudulent. This audit will be performed at the provider agency's expense. e)         The Department may take appropriate contract enforcement action in the following instances: 1)         an in-home service provider agency did not submit a cost report; 2)         a cost report is inaccurate, incomplete, or fraudulent; or 3)         an in-home service provider agency did not increase the wages paid to its direct service workers in the amount required by a rate increase under the Community Care Program. f)         Possible contract enforcement action includes, but is not limited to, imposition of a corrective action plan, closure of intake on contracts, suspension or debarment from doing business with the Department, and termination of contracts. g)         An in-home service provider agency may appeal contract enforcement action in accordance with Section 240.1661.