AK SB32

Establishes new section AS 47.07.069 requiring the Department of Health and Social Services to set payment rates for personal care services and home and community-based services by regulation, subject to commissioner approval.

Mandates the department conduct periodic cost surveys at least once every four years and consider audit results and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services home health inflation data when reviewing rates.

Requires providers of personal care and home and community-based services to participate in cost surveys and allow the department and federal agencies reasonable access to recipient and provider records for audits and inspections.

Directs the department to submit an annual report to the governor identifying payment rate trends, explaining compliance with rate-setting requirements, and providing references to adopted regulations.

Takes effect July 1, 2011, with the annual reporting requirement repealing on June 30, 2014.