CO HB1292

Amends Colorado law to require the state department to develop a new rate-setting methodology for child welfare licensed out-of-home placement providers by September 29, 2017, with implementation by July 1, 2018.

Mandates an independent vendor to conduct a salary survey of child welfare positions across licensed providers, placement agencies, residential care facilities, and county employees in diverse Colorado geographic areas.

Requires the vendor to perform an actuarial analysis of costs necessary to provide state-mandated services and develop a daily rate-based methodology with equal representation from counties and licensed out-of-home placement providers.

Specifies the rate-setting methodology must include processes for factoring in general assembly-approved cost of living adjustments and rate increases, as well as child stability and well-being outcomes.

Appropriates $300,000 from the general fund to the Department of Human Services for fiscal year 2017-18 to develop the rate-setting methodology and requires annual reporting on workload changes and associated costs.