Senate Bill 595 Summary

• Requires the office of the secretary of family and social services to ensure public assistance services (Medicaid, SNAP, and TANF) are provided in a timely, safe manner in accordance with state and federal law and appropriate to individual needs.

• Mandates the division of family resources operate county offices during state business hours in accessible locations, staff them with trained state employees, and prohibit denying benefits solely because a medical review team has not rendered a decision.

• Establishes an office of quality control within the division to set training and evaluation standards for caseworkers and ensure quality protocols for public assistance delivery.

• Requires timely reimbursement to public assistance providers, maintains confidentiality of client information, establishes procedures for appeals, and requires computerized record-keeping systems that allow electronic file transfers between counties.

• Directs the office of the secretary to report annually to the budget committee and legislative council on implementation progress through July 1, 2015, and requires cost projections and staffing determinations by June 30, 2013.