Report 2014-118 Recommendation 6 Responses

Report 2014-118: California Department of Developmental Services: Its Process for Assessing Fees Paid by Parents of Children Living in Residential Facilities Is Woefully Inefficient and Inconsistent (Release Date: January 2015)

Recommendation #6 To: Developmental Services, Department of

To decrease the risk of determining appeal outcomes based on inaccurate information, Developmental Services should require management oversight and review of appeals. This review should include a review of appeal worksheets for accuracy prior to appeals committee meetings. To allow for a thorough management review, Developmental Services should require staff to note the reasoning for any adjustments to the calculation of parents' income and expenses.

6-Month Agency Response

The CFS Program Manager is continuing the quality control oversight listed in the Department's 60 day response. All appeals are reviewed by the Program Manager for accuracy and consistency prior to being heard by the appeal review committee.

California State Auditor's Assessment of 6-Month Status: Fully Implemented

60-Day Agency Response

60-Day Report Response: The CFS Program Manager now reviews all appeal analyst work produced for use by the committee, and verifies accuracy prior to submission of appeal for committee's review. Any adjustments made to income or expenses claimed in the appeals process now require manager approval and clear documentation of justification for adjustment. The analyst now provides a more detailed record of the analysis made of appeal documentation provided by a parent(s) which is contained in the Cost Recovery System (CRS) notations on parents account. Additionally, as the Department completes the formal policy review in conjunction with review of current law and regulations, there may be a need for statute or regulatory changes.

California State Auditor's Assessment of 60-Day Status: Pending

All Recommendations in 2014-118

Agency responses received are posted verbatim.