43-4215. Reimbursement rate recommendations; Division of Children and Family Services of Department of Health and Human Services; implementation; pilot project; reports; contents.

(1) On or before July 1, 2014, the Division of Children and Family Services of the Department of Health and Human Services shall implement the reimbursement rate recommendations of the Foster Care Reimbursement Rate Committee as reported to the Legislature pursuant to section 43-4212 as such section existed before June 5, 2013.

(2)(a) On or before July 1, 2013, the Division of Children and Family Services of the Department of Health and Human Services shall develop a pilot project as provided in this subsection to implement the standardized level of care assessment tools recommended by the Foster Care Reimbursement Rate Committee as reported to the Legislature pursuant to section 43-4212 as such section existed before June 5, 2013.

(b)(i) The pilot project shall comprise two groups: One in an urban area and one in a rural area. The size of each group shall be determined by the division to ensure an accurate estimate of the effectiveness and cost of implementing such tools statewide.

(ii) The Nebraska Children's Commission shall review and provide a progress report on the pilot project by October 1, 2013, to the department and electronically to the Health and Human Services Committee of the Legislature; shall provide to the department and electronically to the committee by December 1, 2013, a report including recommendations and any legislation necessary, including appropriations, to adopt the recommendations, regarding the adaptation or continuation of the implementation of a statewide standardized level of care assessment; and shall provide to the department and electronically to the committee by February 1, 2014, a final report and final recommendations of the commission.

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