- New report shows Idaho’s shortage of direct care workers is worse than national average (The Spokesman-Review, 3/17/2023)
- A report presented to the Joint Legislative Oversight Council by the Office of Performance Evaluations revealed a dire shortage of at least 3,000 direct care workers needed to assist older and disabled Idahoans, exacerbated by low pay capped by Medicaid rates set by the state. The study found that 76% of surveyed direct care workers indicated that higher pay would deter them from leaving their jobs. The report recommended measures to address the problem, including setting more competitive wage targets, adjusting Medicaid rates more frequently, and considering region-specific rates.
- Legislative auditors urge investigation of child care grant program (Idaho Ed News, 8/22/2023)
- Legislative auditors are urging the attorney general’s office to investigate a statewide child care grant program for potential civil or criminal violations. A critical report from the Legislative Services Office (LSO) revealed serious issues in the federally funded program, including overspending of federal grants by the state Department of Health and Welfare, improper taxpayer-funded purchases, and failure to align the program with the mandated age group of 5- to 13-year-olds. Despite disagreements from Health and Welfare Director Dave Jeppesen, the audit’s findings could escalate tensions between the department and Attorney General Raúl Labrador over the program’s management and legality.
- Idaho’s direct care workforce is in ‘crisis,’ state legislative panel hears (Idaho Capital Sun, 9/22/2023)
- Idaho’s direct care workforce, responsible for caring for individuals with disabilities and older citizens, is facing a severe crisis due to a shortage of about 3,000 workers compared to national staffing levels, as reported by the Office of Performance Evaluations. The low pay rates provided by Idaho Medicaid are identified as a major issue, resulting in a wage cap and making it challenging to retain qualified workers. Recommendations include improving Medicaid reimbursement rates and creating a career ladder for direct care workers, with a proposed budget increase of $46 million to address the problem.
- Idaho built few accountability measures into Health Data Exchange, watchdog report finds (Idaho Capital Sun, 11/6/2023)
- A report by the Idaho Office of Performance Evaluations revealed that the Idaho Health Data Exchange, a government-created nonprofit meant to share health data among doctors, insurance companies, and Medicaid, lacked proper regulation due to its status as a private nonprofit corporation. The exchange, supported by almost $92 million in federal tax funds and $2 million in state tax funds, filed for bankruptcy in 2022. The report highlighted the absence of accountability measures and transparency, with the exchange operating without adequate oversight mechanisms, leading to challenges in regulation and financial stability.
- Idaho health department to change grant procedures in response to audit (Idaho Capital Sun, 1/11/2024)
- The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, facing criticism from a state audit on the distribution of $72 million in grant funds, has pledged to implement reforms. The audit identified flaws, including lack of internal controls leading to funds going toward ineligible uses. The department plans to revamp policies, provide training on grant administration, and review and update conflict of interest policies. Lawmakers emphasize the importance of audits in budget-setting, and failure to address audit findings could impact agency budgets and compliance with the law.
- Idaho Legislature commissions investigation of youth treatment homes, passes bills to increase oversight and regulations (Investigate West, 3/19/2024)
- The Idaho Legislature has initiated an investigation into youth treatment homes following reports of child abuse and neglect, with a focus on enhancing oversight and regulations. Lawmakers responded to a series of investigative reports revealing concerning incidents at state-licensed facilities, prompting the commission of a state watchdog investigation. Additionally, the Legislature passed bills aimed at increasing regulation and oversight of youth treatment homes, including the establishment of an ombudsman for child welfare monitoring and the formulation of policies for placing children in congregate care.
- Idaho watchdog office preparing report on effectiveness of state’s troubled Luma business system (Idaho Capital Sun, 8/16/2024)
- Idaho’s Office of Performance Evaluations is preparing a report on the effectiveness of the state’s new business system, Luma, which has faced significant challenges and criticisms since its launch. The report aims to assess whether Luma is meeting its intended goals and to identify areas for improvement. Lawmakers and state officials are particularly interested in the report’s findings due to ongoing concerns about the system’s performance and its impact on state operations.
- Following critical watchdog report, Idaho bill to clarify coroner death investigation roles (Idaho Capital Sun, 2/10/2025)
- A bill clarifying Idaho coroners’ roles in death investigations was introduced following a 2024 Office of Performance Evaluations report that found inconsistencies due to unclear state laws. The bipartisan legislation, co-sponsored by oversight committee co-chairs Sen. Melissa Wintrow and Rep. Douglas Pickett, aims to improve investigation standards and has support from coroners, law enforcement, and county officials. The Idaho Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee advanced the bill unanimously, setting it up for further debate and potential passage.
