SENATE OVERRIDES PATAKI ON MINIMUM WAGE

Minimum wage earners will make an extra $2 an hour by January 2007 after the State Senate overrode Governor Pataki's veto of a measure to boost salaries for New York's lowest-paid workers over the next two years.  The Senate approved the override 50-8, surpassing the two-thirds vote necessary for such action. The State Assembly overrode his veto in bill A. 11760 in August.  The wage hike will take place incrementally, rising from $5.15 an hour to $6 on Jan. 1; 2005, $6.75 on Jan. 1, 2006; and $7.15 on Jan. 1, 2007.

HHS SECRETARY THOMPSON RESIGNS

Secretary of Health and Human Services, Tommy Thompson, announced his resignation from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).  Thompson has served as Secretary of HHS since February of 2001.  Though Dr. Mark McClellan, who currently serves as CMS Administrator, will likely be Secretary Thompson's successor, HHS Deputy Secretary Claude Allen is also being considered as a possible nominee.

MEDICAID RESTRUCTURING EXPECTED IN 2005

Attempts at Medicaid restructuring seem virtually assured in 2005.  The Bush Administration has historically championed capped federal Medicaid spending, as he did in his FY 2003 budget proposal, rather than the current state/federal cost-sharing method.  Speaking before the National Association of State Medicaid Directors on November 18, 2004, CMS Administrator Dr. Mark McClellan made clear that with the rising costs of Medicaid programs, state governments cannot afford the status quo.  McClellan encouraged states to look at several cost savings methods.  Likely anticipating Medicaid provisions in the President's FY 2006 budget proposal, Senate Democrats have begun circulating a sign-on letter to President Bush stating their opposition to a cap on federal Medicaid spending. (As reported in the Weekly Washington Wire)

ARTICLE 16 CLINIC AUDIT BY NYS DOH

A NYSACRA member had an “entrance” conference with an auditor from the NYS DOH Medicaid Fraud and Program Integrity unit last week.  It was to introduce an audit process of Article 16 Clinics that stand-alone.  They will look at every claim of a 10% sample for two full years, 2002 and 2003.  They may also do a Day Treatment check next.  The auditors will use a formula if they find wrongful claims within the 10% to apply to the rest of your program.  They will be paying special attention to the documentation of the face-to-face visit, the differentiation between full and brief visits, they will look at the dual eligibles to make sure they are being properly billed and will look at the credentialing process an agency uses.  In addition, the NYS DOH is looking at OMRDD regulations and oversight of the clinic.  NYSACRA will keep you posted on this.

INFLUENZA UPDATE

Almost half the counties have reported cases of flu already this season. OMRDD continues to work with the State Department of Health and encourages voluntary providers to work with their local Departments of Health to ensure that individuals with developmental disabilities who fall into the high priority categories receive the vaccination. For a more detailed update and precautions for the flu season go to the NYSACRA website at: www.nysacra.org.

EXECUTIVE POSITIONS

ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR – PROGRAMS

Greystone Programs is seeking an AED with management oversight of clinical, training, and residential departments, ensures compliance in eleven ICF/IRA residences with state/federal regulations and agency policies.  Reports to the CEO.  Master’s degree and 5 yrs management experience preferred.  Clinical experience with autistic population, hands-on management style, proven leadership, communication and interpersonal skills and demonstrated experience in running OMRDD regulated programs also required.

CONTROLLER

Develop, propose and implement clear and comprehensive procedures for managing the fiscal operations of the Agency.  Directly supervises the finance department including two non-exempt staff.  Responsible for the maintenance of the general ledger, chart of accounts and program contracts as the lead accountant for the agency.  Prepare monthly financial statements, budget reports and annual cost reports (CFR).  Reconcile bank and investment accounts and coordinate annual audits.  Bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance and OMRDD experience required.  Supervisory experience preferred.  Position reports directly to Chief Operating Officer.
Greystone offers outstanding benefits including medical, dental, life, and vision care insurance, domestic partner coverage, pension plan, 403b, generous time off and much more. 

For consideration send resume with salary requirements to:
Greystone Programs, Inc., 36 Violet Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Phone (845) 452-5772 - Fax (845) 625-2189 - This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
 

Director of Housing and Shelter Services

Community Services for the Developmentally Disabled is seeking a dynamic leader to provided overall management of Emergency Respite shelters, Project S.A.F.E. and IRAs.   This includes program development, coordination of services, development of plans, & oversight and management of facilities. The Director of H&S provides management of clinical, service, financial and administrative records as well as monitoring and development of funding, acting as a liaison with State and local funding sources.  Candidates should have a Master’s Degree plus four years of experience including one year of supervisory experience, OR a Bachelor’s Degree plus six years of experience including one year of supervisory experience.  Send resume to: P Judge, 452 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14202 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Deputy Director for Program Services

To oversee its programs, Job Path is seeking a creative, energetic individual who understands individualized services, is highly sensitive to the preferences and needs of people with disabilities and their families, and enjoys spending time in people’s homes and communities.  The Deputy Director will report to Job Path’s Executive Director and work closely with its Board of Trustees. Candidates should have at least seven years of progressively responsible direct service and program management experience.  Bachelor’s degree and supervisory experience required.  Send Resume to: Job Path, 22 W. 38th St., New York, NY 10018 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .