Payment Integrity Act

The Payment Integrity Act (S 3862) requires state agencies managing child care funds to pay providers based on verified child attendance - not just enrollment - using attendance records or similar methods. It directly affects child care providers and state lead agencies administering federal child care grants. The bill adds a new requirement that payments must be tied to actual service delivery, prohibiting pre-payment before care is provided. These changes aim to ensure taxpayer funds are only used for verified child care services. The legislation amends existing child care funding rules without altering eligibility or funding levels.