Providing solutions for Child Welfare Payment System Challenges

This bill requires West Virginia's Department of Human Services to fix payment delays for child welfare service providers by overhauling the state's payment system. It mandates an invoice-based payment system (replacing current worker-dependent triggers), establishes a dedicated payment resolution process with a high-level contact, and requires monthly meetings between providers and DHS finance staff to address issues proactively. The bill also corrects coding errors in the PATH system that cause underpayment for residential transitional living services and allows providers to update foster family status in real time for accurate billing. These changes aim to ensure timely payments to agencies providing critical child welfare services, preventing financial strain that leads to service cuts or closures.