KRS 199.641: Definitions -- Payments to child-caring facility or child-placing agency.

(1) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires:

(a) "Allowable costs report" means a report from each child -caring facility or

child-placing agency that contracts with the department for services and

includes all allowable costs as def ined by the Federal Office of Management

and Budget's guidance, including Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations,

and other information the department may require, utilizing cost data from

each child-caring facility's or child-placing agency's most recent yearly audited

financial statement;

(b) "Department" means the Department for Community Based Services of the

Cabinet for Health and Family Services;

(c) "Model program cost analysis" means a report based on a time study, the

allowable costs report, and other information required by the department from

each child -caring facility or child -placing agency that contracts with the

department for services that determines a statewide median cost for each

licensed program category of service provided by child -caring facilities or

child-placing agencies; and

(d) "Time study" means the process of reporting the work performed by

employees of child-caring facilities or child-placing agencies in specified time

periods.

(2) Subject to the limitations set forth in subs ection (4) of this section, when the

department chooses to contract with a child -caring facility or child -placing agency

for services to a child in the custody of or committed to the department, the

department shall make payments to that facility based on the rate setting

methodology developed from the model program cost analysis. The department

shall also assure that the methodology:

(a) Provides payment incentives for moving children as quickly as possible to a

permanent, continuous, stable environment;

(b) Provides children who require out -of-home care or alternative treatment with

placements that are as close as possible to their home geographic area and

ensure continuity with their families, schools, faiths, and communities;

(c) Provides appropriate pla cement and treatment services that effectively and

efficiently meet the needs of the child and the child's family as close as

possible to the child's home geographic area; and

(d) Facilitates provider participation in the state Medicaid program established in

accordance with KRS Chapter 205.

(3) The department shall use the model program cost analysis as a basis for cost

estimates for the development of the department's biennial budget request.

(4) The secretary shall, to the extent funds are appropriated, establish and implement

the rate setting methodology and rate of payment by promulgation of administrative

regulations in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A that are consistent with the level

and quality of service provided by child -caring facilities. The adm inistrative

regulations shall also include the forms and formats for the model program cost

analysis.

(5) Nothing in this section shall prohibit the department from soliciting proposals to

improve or expand alternative services for children in the custody of or committed

to the cabinet.