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Rhode Island House of Representatives Republican Caucus

HOUSE MINORITY LEADER CALLS FOR INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION OF EOHHS

6/6/2018

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​Providence, RI - House Minority Leader Patricia Morgan introduced a resolution yesterday requesting an independent investigation of the issues related to the recent revelations involving the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. The resolution quickly garnered a broad range of bipartisan support. Members of the legislature who signed on are seeking answers to the persistent, costly issues at the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS).
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​An EOHHS staff lawyer failed to file an appeal in a Superior Court case that awarded nursing homes at least $24 million in improperly withheld payments. Representative Morgan commented on the situation, stating: “That large award will have a massive impact on our state budget. The fact that the lawyer, his supervisors, and senior administrators appear to have overlooked this serious case elicits misgivings about the administration’s management of this crucial department.”

“The series of events are alarming, especially when judged against the backdrop of the premature launch of UHIP, the failure of the ‘Reinvention of Medicaid’ initiative, and revelations about suspended licenses of legal staff. EOHHS is responsible for administering our social welfare programs with yearly spending of nearly $2.5 billion. It impacts the lives of a third of all Rhode Islanders directly through its programs, as well as the agencies that provide services and their vendors. If the administration fails to properly perform its duties, it causes harm to a large part of our population. It is of critical importance that EOHHS provides competent and effective oversight,” she continued.

“If adopted by the General Assembly, my resolution would empower an independent investigation of the issues surrounding the botched appeal of this sizable award in the nursing home suit and the lawyer’s lack of a valid license. It would explore any conflicts of interest or political influences that may have impacted the lawyer’s inaction. Additionally, it would seek to understand the lack of oversight and supervision by senior management.”

“The investigation would further seek clarification of the financial jeopardy to taxpayers caused by the failed ‘Reinvention of Medicaid’ program. Have other service providers sought legal remedies to low payment rates? Has EOHHS provided adequate oversight? What other deadlines have been missed? What harm has resulted from the seemingly unwarranted cuts to nursing homes?

“Additionally, the investigation would seek information on how the botched launch of UHIP has intensified the damage to service providers for medically fragile seniors.  Have patients suffered because of the State’s months long backlog of eligibility determinations? What financial jeopardy does the state face from federal fines or claw backs from missing cost shares?

“Not only does this immediate legal fiasco impact the state budget, but the failure of the ‘Reinvention of Medicaid’ to achieve real savings and cost containment has the potential to create serious damage to taxpayer resources for years to come. We must be confident we have the legal expertise to represent the state’s interests and also that we have responsible governance in place.”

“The people of Rhode Island have no confidence in the leadership of Governor Raimondo and her staff to manage these serious problems. An independent investigation will provide the information we need to move forward with coherent solutions. I will be requesting an immediate hearing and hope this resolution is passed by the General Assembly before we adjourn. It is essential for us to prevent and effectively manage future problems caused by Governor Raimondo and her team.”

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About rhode island house republicans


In 1636, Roger Williams, founder of Rhode Island, established the first working model of Democracy after being banished from Massachusetts for his “extreme views” concerning freedom of speech and religion. Thomas Jefferson and John Adams publicly acknowledged Williams as the originator of these concepts, along with the freedom of public assembly, in the First Amendment in the United States Constitution. Today, Rhode Island House Republicans uphold the liberties designed by our Founders and preserved in our Constitution, and are the primary legislative body promoting lean government, fighting for lower taxes, and advocating for initiatives and policies that improve the economy and in turn, the lives of Rhode Islanders.  As members of a part-time assembly, we are small business owners, retired educators, community activists, lawyers, farmers, military service veterans, volunteers, former local officials, retired social workers, coaches, musicians, churchgoers and board directors -- bringing these community engagement and professional experiences to our work, on your behalf, at the Rhode Island State House.

​2021 Rhode Island State House Republicans | 82 Smith Street, Room 106 | Providence RI 02903 | 401..222..2259 | Email Us
  • Home
  • Gaming Contract
    • Gaming Study Report
  • Representatives
    • Blake A. Filippi
    • Michael W. Chippendale
    • Sherry Roberts
    • David J. Place
    • George A. Nardone
    • Robert Quattrocchi
    • Brian C. Newberry
    • Justin K. Price
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    • House Task Force for COVID-19 Vaccine
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