JFAC approves public health services enhancements, directs several program reviews

The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee on March 12 approved enhancements to the Department of Health and Welfare's Division of Public Health Services, adding four full-time equivalent positions and a mix of general, federal and dedicated fund increases while directing staff to report back on several program transitions and cost-benefit studies.

The committee approved a substitute motion that added 4 FTE and $2,236,300 ongoing from the general fund, $2,650,000 from dedicated funds (moved largely to one-time in the substitute), and $20,196,700 from federal funds for a combined total in the motion of roughly $25.1 million. Representative Furness moved the original package; Representative Tanner offered the substitute motion and Senator Wintrow seconded the substitute. The substitute motion carried with a combined committee vote of 14 ayes, 4 nays, 2 absent/excused, and the package will carry a due-pass recommendation.

The enhancements and restorations covered a suite of programs listed in the packet: office of accreditation and planning; suicide prevention; drug overdose prevention; refugee health screening; Alzheimer's and dementia services; Fit and Fall Proof; immunization programs; communicable disease prevention; home visiting; HIV and hepatitis…