DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES AND HUMAN SERVICE CENTER SERVICES STUDY PLAN

The following is a proposed study plan for the committee's consideration regarding the study of the Department of Human Services, including the study of the human service centers and the department's review of departmental programming funding issues:

1. Receive information from the Department of Human Services, including the regional human service center directors and other interested persons, relating to services provided by the human service centers addressing the appropriateness of and justification for continuing human service center programs, the cost/benefit of human service center programs, methods for evaluating the effectiveness and outcomes of human service center programs, and the need to establish priorities relating to human service center programs.
2. Receive reports from the Department of Human Services regarding the recommendations contained in Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 4003, including information regarding the department's progress in the implementation of the recommendations and the status of the department's strategic planning process.
3. Receive testimony from representatives of the North Dakota Association of Counties Social Service Board Directors and others regarding the status of recommended changes to the Department of Human Services in Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 4003.
4. Receive a report or reports from the Department of Human Services regarding Section 25 of 1999 Senate Bill No. 2012 regarding the department's review of program funding issues including the appropriateness of maximizing the use of federal funds, the opportunities to reduce general fund program expenditures, the appropriate methods to provide detailed justification prior to the expansion of programs, the appropriateness of the state replacing reductions in federal funds with state resources, coordination of programs to avoid duplication of program delivery, and the cost/benefit of programs.
5. Receive testimony from other interested persons and organizations regarding the committee's study of the Department of Human Services, including human service centers.
6. Develop recommendations and any necessary legislation to implement the committee's recommendations.
7. Prepare a final report for submission to the Legislative Council.