SB 6391-S - DIGEST

(AS OF SENATE 2ND READING 2/11/04)

Provides that the department must continuously improve in quality, efficiency, and effectiveness to increase public trust in the way the department operates and delivers services so that employers and workers receive maximum value for their premium dollars.

Directs the department to establish priorities for the delivery of its services and annually assess whether the department's programs and activities contribute to the department's priorities. The highest priority programs must be evaluated to determine if they are operating at maximum efficiency, and the lowest priority programs must be assessed to determine their continued viability.

Requires the department to release its annual assessment to the citizens of the state, the governor, and the appropriate legislative committees by January 1st of each year.

Requires the office of financial management to draft a plan for funding the programs and services not directly related to industrial insurance that are currently funded through the medical aid and accident funds. The office of financial management shall convene an advisory panel comprised of representatives of both labor and business to assist it in developing the plan.

Requires the report to be delivered to the appropriate committees of the house of representatives and the senate by November 1, 2004.