FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 4, 2003
Health & Social Services reorganized for efficiency, better customer service
Reorganization includes internal changes, programs moving to DHSS from Depts. Of Administration and Education & Early Development
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(Juneau) – DHSS Commissioner Joel Gilbertson announced today a major reorganization of the Alaska Dept. of Health & Social Services. “We are integrating the health and social services provided to Alaskans, and combining programs in ways that make sense to the people DHSS serves,” he said. “Alaskans will get better customer service, and DHSS will be in a stronger position to deliver quality services in very tough financial times for the State.”
The Department reorganization includes internal consolidations that result in name and function changes for 4 Divisions, creation of a new department-wide program review function, and movement of a total of five programs from the Departments of Administration and Education & Early Development to the Dept. of Health & Social Services.
Gilbertson said that planning for the reorganization considered
a wealth of valuable input and creative ideas from the DHSS performance
review audit, employee surveys and the thoughts of thousands of
Alaskans during regional transition field hearings last fall. He
said reorganizations are always difficult, but that DHSS is focused
on solid outcomes for Alaskans:
•
Enhanced quality of life for the people DHSS serves
•
Efficient coordination and management of multiple health and human
services
•
Maximum benefit from existing resources and reduced unnecessary
and burdensome regulations
•
Innovation, flexibility and accountability at all levels of state
government
“We are reorganizing in part to restructure the way we use Medicaid funding for our programs, to maximize federal funding for our services,” he said. “Alaskans also want to be sure that any use of public funds results in the best health and social services. Part of our restructuring includes a program review function to ensure program integrity and maximization of any General Fund investment.”
Reorganization Highlights
Commissioner’s Office
Two new units will be established by the Commissioner’s
Office using existing positions, whose functions will be to reduce
General Fund expenditures across the Department and establish efficiency
in rate-setting functions throughout the Department.
The Office of Program Review will ensure that DHSS programs accomplish
their goals, and will help Divisions find ways to refinance programs
to ensure that, to the maximum extent possible, services continue
during difficult financial times.
Health Care Services (HCS)
This Division focuses on the individual health needs of Alaskans. The Division of Health Care Services ensures that individuals receive quality personal health care services from health care providers who are paid by DHSS. HCS consists of a number of functions formerly in the Div. of Public Health, with the addition of some functions formerly in the Div. of Medical Assistance.
Public Health
This Division protects and promotes public health. The Division of Public Health focuses on disease prevention and control, homeland security related to public heath, and systems development and planning for a quality health care system. A number of the functions in the former Div. of Public Health remain, with the inclusion of systems development and planning functions from several divisions.
Children Services
At the Deputy Commissioner level, this new Office provides a more well-rounded system to help families keep their children safe and healthy. Children Services also includes several child health programs formerly in the Div. of Public Health, and Behavioral Rehabilitation Services formerly in the Div. of Medical Assistance.
Behavioral Health
This Division provides a comprehensive array of mental health & substance abuse services. The people DHSS serve get better customer service because service delivery is more efficient and treatment is integrated. The Div. of Behavioral Health includes functions formerly in the Div. of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse and the Div. of Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities.
Public Assistance
This Division continues its main mission of supporting families and individuals to become self-sufficient. It will serve families better by consolidating programs and funding sources that assist families enter or remain in the workforce, and by reducing the number of applications a person has to fill out and offices they need to visit to get assistance. The Div. of Public Assistance will include outreach for Denali KidCare, formerly in the Div. of Public Health, and Childcare Assistance, formerly in the Dept. of Education & Early Development.
Senior & Disabilities Services
This Division provides a full range of care for Alaska seniors and disabled Alaskans in one agency. The people we serve get improved access to a continuum of care – all the services seniors and disabled people need. The Div. of Senior &Disabilities Services includes the Div. of Senior Services formerly in the Dept. of Administration, Adult Public Assistance formerly in the Div. of Public Assistance, and several other functions from the former Div. of Medical Assistance.
Div. of Alaska Longevity Programs
The Longevity Bonus Program and Pioneer Homes programs will be transferred from the Dept. of Administration.
Juvenile Justice
This Division is a specialized and discrete unit focused on better outcomes for youth in trouble.
Admin Services
This Division will focus on core functions – services
to DHSS agencies.
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For more information, please contact
Sherry Hill, Special Assistant to the Commissioner for Communications
(907) 465-1611Or
Ross Soboleff
Public Information Officer III
(907) 465-1611
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