In a meeting held on October 29, 2024, the Executive Branch Audit Committee of Nevada convened to address pressing financial management issues within the Department of Veterans Services. The atmosphere was charged with urgency as committee members discussed strategies to improve the collection of past due debts and enhance the management of accounts receivable.

The committee's first recommendation focused on the staggering amount of over $1 million in past due debts owed by South Home residents, with a significant portion of this debt being outstanding for more than 210 days. The committee urged the Department to submit these debts to the State Controller for collection efforts, emphasizing that doing so would increase the likelihood of recovering funds and allow the department to write off uncollectible accounts.

Another critical point of discussion was the need for an updated memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the State Controller's office. The existing MOU, signed in 2011, lacks clarity on how to manage debts tied to pending Medicaid applications, which complicates the collection process. The committee highlighted that an updated MOU would provide essential guidance for resolving issues related to accounts receivable and past due debts.

The meeting also addressed the importance of adhering to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in recording accounts receivable. The committee pointed out that improper accounting entries currently understate the financial assets of the department, leading to inaccuracies in statewide financial statements. They called for a revision of the recording process to ensure compliance with statutory requirements.

In a bid to improve transparency and reduce financial liabilities, the committee recommended revising the admission application for South Home to include Medicaid information. This change would encourage applicants to engage in discussions about their eligibility and clarify any uncertainties during the admissions process.

Additionally, the committee proposed that Medicaid applications be submitted at the start of the admissions process, along with training for staff on updated procedures. This proactive approach aims to streamline the application process and minimize complications that could arise after residents are admitted.

A significant highlight of the meeting was the discussion surrounding Nevada's critical nursing shortage. The committee recommended seeking a bill draft request (BDR) to join the nurse licensure compact, which would allow nurses to practice across state lines. This membership is seen as a vital step in enhancing disaster preparedness and expanding access to healthcare services in Nevada.

As the meeting concluded, committee members expressed gratitude for the insights shared by the Department of Veterans Services management. The discussions underscored the importance of effective financial management and the need for collaborative efforts to address the challenges facing the department and its residents. The recommendations put forth are expected to pave the way for improved financial practices and better service delivery in the future.