States, Cities and Counties
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents covering state government, cities and counties.
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University System of Georgia: Teresa MacCartney Named Interim President of Georgia Southwestern State University
ATLANTA, Georgia, April 19 -- The University System of Georgia issued the following news release on April 18, 2024:
University System of Georgia (USG) Chancellor Sonny Perdue today named USG's Chief Operating Officer Teresa MacCartney as interim president of Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW), upon the departure of President Neal Weaver this May.
Weaver announced he would be stepping down May 10 after nearly seven years. He was named president of Stephen F. Austin University in Texas by the University of Texas System on March 18.
The leadership transition between MacCartney and Weaver
... Show Full Article
ATLANTA, Georgia, April 19 -- The University System of Georgia issued the following news release on April 18, 2024:
University System of Georgia (USG) Chancellor Sonny Perdue today named USG's Chief Operating Officer Teresa MacCartney as interim president of Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW), upon the departure of President Neal Weaver this May.
Weaver announced he would be stepping down May 10 after nearly seven years. He was named president of Stephen F. Austin University in Texas by the University of Texas System on March 18.
The leadership transition between MacCartney and Weaverwill begin prior to his departure.
"Georgia Southwestern State University experienced record enrollment under President Weaver's leadership, and we wish him continued success in Texas," Perdue said. "We're grateful to Teresa for temporarily stepping into this role and know the university will keep thriving in the interim. As an integral part of the university system's leadership team, she'll provide deep institutional knowledge and consistency while we consider next steps."
As COO, MacCartney currently oversees the system's overall operations for all 26 of USG's public colleges and universities. This includes defining and evaluating solutions for USG objectives in the departments of Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Real Estate and Facilities, Legal Affairs, Human Resources, Safety and Security, Leadership and Institutional Development as well as Strategic Implementation.
MacCartney previously served as USG's executive vice chancellor for administration (2019-2021) and as acting chancellor (2021-2022).
"I'm grateful for Chancellor Perdue's confidence in me and am looking forward to being on campus and working with GSW's outstanding faculty, staff and students," MacCartney said. "As someone who grew up in Cairo, I am very familiar with this region. It is an honor to help guide GSW during this transition and continue the initiatives that have made it one of the top universities in the South."
Before joining USG, MacCartney served as Georgia's chief financial officer as well as executive director of the Governor's Office of Planning and Budget. She has held a number of other leadership roles throughout state government, including with the Georgia Student Finance Commission and the Georgia Department of Education. In the past, she has served on various boards including as chairman of Leadership Georgia and on the Board of Directors of the Georgia Lottery Corporation. Currently, she serves on the board of the Georgia Higher Education Facilities Authority.
MacCartney earned both a bachelor's degree in mathematics and a Master of Public Administration degree from Georgia Southern University. She lives in Cobb County with her two children, William, a high school junior, and Brooke, a senior who will attend the University of Georgia in the fall.
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About GSW
Georgia Southwestern State University is a state university located in historic Americus, Georgia. The undergraduate and graduate degree offering institution is ranked as one of the most affordable colleges in the nation. GSW enrolls over 3,400 students and boasts a 16:1 student-teacher ratio with an institutional focus on academic success. For the last three years, GSW was voted the "best place to work" in Sumter County, and counts among distinguished alumni the late Griffin Bell, former U.S. attorney general, the late former First Lady Rosalynn Carter and former U.S. president and Nobel Peace Prize recipient Jimmy Carter.
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Original text here: https://www.usg.edu/news/release/teresa_maccartney_named_interim_president_of_georgia_southwestern_state_university
Spring Break Brings More Than 1.2 Million Travelers to RDU
MORRISVILLE, North Carolina, April 19 (TNSres) -- Raleigh-Durham International Airport issued the following news release on April 18, 2024:
Passenger traffic at RDU got a significant boost in March, with spring break getaways bringing more than 1.2 million travelers through the airport - an increase of 24.7 percent above February of this year and a 6.9 percent increase above March 2023.
"The boost in passenger traffic during spring break indicates it will be a busy summer travel season," said Michael Landguth, president and CEO of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority. "Just in time for summer,
... Show Full Article
MORRISVILLE, North Carolina, April 19 (TNSres) -- Raleigh-Durham International Airport issued the following news release on April 18, 2024:
Passenger traffic at RDU got a significant boost in March, with spring break getaways bringing more than 1.2 million travelers through the airport - an increase of 24.7 percent above February of this year and a 6.9 percent increase above March 2023.
"The boost in passenger traffic during spring break indicates it will be a busy summer travel season," said Michael Landguth, president and CEO of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority. "Just in time for summer,RDU guests will soon be able to enjoy new dining options, innovative technology to improve their travel experience and three new international destinations."
Air Service: Two new international flights will launch in June when Lufthansa begins service from RDU to Frankfurt, Germany and Copa Airlines begins flying nonstop to Panama City. Those new international routes will be followed by the launch of nonstop flights to Mexico City on Aeromexico in July. Frontier Airlines expanded service to five popular destinations this month, just in time for spring and summer travel. The airline started nonstop flights to Boston, Miami, Tampa and New York-LaGuardia on April 10. Service to Chicago-O'Hare started April 11.
Reimagine RDU: Next time you visit the terminals, you might see construction barricades with a new message on them: "Reimagine RDU." Reimagine is RDU's newest campaign, helping to build anticipation for new airport amenities coming soon. Travelers will soon enjoy elevated experiences -- from new dining options by renowned chefs, to new technology that eases your travel day from parking to the gate. RDU is a growing airport for a growing region. With Reimagine, we're sharing information about what's on tap, so you can know what to expect on future journeys through the airport. You can learn more by visiting http://www.rdu.com/reimagine.
Sun Country Relocation: Sun Country Airlines began operating out of Terminal 1 at RDU when the airline resumed seasonal service on April 17. The move was made to maximize gate space in both terminals, accommodate airline needs and prepare for continued growth. Sun Country passengers who go to Terminal 2 can cross back through the parking deck to reach Terminal 1, a less than five-minute walk. Breeze Airways relocated to Terminal 1 on April 2. RDU recommends travelers contact Breeze or Sun Country directly with questions about terminal assignments.
Public Comment: The Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority Board voted today to add a public comment period to regularly scheduled board meetings, among other administrative changes. Comments will be heard at every other board meeting beginning in May 2024 in accordance with the Public Comments Rules (http://www.rdu.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PUBLIC-COMMENTS-RULES-adopted-4-18-2024.pdf). All changes adopted today to Chapter 6 of the Authority's local laws can be viewed here (http://www.rdu.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Chapter-6-Administration-as-adopted-4-18-2024.pdf).
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Original text here: https://www.rdu.com/spring-break-brings-more-than-1-2-million-travelers-to-rdu/
S.D. LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COUNCIL: ONE HUNDREDTH SESSION PLANNING COMMITTEE TO MEET
PIERRE, South Dakota, April 19 -- The South Dakota Legislative Research Council issued the following news release on April 18, 2024:
The One Hundredth Session Planning Committee will hold its second meeting of the 2024 Interim on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. (CT). The meeting is being conducted via electronic conference and in Room 412 of the State Capitol in Pierre, South Dakota, to allow for both remote and in-person participation.
The One Hundredth Session Planning Committee, chaired by Representative Tony Venhuizen (R-Sioux Falls) with vice chair Senator David Wheeler (R-Huron),
... Show Full Article
PIERRE, South Dakota, April 19 -- The South Dakota Legislative Research Council issued the following news release on April 18, 2024:
The One Hundredth Session Planning Committee will hold its second meeting of the 2024 Interim on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. (CT). The meeting is being conducted via electronic conference and in Room 412 of the State Capitol in Pierre, South Dakota, to allow for both remote and in-person participation.
The One Hundredth Session Planning Committee, chaired by Representative Tony Venhuizen (R-Sioux Falls) with vice chair Senator David Wheeler (R-Huron),will receive subcommittee reports, discuss publicity options including a website, and set dates for future meetings.
The full agenda is available online (https://mylrc.sdlegislature.gov/api/Documents/267447.pdf).
In addition to Representative Venhuizen and Senator Wheeler, members include Representatives Erin Healy (D-Sioux Falls) and Stephanie Sauder (R-Bryant); Senators Jean Hunhoff (R-Yankton) and Steve Kolbeck (R-Brandon); and non-legislative members Bernie Hunhoff, Dr. Ben Jones, and Matt Michels.
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Original text here: https://mylrc.sdlegislature.gov/api/Documents/PressRelease/267488.pdf
Md. Agriculture Dept. to Hold Virtual International Marketing Training May 14
ANNAPOLIS, Maryland, April 19 -- The Maryland Department of Agriculture issued the following news release on April 18, 2024:
The Maryland Department of Agriculture is encouraging Maryland agriculture and seafood companies interested in exporting their products internationally to register for an international marketing training webinar hosted by the department and the Southern U.S. Trade Association (SUSTA). The virtual session will be held on May 14. Companies should register at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_F9FMvxJbSqmTThk05ni-kQ.
"The department is committed to fostering business
... Show Full Article
ANNAPOLIS, Maryland, April 19 -- The Maryland Department of Agriculture issued the following news release on April 18, 2024:
The Maryland Department of Agriculture is encouraging Maryland agriculture and seafood companies interested in exporting their products internationally to register for an international marketing training webinar hosted by the department and the Southern U.S. Trade Association (SUSTA). The virtual session will be held on May 14. Companies should register at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_F9FMvxJbSqmTThk05ni-kQ.
"The department is committed to fostering businessopportunities for Maryland agriculture and seafood companies domestically and abroad," said Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks. "The Southern U.S. Trade Association is an excellent resource for companies wanting to tap into markets beyond the United States' borders."
SUSTA is an organization of state departments of agriculture in the South, including Maryland that facilitates trade between small and medium-sized companies and overseas importers. Thirty four Maryland companies are working with MDA's International Marketing Program and SUSTA to develop export markets. In 2022, those companies attributed more than $2.7 million in sales to the partnership.
Benefits include low-cost participation in trade missions and global trade shows, access to market insight through foreign in-country consultants, a 50 percent cost share on international marketing expenses, and more. For more information, please contact the department's Director of International Marketing, Stone Slade, at stone.slade@maryland.gov.
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Original text here: https://news.maryland.gov/mda/press-release/2024/04/18/maryland-department-of-agriculture-to-hold-virtual-international-marketing-training-may-14/
Mass. Auditor: 'Audit of Essex County Sheriff's Department - Review of Healthcare & Inmate Deaths'
BOSTON, Massachusetts, April 19 (TNSrep) -- The Massachusetts Auditor issued the following audit report (No. 2023-1433-3J) on April 18, 2024, entitled "Audit of the Essex County Sheriff's Department - A Review of Healthcare and Inmate Deaths."
Here are excerpts:
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY...1
OVERVIEW OF AUDITED ENTITY...2
AUDIT OBJECTIVES, SCOPE, AND METHODOLOGY...9
DETAILED AUDIT FINDINGS WITH AUDITEE'S RESPONSE...15
1. The Essex County Sheriff's Department did not provide physical examinations to all of its inmates in a timely manner...15
2. The Essex County Sheriff's
... Show Full Article
BOSTON, Massachusetts, April 19 (TNSrep) -- The Massachusetts Auditor issued the following audit report (No. 2023-1433-3J) on April 18, 2024, entitled "Audit of the Essex County Sheriff's Department - A Review of Healthcare and Inmate Deaths."
Here are excerpts:
* * *
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY...1
OVERVIEW OF AUDITED ENTITY...2
AUDIT OBJECTIVES, SCOPE, AND METHODOLOGY...9
DETAILED AUDIT FINDINGS WITH AUDITEE'S RESPONSE...15
1. The Essex County Sheriff's Department did not provide physical examinations to all of its inmates in a timely manner...15
2. The Essex County Sheriff'sDepartment did not follow up on all sick call requests in a timely manner...17
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In accordance with Section 12 of Chapter 11 of the Massachusetts General Laws, the Office of the State Auditor has conducted a performance audit of the Essex County Sheriff's Department (ECSD) for the period July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2021.
The purpose of our audit was to determine the following:
* whether ECSD complied with and implemented the requirements of Section 932.17(2) of Title 103 of the Code of Massachusetts Regulations (CMR) and ECSD's "Policy 103 ECSD 222.00 Serious Illness, Injury or Death" regarding the deaths of inmates in its custody;/1
* whether ECSD held quarterly meetings with its contracted healthcare provider and reviewed quarterly reports regarding healthcare services for inmates in accordance with 103 CMR 932.01(3);
* whether ECSD provided its inmates with admission medical screenings upon admission and physical examinations within 14 days after admission, in accordance with Sections 10 and 11 of ECSD's "Policy 103 ECSD 220.00 Medical Services"; and
* whether inmates at ECSD received medical care after submission of a sick call request form in accordance with Wellpath's "Nonemergency Health Care Requests and Services Policy" (HCD-100_E-07) for ECSD.
Below is a summary of our findings and recommendations, with links to each page listed.
Finding 1
Page 15
ECSD did not provide physical examinations to all of its inmates in a timely manner.
Recommendation
Page 16
ECSD should establish monitoring controls (i.e., policies and procedures) over its physical examination process to ensure that its contracted healthcare provider provides physical examinations to all of ECSD's inmates in a timely manner.
Finding 2
Page 17
ECSD did not follow up on all sick call requests in a timely manner.
Recommendations
Page 18
1. ECSD should establish effective monitoring controls (i.e., policies and procedures) over its sick call process.
2. ECSD should conduct periodic evaluations of its internal controls to ensure that its contracted healthcare provider follows up on all sick call requests in a timely manner.
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1/ ECSD informed us that if an inmate is in custody, it means that ECSD has the authorization from a court to incarcerate an inmate until the court orders their release. A death in custody is one that occurs during this period of incarceration.
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AUDIT OBJECTIVES, SCOPE, AND METHODOLOGY
In accordance with Section 12 of Chapter 11 of the Massachusetts General Laws, the Office of the State Auditor has conducted a performance audit of certain activities of the Essex County Sheriff's Department (ECSD) for the period July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2021.
We conducted this performance audit in accordance with generally accepted government auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain sufficient, appropriate evidence to provide a reasonable basis for our findings and conclusions based on our audit objectives. We believe that the evidence obtained provides a reasonable basis for our findings and conclusions based on our audit objectives.
Below is a list of our audit objectives, indicating each question we intended our audit to answer; the conclusion we reached regarding each objective; and, if applicable, where each objective is discussed in the audit findings.
Objective ...Conclusion
1. Did ECSD comply with and implement the requirements of Section 932.17(2) of Title 103 of the Code of Massachusetts Regulations (CMR) and ECSD's "Policy 103 ECSD 222.00 Serious Illness, Injury or Death" regarding the deaths of inmates in its custody? ...Yes
2. Did ECSD hold quarterly meetings with its contracted healthcare provider and review quarterly reports regarding healthcare services for inmates in accordance with 103 CMR 932.01(3)? ...Yes
3. Did ECSD provide its inmates with admission medical screenings upon admission and a physical examination within 14 days after admission, in accordance with Sections 10 and 11 of ECSD's "Policy 103 ECSD 220.00 Medical Services"? ...No; see Finding 1
4. Did inmates at ECSD receive medical care after submission of a sick call request form in accordance with Wellpath's "Nonemergency Health Care Requests and Services Policy" (HCD-100_E-07) for ECSD? ...No; see Finding 2
To accomplish our audit objectives, we gained an understanding of the aspects of ECSD's internal control environment that we determined to be relevant to our objectives by reviewing ECSD's internal control plan and applicable policies and procedures, by conducting site visits, and by interviewing ECSD's management. We evaluated the design and implementation of the internal controls related to the audit objectives. We also tested the operating effectiveness of the supervisory review controls on admission medical screenings. To obtain sufficient, appropriate evidence to address our audit objectives, we performed the following procedures.
Inmate Deaths
We inspected the list of inmate deaths that occurred during the audit period, which ECSD management provided to us. The list included four inmates who died in ECSD's custody on November 23, 2019; April 29, 2020; October 3, 2020; and April 8, 2021, and whose causes of death were reported as suicide (two) and natural causes (two). To determine whether ECSD complied with 103 CMR 932.17(2) and ECSD's "Policy 103 ECSD 222.00 Serious Illness, Injury or Death" regarding the deaths of inmates in its custody, we performed the following procedures:
* We inspected ECSD's "Policy 103 ECSD 222.00 Serious Illness, Injury or Death" to determine whether ECSD had guidelines that include the following requirements listed in 103 CMR 932.17(2):
(a) internal notification to include medical and administrative staff;
(b) procedures when discovering body;
(c) disposition of the body;
(d) notification of next of kin;
(e) [Criminal Offender Record Information] notification [sent to victim(s) of an inmate] as soon as practicable [when such notification is necessary];
(f) investigation of causes;
(g) reporting and documentation procedures;
(h) procedure for review of incident by appropriate designated staff with a final report submitted to all appropriate parties.
* To determine whether ECSD complied with and implemented the requirements of 103 CMR 932.17(2) and ECSD's "Policy 103 ECSD 222.00 Serious Illness, Injury or Death" regarding the four in-custody deaths that occurred during the audit period, we performed the following procedures:
* We examined the ECSD incident reports submitted by all staff members involved with and witnesses to each inmate's death to ensure that (1) medical and administrative staff members were notified about each inmate's death; (2) the involved staff members performed lifesaving measures, documented the lifesavings measures they took, and notified the appropriate parties about the inmate's condition; and (3) the superintendent (or their designee) notified the inmate's next of kin.
* We examined each investigative report, which includes all corresponding incident reports, to ensure that (1) ECSD notified the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) of the inmate's death and (2) the Security Investigations Unit performed an investigation of the cause(s) of death.
* We examined the list of deaths generated by the Offender Management System (OMS) and each investigative report, which includes all corresponding incident reports, to ensure that ECSD complied with the requirements of 103 CMR 932.17(2) and ECSD's policy on reporting and documentation procedures related to each death.
* We examined each attendance sheet for each mortality review meeting to ensure that appropriate staff members participated in each review of the circumstances surrounding each inmate's death.
We noted no exceptions in our testing; therefore, we determined that ECSD complied with and implemented the requirements of 103 CMR 932.17(2) and ECSD's "Policy 103 ECSD 222.00 Serious Illness, Injury or Death" regarding the deaths of inmates in its custody during the audit period.
Quarterly Meetings
To determine whether ECSD held quarterly meetings with its contracted healthcare provider and reviewed quarterly reports in accordance with 103 CMR 932.01(3), we examined the minutes and attendance sheets (signed by meeting attendees) of 100% (eight) of the quarterly meetings that took place during the audit period between ECSD and its contracted healthcare provider. In addition, we inspected 100% (eight) of the quarterly reports discussed in each of the quarterly meetings, during which attendees reviewed items and topics such as risk management reports, infection control reports, inmate grievances, and medications that the contracted healthcare provider currently administers to inmates. We also inspected 100% (three) of the annual statistical summaries that the contracted healthcare provider submitted to ECSD during the audit period.
We noted no exceptions in our testing; therefore, we determined that ECSD held quarterly meetings with the contracted healthcare provider and reviewed quarterly reports in accordance with 103 CMR 932.01(3) during the audit period.
Admission Medical Screenings and Physical Examinations
To determine whether ECSD provided its inmates with admission medical screenings upon admission and a physical examination within 14 days after admission, in accordance with Sections 10 and 11 of ECSD's "Policy 103 ECSD 220.00 Medical Services," we selected a random, statistical/16 sample using a 95% confidence level,/17 a 0% expected error rate,/18 and a 5% tolerable error rate./19 Our sample consisted of 60 out of a total population of 8,701 inmates who were admitted to one of the following facilities during the audit period: the Middleton House of Correction (HOC), the Essex County Prerelease and Reentry Center (ECPRC), or the Women in Transition (WIT) facility. Using our sample, we performed the following procedures:
* We examined each inmate's admission medical screening form to verify the date and time it was completed and signed by a qualified healthcare professional (QHP).
* We calculated the number of days each inmate was committed at HOC, ECPRC, or the WIT facility by comparing each inmate's admission date and release date to determine whether each inmate required a physical examination. For each inmate committed for 30 or more days, we examined the physical examination form and verified the date and time a QHP completed the physical examination. We then calculated the number of days between each inmate's admission date and the date their physical examination was completed.
Based on the results of our testing, we determined that ECSD did not consistently provide each inmate with a physical examination within 14 days after admission during the audit period. See Finding 1 for more information.
We used statistical projection techniques to project the results of our testing to the population of inmates whom ECSD newly admitted during the audit period.
Sick Call Requests
To determine whether inmates received medical care after they submitted a Healthcare Request Form (HRF) in accordance with Wellpath's "Nonemergency Health Care Requests and Services Policy," we selected a random, statistical sample using a 95% confidence level, a 0% expected error rate, and
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16/ Auditors use statistical sampling to select items for audit testing when a population is large (usually over 1,000) and contains similar items. Auditors generally use a statistics software program to choose a random sample when statistical sampling is used. The results of testing using statistical sampling, unlike those from judgmental sampling, can usually be used to make conclusions or projections about entire populations.
17/ Confidence level is a mathematically based measure of the auditor's assurance that the sample results (statistic) are representative of the population (parameter), expressed as a percentage. A 95% confidence level means that 95 out of 100 times, the statistics accurately represent the larger population.
18/ Expected error rate is the number of errors that are expected in the population, expressed as a percentage. It is based on the auditor's knowledge of factors such as prior audit results, the understanding of controls gained in planning, or a probe sample. In this case, we are assuming there are relatively frequent errors in the data provided to us by the auditee.
19/ The tolerable error rate (which is expressed as a percentage) is the maximum error in the population that is acceptable while still using the sample to conclude that the results from the sample have achieved the objective.
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5% tolerable error rate. Our sample consisted of 60 out of a total population of 16,628 HRFs that inmates submitted during the audit period. Using our sample, we performed the following procedures:
* We examined each HRF and documented the date the form was completed by the inmate and the date it was signed by the contracted healthcare provider. We calculated the number of days between the submission date of each HRF and the date the contracted healthcare provider reviewed the HRF to determine whether the sick call request was triaged within 24 hours after its receipt.
* We examined each HRF and the corresponding medical notes within the Electronic Record Management Application (ERMA) to determine whether the QHP reviewed the HRF for the immediacy of needed intervention and referred problems beyond its expertise to the most appropriate healthcare provider external to ECSD's contracted healthcare provider.
* We examined each medical note in ERMA and documented the dates of face-to-face meetings between the inmates and the contracted healthcare provider. We then calculated the number of days between the date the contracted healthcare provider received the HRF and the date a face-to-face meeting was held to determine whether a face-to-face meeting occurred within 24 hours.
Based on the results of our testing, we determined that ECSD did not consistently provide each inmate with medical care after each submission of a sick call request in accordance with ECSD's policy during the audit period. See Finding 2 for more information.
We used statistical projection techniques to project the results of our testing to the population of HRFs that inmates submitted during the audit period.
Data Reliability Assessment
OMS
To assess the reliability of the inmate data that we obtained from OMS, we interviewed ECSD's information technology employees who oversee the system. We tested general information technology controls (e.g., access and security management controls). We selected a random sample of 20 inmates from the list of inmates in OMS and compared the inmates' information from this list (i.e., their full name, their date of birth, the booking date, and their sex) to the information in the original source document (the mittimus). We also selected a random sample of 20 hard copies of the mittimuses and compared the inmates' information from the mittimuses (i.e., their full name, date of birth, booking date, and sex) to the information in the list of inmates in OMS for agreement. In addition, we tested the inmate admission data of 8,701 inmates for duplicate records. We also reconciled the list of in-custody deaths from OMS with the list provided to us by OCME.
Based on the results of the data reliability assessment procedures described above, we determined that the OMS data was sufficiently reliable for the purposes of our audit.
ERMA
To assess the reliability of the sick call data that we obtained from ERMA, we interviewed officials (from ECSD and its contracted healthcare provider) who were knowledgeable about the data. We reviewed System and Organization Control reports/20 that covered the audit period and ensured that an independent auditor had performed certain information system control tests. In addition, we compared the inmate information contained in the sick call data from ERMA to the inmate's booking information in OMS. We also tested the sick call data for any worksheet errors (e.g., hidden objects such as rows, headers, and other content).
To confirm the completeness and accuracy of the sick call data in ERMA, we selected a random sample of 20 records in the sick call data in ERMA and compared the information in the data (i.e., the inmate's name, their patient identification number, and the date of the sick call request) to the information on the hardcopy HRFs for agreement. We also selected a random sample of 20 hard copies of HRFs and traced back to the sick call data in ERMA the information on the forms (i.e., the inmate's name, their patient identification number, and the date of the sick call request).
Based on the results of the data reliability assessment procedures described above, we determined that the ERMA data was sufficiently reliable for the purposes of our audit.
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20/ A System and Organization Control report is a report on controls about a service organization's systems relevant to security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, or privacy issued by an independent contractor.
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The report is posted at: https://www.mass.gov/doc/essex-county-sheriffs-department-a-review-of-healthcare-and-inmate-deaths/download
Ill. House Democrats: Manley Works to Address Teacher Shortage, Highlights CTE Education Career Pathway Grants
ROMEOVILLE, Illinois, April 19 -- The Illinois House Democrats issued the following news:
As part of the larger effort to eliminate the teacher shortage in Illinois, State Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, is encouraging local high schools to apply for the CTE Education Career Pathway Grants, which prepares students for a career in education. "There is an urgent need to address the teacher shortage in Illinois, and one thing is fundamentally clear -- we must do more to invest in our future educators. These grants provide aspiring teachers with the financial backing they need to pursue their passion
... Show Full Article
ROMEOVILLE, Illinois, April 19 -- The Illinois House Democrats issued the following news:
As part of the larger effort to eliminate the teacher shortage in Illinois, State Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, is encouraging local high schools to apply for the CTE Education Career Pathway Grants, which prepares students for a career in education. "There is an urgent need to address the teacher shortage in Illinois, and one thing is fundamentally clear -- we must do more to invest in our future educators. These grants provide aspiring teachers with the financial backing they need to pursue their passionfor teaching," said Manley. "By alleviating some of these financial barriers that many educators face, we're opening the door for more future educators to become changemakers and strengthen the schools in our communities." According to the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), there are over 4,000 unfilled teacher positions across the state. To reduce this number, ISBE has allocated $4.3 million in funding to the CTE Education Career Pathway Grant program. The grant provides funding to school districts to provide students with a head start for a career in education, offering tailored coursework, field experiences, and work based learning opportunities.
Over the past few years, Manley has worked to attract more educators to Illinois. In 2019, she supported legislation raising the minimum wage for teachers, resulting in a $40,000 minimum wage this school year. Manley also backed legislation allowing enrolled teaching students to obtain a substitute license, making it easier for them to gain real-world experience. In part due to these measures, ISBE has reported more new teachers entering the classroom over the past few years. "The current teacher crisis is unacceptable, and the consequences of inaction are obvious -- crowded classrooms, overworked teachers, and compromised learning. We owe it to our students to provide them with the best possible education, which starts with addressing the teacher shortage head-on," said Manley. "I highly encourage our pool of future educators to take advantage of these grants to inspire change in our schools."
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Original text here: https://ilhousedems.com/2024/04/18/manley-works-to-address-teacher-shortage-highlights-cte-education-career-pathway-grants/
Colo. House Democrats: Story, Brown's Pipeline Safety Bill Passes Committee
DENVER, Colorado, April 19 (TNSres) -- The Colorado House Democrats issued the following news release on April 18, 2024:
Pipeline safety legislation, sponsored by Representatives Tammy Story and Kyle Brown, passed the House Energy & Environment Committee today. HB24-1357 would address transparency and enforcement concerns about the Public Utility Commission's (PUC) Pipeline Safety Program.
"This bill is about keeping our neighbors and environment safe from dangerous pipeline leaks," said Rep. Tammy Story, D-Conifer. "A recent state audit confirmed - pipeline operators are not being held to a
... Show Full Article
DENVER, Colorado, April 19 (TNSres) -- The Colorado House Democrats issued the following news release on April 18, 2024:
Pipeline safety legislation, sponsored by Representatives Tammy Story and Kyle Brown, passed the House Energy & Environment Committee today. HB24-1357 would address transparency and enforcement concerns about the Public Utility Commission's (PUC) Pipeline Safety Program.
"This bill is about keeping our neighbors and environment safe from dangerous pipeline leaks," said Rep. Tammy Story, D-Conifer. "A recent state audit confirmed - pipeline operators are not being held to ahigh safety standard, jeopardizing people's lives and livelihoods. We're stepping up to ensure the Pipeline Safety Program is working as intended by increasing transparency requirements and establishing a minimum penalty amount for violators. Public health and safety is a top priority and this bill would require pipeline operators to check for and fix leaks in a timely manner."
"Damaged or leaky pipelines can pose a risk to public health and safety, and add powerful greenhouse gasses to the atmosphere that contribute to climate change," said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. "This legislation ramps up the state's enforcement, reporting and transparency regulations on pipeline operators so we can keep our communities safe. Minimum penalties for pipeline operators who violate the law will also help deter noncompliance. We're serious about improving pipeline safety, and this bill gives the state the tools it needs to hold pipeline operators accountable."
HB24-1357, which passed committee by a vote of 9-3, would require minimum penalty amounts for failure to follow rules designed to protect public health and safety. This bill would also limit the PUC's discretion for reducing or eliminating fines on violators and increase maximum penalty amounts.
In 2023, the Office of the State Auditor produced a report (https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/documents/audits/2256p_gas_pipeline_safety_program.pdf) that detailed six years of systemic failure of the Pipeline Safety Program, including failure to enforce safety requirements for 94 percent of instances of operator noncompliance.
In addition to improving the efficacy of enforcement, this bill would also update pipeline reporting and transparency measures. Specifically, it would require the PUC to develop a user-friendly, public-facing website for pipeline safety data, including leak information, public complaints, and follow-up actions taken by the PUC in response.
HB24-1357 would also improve public safety by requiring the PUC to engage in rulemaking to require pipeline operators to utilize advanced leak detection technologies, prioritize and fix leaks based on severity, and address owner responsibilities for abandoned or decommissioned pipelines.
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Original text here: https://www.cohousedems.com/news/story%2C-brown%E2%80%99s-pipeline-safety-bill-passes-committee-
