FISCAL NOTE

Date Requested: February 06, 2015
Time Requested: 03:06 PM
Agency: Health Care Authority
CBD Number: Version: Bill Number: Resolution Number:
2875 Introduced HB2652
CBD Subject: Health


FUND(S):

5375

Sources of Revenue:

Special Fund

Legislation creates:

Neither Program nor Fund



Fiscal Note Summary


Effect this measure will have on costs and revenues of state government.


The West Virginia Health Care Authority assesses each hospital annually that is subject to the provisions of this code section. This assessment is the main revenue source that supports the operations of this agency which includes personal services, current expenses, and grant programs, etc. Annual assessments are calculated to cover Fund 5375's annual appropriation. A decrease in the ability to assess up to this level will result in a decrease in expenditures for each fiscal year, accordingly.



Fiscal Note Detail


Effect of Proposal Fiscal Year
2015
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
2016
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
Fiscal Year
(Upon Full
Implementation)
1. Estmated Total Cost 0 0 0
Personal Services 0 0 0
Current Expenses 0 -1,268,530 -1,268,530
Repairs and Alterations 0 0 0
Assets 0 0 0
Other 0 0 0
2. Estimated Total Revenues 0 -1,268,530 -1,268,530


Explanation of above estimates (including long-range effect):


Based upon our interpretation of the proposed legislation, the assessments for FY 2016 would decrease to $4,931,470 from $6,200,000 in FY 2015 which is a $1,268,530 decrease in special revenue, annually. Therefore, expenditures of $1,268,530 would likewise be cut to match the appropriation. The cut would impact two grant programs: 1) Hospital Assistance Grants (Appropriation 02500) totalling $600,000 and the Rural Health System Program Grants (Appropriation 13000) totalling $668,530.



Memorandum


There is a technical defect in the proposed legislation. The bill creates a definition of "gross revenue" which is contrary to the industry standard definition. "Gross revenue" is a generally accepted accounting term utilized throughout the business community. The definition in this bill does not reflect that definition. The language contained in the bill is actually the definition used by the WV State Tax Department for "gross receipts". The two terms cannot be interchanged as they have very different meanings.



    Person submitting Fiscal Note: Kristi Pritt, CFO
    Email Address: kpritt@hcawv.org