Legislative auditors blast state Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Brendan Riley

Thursday, April 13, 2000 | 9:58 a.m.

CARSON CITY - Legislative auditors criticized the state Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Abuse on Wednesday for numerous problems - including a failure to adequately plan for programs to help Nevadans hooked on drugs or booze.

A report submitted to a legislative panel covered fiscal 1999, just prior to the bureau being placed in the state Health Division. Division chief Yvonne Sylva said she had no quarrel with the criticisms and would follow the auditors' recommendations - all 19 of them.

In addition to the planning flaws, the audit says the bureau lacked adequate information to monitor services for high-risk groups, including those for pregnant women and intravenous drug users.

And because part of the state's liquor taxes earmarked for abuse programs weren't allotted in line with requirements, auditors said the state "has little assurance funding is directed to areas of the state with the greatest need."

Other problems included open meeting law violations, outdated work performance standards for bureau employees, and one case in which an employee made scores of personal long-distance calls but didn't reimburse the state.

The bureau has gone through at least three leadership changes in the past few years. The current BADA chief, Maria Canfield, took over after the time frame reviewed by the auditors.

The bureau grants funds to local groups that provide prevent or treatment services. During fiscal 1999, grants to more than 90 providers totaled about $13.5 million.

The auditors also reported that a review of the state's Medicaid claims in 1998 shows some weaknesses "that increase the risk claims are not always appropriately paid."

Auditors also said the state Division of Health Care Financing Policy made Medicaid claim payments and rate adjustments without adequate review or oversight in some cases.

Medicaid payments have increased from $165 million in 1991 to nearly $450 million in 1998, and the division must deal with complex federal and state mandates.

"This environment and the dollar magnitude increase the risk for the improper processing and payment of claims," auditors said.