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Tim Griffin to Lead Review of DHS

2 min read

Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced Thursday an organizational review of the state Department of Human Services, an effort he said will be led by Lt. Gov. Tim Griffin.

In a news release, Hutchinson said he asked Griffin “to assess the organizational structure of DHS and look at any duplicative services.”

The review will also include finding ways to “achieve greater efficiencies” and areas that lack sufficient resources.

The review is set to be complete by March 1. The governor’s office said the review does not include a review of DHS’ information technology structure or contracts — areas that will be reviewed separately by the governor’s office and the Legislature.

“As we continue the search for the next director of DHS, it’s important we take a look at the organizational structure to achieve any new possible efficiencies,” Hutchinson said. “I have asked the lieutenant governor to lead this effort, because I know he will conduct a substantive review of the department at this critical time and will do so with integrity and the due diligence needed.”

The announcement comes as John Selig, the agency’s director, prepares to step down at the end of the year. Selig, 55, has led the agency since 2005. He announced his departure in October.

Griffin previously led a review of the Common Core education standards in Arkansas.

“I’ve been talking with the governor lately about some area that I could assist …,” Griffin told Arkansas Business on Thursday. “So I’ve expressed repeatedly my willingness to help wherever I can, and the governor asked me if I would be interested in looking at a particular agency or part of government where we could be more efficient and better spend taxpayer dollars.”

Griffin said he’ll be digging into the structure of the massive agency — the state’s largest — from “a 30,000-feet perspective.” With the help of the governor’s staff, he said he plans to gather information and meet with experienced department workers about what’s working and what could be improved.

Griffin said he has no preconceived ideas about what his final recommendations could be.

“I have no opinion on that at this point,” he said.

DHS has been in the spotlight throughout the year.

A report by the Arkansas Times on the “re-homing” of a legislator’s adopted children prompted new laws banning the practice in Arkansas and a review of the agency’s Division of Children & Family Services. The agency is also led an effort to verify the eligibility of Arkansans receiving health insurance coverage under the private option and Medicaid. At times, the agency struggled to handle the workload.

DHS also oversees the “private option,” the state’s plan to cover low-income Arkansans using federal money available under the Affordable Care Act. Lawmakers earlier this week endorsed a set of proposals by the governor to impose new restrictions and other changes to the program.

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