Report I2020-2 Recommendation 1 Responses
Report I2020-2: Investigations of Improper Activities by State Agencies and Employees: Wasteful and Improper Personnel Decisions, Improper Contracting, Conflict of Interest, Misuse of State Resources, and Dishonesty (Release Date: October 2020)
Case Number I2018-0767
Recommendation #1 To: State Hospitals, Department of
Within 30 days, the Department of State Hospitals (State Hospitals) should consult with the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) to obtain its determination about whether telepsychiatrists meet the criteria for safety retirement benefits. If CalHR determines that telepsychiatrists do not meet the criteria for safety retirement benefits, take immediate action to reclassify telepsychiatrists to the appropriate retirement category and notify all affected employees.
Agency Response From October 2023
In October 2023, State Hospitals reported that it did not have any updates to provide since its previous response in October 2022 and that it is still waiting for CalHR to review its request to approve safety retirement benefits for telepsychiatrists. State Hospitals submitted its request to CalHR in September 2020.
California State Auditor's Assessment of Status: Partially Implemented
Agency Response From October 2022
In October 2022, State Hospitals reported that it did not have any updates to provide since its previous response in September 2021 and that it is still waiting for CalHR to review its request to approve safety retirement benefits for telepsychiatrists.
California State Auditor's Assessment of Status: Partially Implemented
Agency Response From September 2021
In September 2021, State Hospitals reported that CalHR is still reviewing State Hospital's request to approve safety retirement benefits for telepsychiatrists.
California State Auditor's Assessment of Status: Partially Implemented
Agency Response From July 2021
In July 2021, State Hospitals reported that CalHR is still reviewing State Hospital's request to approve safety retirement benefits for telepsychiatrists.
California State Auditor's Assessment of Status: Partially Implemented
Agency Response From April 2021
Response Date: 04/06/21
In April 2021, State Hospitals reported that CalHR is still reviewing State Hospital's request to approve safety retirement benefits for telepsychiatrists.
California State Auditor's Assessment of Status: Partially Implemented
Agency Response From January 2021
In October and November 2020, CalHR requested from State Hospitals clarification on the method in which telepsychiatrists communicate with patients. State Hospitals confirmed that 100 percent of telepsychiatrists' communication with patients is conducted via cameras.
California State Auditor's Assessment of Status: Partially Implemented
Agency Response From October 2020
State Hospitals consulted with CalHR on September 2, 2020, to discuss safety retirement benefits for telepsychiatrists and submitted a formal request and justification to CalHR on September 14, 2020, to request and justify safety retirement benefits for telepsychiatrists.