Audit finds problems at Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

A state audit of the Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities has found several areas where it says the department failed to meet its responsibilities and provide important services.

The Tennessee comptroller’s office released the sunset performance audit for the department responsible for administering services for Tennesseans with intellectual and developmental disabilities on Wednesday.

The department listed 14 findings and nine observations of potential concerns since the last audit was conducted in 2013.

Among the top concerns cited was the department's failure in 2016 to transfer critical information to TennCare about Tennesseans on a wait list for services, inadequate contact with individuals with aging caregivers, and improper development of support plans, timely background checks and other bookkeeping issues.

Several of the concerns identified pertained to a growing problem for the department and the state of a shortage of caregivers "largely driven by the demands of performing physically and emotionally challenging work at low pay," according to a news release.

The release cited a 2015 study that ranked Tennessee last among 16 states in average hourly wages for entry-level and experienced direct support professionals.

Cara Kumari, a spokeswoman for the department, responded to the audit's release Wednesday afternoon.

"DIDD views the audit as an important management tool as we strive to continuously improve our processes and operations to benefit Tennesseans with intellectual and developmental disabilities," she said. "While we do not agree with all of the auditors’ assessments, we have taken steps to resolve any outstanding concerns identified in the audit."

The comptroller’s office will present the audit report to the Education, Health and General Welfare Joint Subcommittee of Government Operations at 9 a.m. Dec. 13. 

To view the DIDD audit report online, go to www.comptroller.tn.gov/sa/.

This is a developing story.

Reach Jordan Buie at jbuie@tennessean.com or 615-726-5970 and on Twitter @jordanbuie.