I am a "caseworker" contracted by the state of FLA under a Medicaid program. I have a contract and paid at a state regulated amount for each client. The agency regulate the total amount of clients, we are subjected to reviews and audits, we are mandated to take state training for the position and continuing education training that can only be used for the purpose of this particular position. It has no purpose in any other position nor can it be used, we are required to use only state regulated forms (no execeptions) and follow the rules and regulation set forth by them. We are provided a 1099 for tax purpose. As an independent they mandate us to have a business plan with our policy & procedure and a system for tracking. We are not allowed to solicite. The cases are either assigned to us or transfered to us by the state or the client can pick the worker. The clients have the right to release us, but we are not allowed to surrender any cases. We must report to a local liaison and we have no authority on any decisions in approving or denying services, we are required to be on call 24/7 & have emergency back up in place. Our role is to advocate accordingly, educate and assist client and families with coordination of service. However, we basically just gather the information and forward the request to Tallahassee fo review and approval.

As mentioned, we are not allowed to surrender any cases. We are advised that we can run our business as we see fit. With that being said, I made a "business" decision and requested to surrender a file that was extremely complex and to difficult its a high profile case. I deal with difficult cases and clients on a daily bases - challenges do not bother me; however, when a case could lead to a possible legal issue for denial of services that I have no control over I made the "executive decision" to avoid the risk. As a business owner I should have that right, well I thought wrong. My request was denied with the only option of surrending that file and all the rest that followed. Since this is my primary source of income I felt as if I had no choice. I know switch jobs; trust me I'm in the process - just cannot leave without having something in place.

Now, we all know that Florida is making several cut backs to resolve a billion dollar deficit and things must go. Instead of cutting us out all together, they have reduced our pay twice, increased our caseload and we are required to continue with the same job duties.

I've given a brief summary (I know not so brief sorry) my questions are:

1. Do I still fall under as an independent? According to the definitions read, I have several "control" factors in place by an agency and very few areas that allow me to be independent.

2. When cut-backs are done can a reducation in pay be made but keep an individual at the same level of duties and function?

3. I should receive a new contract to reflect the recent changes in my pay, right?

Thank you for your time. Any website links for reading and education please advise.

Respectfully,
wonderlayd is confused: