State officials have yet to comment on warnings from a federal agency that said Rhode Island’s Department of Human Services computer system wasn’t ready for prime time. The U.S. Department of Agriculture predicted problems with the new system.
In a letter, The U.S. Department of Agriculture warned of increased wait times and excessive document backlogs. The agency suggested additional testing for the new computer system, along with a better back up plan and more staffing. But Rhode Island’s Department of Human Services went live with the new system despite the warnings. The result has been long wait times at local field offices for food stamps and other services. Outside providers who work with DHS say system delays are harming their clients.
State lawmakers have scheduled a joint hearing on what they’re calling the “botched rollout.”
