Scottsbluff Member Wins Grievance After DHHS Refuses to Pay Correct Per Diem

NAPE/AFSCME member Brittany Smith, a Nursing Services Surveyor Consultant for the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) in Scottsbluff, prevailed in a grievance after DHHS refused to reimburse her at the correct per diem rate. 

Brittany travels extensively for her work surveying nursing homes around Nebraska to ensure the facilities comply with federal and state regulations. She spends a lot of time on the road and has become familiar with the per diem reimbursement process. 

Federal meal per diem rates increased effective October 1, 2024, but  Brittany was not reimbursed at the new rate during October and part of November. Brittany was told that even though the rates had increased, DHHS would not reimburse expenses at the new rate.

“I noticed the federal rate in the guidelines had changed, so the percentage I was being reimbursed was no longer accurate because I was still getting that previous rate,” she said. “But I was told that because the reimbursement forms hadn’t been updated by the time the new rate started, I would just be reimbursed at the old rate.”

DHHS violated our union contract by not properly compensating Brittany at the current rate. Brittany did the right thing by contacting her union representative right away.

“I took this job knowing that I’d be reimbursed and that’s important because I’m spending a lot of time traveling and that’s time away from my family,” she said. “I’m glad I contacted my representative. I know that it wasn’t a lot of money, but at the end of the day, it’s food on the table for my family.”

Brittany prevailed and was reimbursed according to the new per diem rate. If you have any questions about your reimbursement or your rights while traveling for work, contact us right away. Strict time limits apply when enforcing your rights.