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Delay in housing stipend for CHC doctors, nurses
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Posted on Apr 19 2009
Commonwealth Health Center doctors and nurses hired from off-island received their housing allowance a week later than usual without any advice from the management.
The housing allowance was supposed to be provided on or before Good Friday on April 10.
However, the doctors hired outside the CNMI and nonresident nurses received their housing allowance checks only about 2pm on April 17.
“The check I received was dated April 8 but I received it only on April 17,” said one of the nurses interviewed during the weekend.
Another nurse said she and other CHC employees would understand a one-week delay in the housing allowance but they had hoped they would be given advice or notice of the delay.
“I think it’s unfair that the management didn’t give us notice that it will be delayed nor any explanation why it was delayed even after we finally received it. We were not given any reason,” she said.
Another nurse said at least two other staffers didn’t receive their housing allowance as of Sunday.
DPH human resources manager Marciana D. Igitol referred Saipan Tribune’s request for comments to Public Health Secretary Joseph Kevin Villagomez and CHC administrator Pete Untalan, who both did not return calls on Friday.
CHC nurses and doctors with dependents receive $800 in monthly housing benefit or allowance, while those without dependents receive $600.
Last month, Rep. Ray Yumul asked Public Auditor Michael Pai to look into allegations that some government employees are still receiving housing benefits past the sunset provision of the law granting such monthly allowance.
Yumul said on Sept. 30, 2005, Public Law 14-91 established a sunset provision repealing the housing benefits. The provision said regulation in effect since Aug. 1, 2005 should remain in effect for not more than two years.
He added that even if employees are authorized to receive benefits notwithstanding PL 14-91, there is a five-year restriction. But Yumul said there are reports some employees are receiving benefits in excess of five years.
