Claims and Risk Management

Electronic Monitoring Indigency Fund

Financial reimbursement may be available to installers of GPS, alcohol, and drug monitoring devices for qualifying indigent participants required to have a monitoring device.

How does the EMIF provide Reimbursement?

Formerly known as the DUI Monitoring Fund and the Interlock Assistance Fund (IAF), the Electronic Monitoring Indigency Fund (EMIF) provides financial reimbursement to installers for indigent participants required by a judge to have a monitoring device.

The 111^th Tennessee General Assembly created two accounts for the EMIF - the Interlock Account, and an account that creates a local government cost sharing program for non-interlock devices. The Division of Claims and Risk Management administers the reimbursement process for invoices filed by vendors through the Fund.

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Online portal for EMIF vendors

EMIF portal access

Local Government Cost Sharing Program

The 111th Tennessee General Assembly passed legislation restructuring the EMIF by specifying that only Ignition Interlock claims be 100% funded by the state. All other devices recognized, such as transdermal, mobile breathalyzer, and GPS monitoring, by the EMIF will be funded out of a local government and state cost sharing program.

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Specifically, the bill divides the EMIF into two accounts, as follows:

The ignition interlock account will be used for the eligible costs associated with ignition interlock devices or with any other cost or fee associated with a functioning ignition interlock device for persons determined by the court to be indigent. This account will contain state-appropriated monies as well as a portion of the fees assessed in accordance with applicable law; and
The other account will contain excess funds from the ignition interlock account as well as money from each local government that chooses to utilize this fund as authorized by this bill, and may contain state-appropriated monies. This account will be used for the eligible costs associated with the use, by persons determined by the court to be indigent, of a transdermal monitoring device, other alternative alcohol or drug monitoring device, or a global positioning monitoring device.

How can a local government participate in the Cost-Sharing Program?

The implementation of the local government matching grant program will require local governments that wish to utilize electronic monitoring devices other than ignition interlock devices to opt-in and cover 50% of claim expenses. If a local government did not participate in FY22, but would like to participate beginning FY24, a resolution must be passed by its governing body and provided to the Tennessee Department of Treasury by September 15, 2022.

If a county elects to participate in the cost sharing program for non-interlock devices, three steps must be completed.

By September 15, 2022

The county must pass a resolution electing to participate in the cost sharing program. A resolution template has been provided and can be downloaded below.
Submit estimated annual budget for FY24
Submit a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to Tennessee Department of Treasury committing to pay all liabilities up to the budgeted maximum amount. A local government may choose to allow periodic drafts or make a payment via lump sum.

Local governments participating in the EMIF Cost-Sharing program in FY23 that plan to continue in FY24, need to submit a finalized budget for FY23 within 30 days of passage, or by August 31, 2022, whichever is earlier, and an estimated budget for FY24 no later than September 15, 2022.

If a participating local government elects not to participate in FY23, notice must be sent in writing to EMIF@tn.gov. Click here to access the Tennessee EMIF Guide for Local Government Cost-Sharing for Non-Interlock Devices.

Documents for Local Governments

To participate in the local government cost-sharing program, your governing body will need to adopt a resolution and pass the memorandum of understanding.These documents can be downloaded below.

EMIF Memorandum of Understanding EMIF Resolution for Local Governments EMIF Guide for Local Government Cost-Sharing

Tennessee government building with clock

How the program works

Reimbursable services

For participants who are eligible for assistance under the EMIF, the providers file invoices for reimbursement with the Division of Claims and Risk Management along with supporting information during the period the device is required. Reimbursable services include:

Installation
Lease
Maintenance
Removal

auto technician testing ignition device

Reimbursement procedures for Providers

The EMIF provides reimbursement to individuals or entities engaged in the business of manufacturing, selling, leasing, servicing or monitoring alcohol or drug monitoring devices (“Provider”). All Providers submitting interlock claims for reimbursement must be listed on the Department of Safety’s approved Provider list.

The Division acts as a liaison between EMIF Providers and local governments.

female using electronic ignition monitoring device

Which devices are eligible?

Providers shall charge reasonable and customary fees in accordance with applicable law. Ignition Interlock devices are covered if requested by court order.

If a specific county has elected to participate in the local government cost-sharing plan, then non-interlock alcohol or drug monitoring devices that are eligible for reimbursement from the EMIF may include, but are not limited to:

Transdermal devices
Electronic monitoring devices with random alcohol or drug testing
GPS monitoring devices

Monthly Limit Per Participant

The Department shall pay no more than two hundred dollars ($200.00) per month from the EMIF for each Device ordered for each individual (“Participant”) who has been ordered by a Court pursuant to applicable law to use a Device.

Information for Providers

A provider must be an active supplier on the State’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system

Procedures for Reimbursement

installer checking figures on tablet device

The failure to submit a legible or complete copy of any of the required information may result in a denial or delay of payment to the Provider.

Submitting claims for reimbursement

Claims may be submitted by logging in to the EMIF portal

Once information is received to process a request for reimbursement from the EMIF, every effort will be made to approve or deny a request within ninety (90) days after all of the required information is received. The Provider will be notified in writing of any denial for reimbursement.

If a claim for reimbursement is denied, the Provider may request that the claim be reconsidered by submitting additional information or documentation not previously submitted with the original invoice in support of the claim with a new itemized invoice not previously submitted with the original invoice in support of the claim.

EMIF Portal Access

submitting claim on laptop