Memorandum  #26: Access to PROSPER

Date:	08/01/2017
Referenced Sources:	PERAC Website

PERAC Memo #26, 2017

To All Retirement Boards:

TO:  All Retirement Boards

FROM: Joseph E. Connarton, Executive Director

RE: Access to PROSPER

DATE: August 1, 2017

We have recently received some inquiries relative to the possibility of providing board counsel with access to the PROSPER program.  At this time that possibility does not exist but the issue has been placed on a list of topics and programs to review.

Currently, the attorney would need to review the files prior to the Executive Director inputting information into PROSPER.  Also, the way PROSPER is currently coded, the form necessary for access is designed only for retirement board employees and/or staff, not retained outside vendors.

We do suggest that boards who join our philosophy of a better and more efficient delivery of information to members and counsel, to secure a HIPPA compliant drop box to send medical records.

Finally and most importantly, please know that the Commonwealth IT department heavily controls how we use PROSPER for both end users and PERAC employees.  We have partnered with them to insure that we are in compliance with them.  It is uncertain as to whether we could legally provide such access.

We understand and appreciate that the initiation of the PROSPER program has generated  concern and has changed a long standing system and procedure, but we really do feel this program moves all of us to where we need to be in terms of current technology.

Thank you for your continued cooperation is this regard.

Commission Members

Philip Y Brown, Esq., Chairman
Auditor Suzanne M. Bump
Kathleen M. Fallon
Kate Fitzpatrick
James M. Machado
Robert B. McCarthy
Jennifer F. Sullivan