Today marks the deadline for bill introduction through non-exempt committees. KDADS surprised us by introducing a bill affecting the Quality Care Assessment or Provider Tax.
From Leigh Keck, Director of Governmental Affairs - Kansas Department for Aging & Disability Services
"Today I will be introducing a bill, 22RS3076, in the House Health & Human Services Committee which would amend the Quality Care Assessment to exclude facilities that are in receivership from the assessment. I apologize for the late notice; I’m still getting my sea legs in this role with session going on. I do plan to set-up stakeholder meetings to receive feedback as well as run the proposal through the Quality Care Improvement Panel before requesting a hearing. Since today is the deadline for committee bill introductions, I wanted to go ahead and get it introduced and to give you all a heads up.
I will be in touch and look forward to future discussions."
A copy of the bill is not yet available but I will review and share just as soon as it is.
We are working on two major asks at the current time – one through the budget process and one through the SPARK committee. The amounts we’re are asking for are huge but there is no doubt how much you need the relief. The proposals are still in draft form and we will circulate for input when we are closer to submitting. Government Affairs VP Tony Johnson (Recover-Care) has been a true leader for KHCA/KCAL at the Capitol and continues to help guide our legislative efforts.
Other bills of note:
HB 2151 Creating Kansas elder and dependent adult abuse multidisciplinary teams and a coordinator.
HB 2004 Creating the right to appeal an involuntary discharge or transfer from an adult residential care facility
HB 2524 Requiring the secretary for aging and disability services to regulate supplemental nursing services agencies in the state of Kansas.
Our lobby team continues to represent your issues by talks with key legislators quietly behind the scenes. We will let you know when it is time to rally the troops and reach out to lawmakers in a full press for action.
Please contact me with any questions. If you’re ever in Topeka and want to join me at the statehouse, just let me know and we can set it up.
