Heather Driver

The meeting provided updates on staffing changes and policy developments regarding the HCBS Settings Final Rule and community-based day supports. Discussions covered the launch of the new Community Support Waiver, including readiness surveys and training for case managers. Key topics addressed during the Q&A included billing codes for personal care services, implementation of the Charting the LifeCourse framework, the timeline for the new Person-Centered Support Plan template, updates on the DSW Apprentice Program, and information regarding the Money Follows the Person program.

The meeting covered various topics related to I/DD waiver services and system modernization. Key discussions included the proposal for a standardized statewide health assessment form for IDD services, updates on waitlist statistics, and reminders regarding MFEI certifications and proper documentation uploads in the KAMIS system. The committee reviewed guidelines for in-home day service exceptions for medically fragile individuals and provided clarifications on TCM billing during institutional transitions. Additionally, the meeting addressed the Community Support Waiver (CSW) development, including FMS provider models, training timelines, and pending RFP processes. Final Rule compliance assessments, technology FAQ feedback, and upcoming I/DD system modernization efforts, including conflict-free case management and rate studies, were also discussed.

The Kansas Alzheimer's Disease Plan is a formal document addressing the challenges of Alzheimer's and other dementias within the State of Kansas. It outlines policies and recommendations across several key areas: research and data collection, support for rural communities, enhancement of safety and legal protections, development of a dementia-capable workforce, increased public awareness, improved access to care, and comprehensive support for family caregivers and all individuals living with dementia. The plan's overarching vision is to foster aging and dementia-friendly communities where Kansans are well-informed, have access to quality care, and receive essential support throughout the aging process.

This document outlines a strategic response to the Alzheimer's disease public health crisis in Kansas, developed by the Kansas Alzheimer's Disease Task Force. The plan assesses the disease's impact, reviews existing resources, and proposes a strategy to mobilize state action. Key recommendations include establishing a state Alzheimer's Disease Advisory Council, expanding services for younger-onset Alzheimer's patients, creating a central online resource for information and support, implementing tax incentives for family caregiver training, mandating training for Adult Protective Services and law enforcement on cognitive impairment, and securing funding for Alzheimer's specific respite programs.

The Kansas Alzheimer's Disease Plan aims to address the multifaceted challenges associated with Alzheimer's and other dementias across the state. Its vision is to ensure all Kansans are informed and comfortable discussing aging issues, including safety, legal, and financial aspects, end-of-life care preparation, and the establishment of aging and dementia-friendly communities. Key strategic pillars include enhancing research and data collection, improving support and services for rural Kansas, strengthening safety and legal protections for individuals with dementia, developing a dementia-capable workforce through comprehensive training, increasing public awareness, expanding access to care, and providing robust support for family caregivers. The plan also focuses on setting standards for dementia care providers and services to ensure high-quality, compassionate care.