Michael Burke

This document outlines the methodology and parameters for the Kansas Nursing Home Reimbursement program for the 2025-2026 fiscal period. It details the calculations for case mix index, occupancy rates, and inflation factors, along with specific incentive factors for nurse staff ratio, staff retention, Medicaid occupancy rate, and quality measures, including the PEAK incentive. The plan aims to provide comprehensive details on the background calculations and adjustments that determine nursing facility reimbursement rates in Kansas.

The primary focus of the meeting was updates regarding the Department of Children and Families (DCF) registry check system, which is moving to an online portal effective April 6, 2026. This new system will allow providers to submit checks on behalf of applicants/employees, speeding up the process and reducing manual errors, though the option for applicants to submit themselves remains. Updates were also provided on staffing changes within the relevant departments, including new personnel in TA Program Management, Administrative Management, and Institutional Transition/Money Follows the Person. Policy updates are forthcoming, particularly concerning the Personal Care Services policy for public comment, and several waiver amendments are currently open for public comment, including changes to address potential conflicts of interest between ADRC and assessing entities, and language concerning new waitlists for specific waivers. A separate discussion addressed ongoing technical issues with the Health Occupations and Credentialing (HOC) background check system, specifically slowness, inability to get print confirmations with payee information, and lack of online resubmission capability.

The Board discussed several topics, including the appointment of a new Board Chair, which was postponed until new members are appointed. The NAB test results for the first quarter of 2025 were reviewed, showing an 80% pass rate. The temporary license report for the same period indicated 8 active licenses, with details on their status. The board also addressed a request for additional training hours for a candidate and discussed concerns over Kansas licensing requirements, deciding to add this to the next meeting's agenda.

The meeting included introductions of new board members and a presentation on KOMA and KORA requirements. The board appointed a new Chairperson and discussed the NAB test results, temporary license report, and renewal report. Zero deficiency letters were reported, and the board reviewed and approved a request for an extension to attempt the NAB exam. The board also discussed the formation of an investigatory committee to review nursing home administrator licensure requirements nationwide.

This Mental Health Block Grant Report for Kansas outlines strategic priorities and progress for fiscal years 2024-2026. Key focus areas include enhancing community-based mental health services for children/youth with serious emotional disturbance (SED) and adults with serious mental illness (SMI), fostering a recovery-oriented system of care, and expanding access to early intervention for youth experiencing first psychotic episodes. Additionally, the plan addresses substance use prevention by aiming to reduce underage drinking, youth and young adult marijuana use, and vaping. It also seeks to increase fentanyl awareness among youth and young adults, improve data collection for substance use priority populations, and enhance tuberculosis education and access to treatment for high-risk individuals.