KDADS update: waiver timeline targeted for Oct. 1, new state hospital and ongoing staffing challenges

Secretary Howard of the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) presented a broad agency update to the House Committee on Health and Human Services, covering five program areas, recent accomplishments, and legislative priorities.

Howard highlighted KDADS achievements in aging services (a completed four‑year state plan and redistribution of senior nutrition funding) and behavioral health (a rise in Mental Health America rankings and $26 million in crisis funding to expand the crisis continuum). He noted a new PACE center in Olathe and ongoing work to expand opioid‑use disorder treatment and prevention.

On long‑term services and supports and IDD modernization, Howard described steps required for federal CMS approval of a community support waiver, including conflict‑free case management and unbundling some services now provided in broader packages. He said KDADS published required public notice for the waiver and is targeting Oct. 1 as a go‑live date, subject to the CMS review period and potential extension.

Howard cited a pilot that placed nearly 200 people with developmental disabilities into competitive employment (average pay roughly $14 an hour) and said KDADS will add seven more HCBS provider organizations to expand that work. He also said KDADS is participating in a Balmer Group (Steve Ballmer) grant program to strengthen Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics with a national technical assistance investment.

On state hospitals, Howard provided an update on the South Central Regional Mental Health Hospital in Sedgwick County: a planned 104‑bed facility (about half acute psychiatric beds, half forensic) with leadership hires underway and admissions expected to begin in January 2027.

Several members pressed KDADS on surveyor staffing and inspection backlogs. Representative Buehler said the expected survey cycle (roughly 11–12 months) had slipped to about 19 months; KDADS acknowledged vacancies and described repurposing federal surveyors during a federal shutdown to clear backlogs, added some hires and increased compensation to recruit more surveyors, and said it is exploring use of other professionals for survey work and possible contracting options.

Members also questioned KDADS on contract staffing needs at Larned State Hospital and the budget gap between contract labor and fully staffed state employees; KDADS officials said contract requests were slightly lower than last year but that staffing gaps remain and the agency would continue to pursue hiring and budget requests.

Howard outlined KDADS legislative priorities including a civil monetary penalty reinvestment fund bill, background check authority updates, and codifying the MHIT (Mental Health in Schools) program in statute. He said KDADS will continue to report regularly and provide requested data to the committee.

Following the presentation, the committee asked for further details and data on waiver specifics, pilot outcomes, survey metrics and staffing plans as KDADS moves into the budget process and continued implementation work.