The Kansas CARES Act, officially titled the Career Advancement, Resources, Employment, and Supports for the Disability Workforce Act, aims to enhance the support and development of the disability workforce in Kansas. The act establishes definitions for key terms such as "career ladder program," "direct support professional," and "disability services provider," and outlines the responsibilities of the Kansas Department of Education and the Department of Aging and Disability Services in promoting career education programs for direct support professionals. It mandates the development of a performance-based contract program to improve care management quality and requires the establishment of a statewide registry for direct support workers to ensure individuals with disabilities have access to qualified service providers.

Additionally, the act emphasizes the need for increased flexibility and choice for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in selecting their services and supports. It includes provisions for tracking labor statistics related to direct support professionals and personal care attendants, as well as the implementation of an online data portal to manage waiver waitlists and facilitate communication between the department and individuals on those waitlists. The bill also amends existing laws regarding the state healthcare benefits program, removing outdated language and ensuring that participation is voluntary while maintaining necessary provisions for payroll deductions. Overall, the Kansas CARES Act seeks to strengthen the disability workforce and improve the quality of services provided to individuals with disabilities in the state.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 75-6506