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 includes provisions for increasing flexibility in waiver programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, allowing them greater choice in selecting services and providers. It also emphasizes the importance of tracking labor statistics for direct support professionals and personal care attendants, and it mandates the creation of an online data portal to facilitate communication between the department and individuals on waiver waitlists. The bill amends existing laws related to healthcare benefits, removing outdated language and ensuring that participation in the state healthcare benefits program is voluntary. Overall, the Kansas CARES Act seeks to improve the quality of care and support for individuals with disabilities while enhancing the workforce that serves them.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 75-6506