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 a framework for career ladder programs for direct support professionals, which includes structured pathways for career progression, training, and certification. It mandates the collaboration between the Department of Aging and Disability Services and the Kansas State Department of Education to develop career education programs that inform students about opportunities in this field. Additionally, the Act requires the establishment of a statewide registry for direct support workers to ensure individuals with disabilities have access to qualified professionals.

The Act also introduces performance-based contract programs to improve care management quality and mandates the development of an online data portal for better communication and management of waiver waitlists. It emphasizes the need for increased flexibility and choice for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in selecting their services and providers. Furthermore, the Act includes provisions for tracking labor statistics related to direct support professionals and personal care attendants, ensuring that the state can effectively address workforce needs in this sector. The bill amends existing laws to replace references to "health care" with "healthcare" and repeals certain sections to streamline the legislation.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 75-6506
As introduced: 75-6506