The bill establishes a pilot program coordinated by the Department of Administration, in collaboration with the Kansas Children's Cabinet and the Department of Health and Environment, to provide health services to child care providers working in licensed entities. The program will offer telehealth consultation services to eligible child care providers, including family child care homes and group day care homes, with specific income and insurance criteria. Additionally, accepted providers will receive up to $100 per month in reimbursements for prescription medication costs. The program is set to expand over the next few fiscal years to include more child care providers, with funding subject to appropriations and the Kansas Children's Cabinet seeking grant funding to offset costs.

Furthermore, the bill aims to create uniform standards for licensed child care across the state, prohibiting local governments from imposing stricter regulations than those established by state law. It also includes provisions for matching state funding for licensed in-home or group-home child care providers receiving lower federal reimbursements. The bill amends existing laws regarding the operation and maintenance of child care facilities, emphasizing health, safety, and welfare standards, and mandates training programs for child care providers. The existing law K.S.A. 65-508 is repealed, and the act will take effect upon publication in the statute book.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 65-508