The bill amends K.S.A. 39-7,160, which establishes the Robert G. (Bob) Bethell joint committee on home and community-based services and KanCare oversight. A significant change is the elimination of the requirement for the committee's meetings in January and April to occur during the regular legislative session. Instead, the committee will now meet at least once each quarter, with two consecutive days of meetings during the third and fourth calendar quarters, not exceeding six meetings in a calendar year. The bill also modifies the roles of the chairperson and vice chairperson, who will alternate annually between members appointed by the speaker of the house and the president of the senate.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the joint committee review various aspects of the KanCare program, including the quality of care, health outcomes, and financial information related to state Medicaid services. It requires the committee to submit a comprehensive report at the beginning of each regular legislative session, detailing the transfer of individuals from institutions to home and community-based services, along with savings and other relevant data. The bill repeals the existing section of K.S.A. 39-7,160, and the new provisions will take effect upon publication in the Kansas register.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 39-7
As Amended by Senate Committee: 39-7