Kansas Advocacy Updates: June 3, 2026

KDADS Releases HCBS-FE Policies for Public Comment 

The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services released the two policies impacting the Home- and Community-Based Resources – Frail Elderly (HCBS-FE) waiver for public comment this week. The two policies together determine how the new waitlist will be managed for the waiver and what constitutes emergency exemptions to bypass the waitlist. While additional funding was secured during the 2026 legislative session for slots on this waiver, it was not enough to head off the start of the waitlist. LeadingAge Kansas is still in the initial process of analyzing the policies but intends to submit comments. Providers with a vested interest who would like to submit comments directly can do so on the KDADS website or send comments to Kylee Childs as part of the LeadingAge Kansas comments. Comments are due by Wednesday, July 1. 

KDADS Announces Updates to HOC Criminal Record Check (CRC) System 

KDADS has announced a series of updates to the HOC Criminal Record Check (CRC) system aimed at improving usability, reducing administrative errors, and providing clearer status information for providers. These changes were made in direct response to user feedback and are now live in the system. 

A key update involves the “Request CRC” function. The checkbox will now remain unchecked when a result is already available (with the exception of prohibited or cancelled results) or when a new employee has been added but a CRC has not yet been requested. Providers should only select this box when initiating a new background check. Selecting it unnecessarily will route the request into Pay Fees and require manual removal by CRC staff. Once a CRC result is processed, the box will automatically reset to unchecked. 

KDADS has also removed the “Submit CRC” checkbox. Submission of payment now serves as the facility’s attestation that required checks of the OIG Exclusion List and National Sex Offender Registry have been completed. After payment is submitted, the CRC is automatically entered for processing with no additional facility action required. 

In addition, employee status messages have been updated to provide clearer guidance on where a request is in the process. Statuses now include: Pending (CRC request needed), Pending Payment, Submitted – Pending Results, Under Agency Review, Cleared (not prohibited), Contingent (additional review required), and Prohibited (not eligible for employment). 

Additional improvements include the ability to update alias names and addresses directly within the employee grid, streamlining data management. The employee background check page will now automatically refresh approximately every 10 seconds; however, if a status remains in “Processing” for more than one minute, users are advised to manually refresh the page. If the issue persists, KDADS requests that providers contact the CRC team at kdads.crcstaff@ks.gov. 

These updates are intended to improve efficiency, reduce errors, and provide clearer communication throughout the background check process for providers across Kansas. Continue to reach out to Kylee Childs if you are experiencing issues or difficulties despite these updates. 

Final Chance to Register: Aging Services Workforce Roundtables 

LeadingAge Kansas provider members and community stakeholders are invited to participate in upcoming workforce roundtables focused on strengthening the aging services and broader healthcare workforce. After a brief recap of last year’s discussions, participants will work in small groups to identify and develop actionable solutions to local workforce challenges. 

These sessions are designed to be highly interactive and results-oriented, helping turn shared challenges into practical next steps. Seats are limited; register today for the session closest to you.