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May 12: Measles Update with KDHE & KAFP Leadership
Kansas Academy of Family Physicians (KAFP) is hosting a webinar on Monday, May 12 at 12:15 PM with Drs. Totten and Oller to provide an update on the measles outbreak across the US and specifically in Kansas. KAFP has extended the opportunity to other healthcare associations and their members to join for free. The webinar is not open to the general public nor press and has not been submitted for CE/CME. If you are interested in registering, you can do so here.
Kansas Age-Friendly Nursing Workforce Forum
Join in on an engaging learning event and conversation bringing together nursing educators and long-term care leaders. The goal? Strengthening partnerships to increase the number of nursing graduates who choose careers in nursing homes. This important gathering is hosted by the Kansas Nursing Workforce Center in collaboration with the Kansas 4M Geriatrics Workforce Education Program (GWEP).
Event Details
Date: June 9, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Washburn Tech Conference Center, Topeka, KS
Virtual Option: Available
Lunch: Provided
CE Credit: Continuing education credit will be offered, as appropriate. Instructions to receive credit or a certificate of attendance will be shared at the event.
Don’t miss this opportunity to help shape the future of the nursing home workforce! Learn more here.
HCBS Provider Expansion Grants Updates
KDADS is seeking proposals from organizations seeking to become HCBS providers for the first time, existing providers wanting to expand services or obtain licensure for new services with KDADS, and organizations looking to modify their service settings, policies, or practices to align with HCBS Settings Final Rule compliance requirements. Two funding tracks are available; eligibility details are provided below. Applicants may choose from either track or may apply for both tracks; if applying for both tracks, a separate application is required for each track.
- Application due date has been extended to May 12, 2025, no later than 5 PM CST.
- Application language has been updated. The application can be found on page 24 of the following link: HCBS Provider Expansion Grants FY26.
Track 1: Grants for Existing and New HCBS Providers
Purpose of Track 1: This track offers funding to existing and new HCBS providers to support the expansion and enhancement of services in Kansas. Existing providers can use the funds for capacity-building activities to expand their current services or develop new HCBS waiver services. New providers can use the funding to develop the necessary infrastructure to become enrolled HCBS providers.
Who Can Apply:
- Existing Providers: Organizations that have been delivering HCBS services for at least 2 years.
- New HCBS Providers: Organizations new to HCBS waiver services or with less than 2 years of experience.
Available Funding: Funding is variable and based on the applicant’s proposed budget. The state may adjust the requested amount, subject to availability and justification.
Examples of Allowable Funding Uses:
- Staff Training & Development
- Outreach & Community Engagement
- Program Expansion & Service Delivery
- Licensing & Enrollment
- Billing & Reimbursement
Track 2: HCBS Final Settings Rule Compliance Grants
Purpose of Track 2: Track 2 provides funding to existing HCBS providers to support modifications that enhance participant autonomy, independence, choice, privacy, integration, and inclusion in accordance with the HCBS Settings Final Rule. This grant aims to help providers address compliance issues identified during state reviews and align their physical settings, policies, and practices with the requirements of the final rule.
Who Can Apply:
- Existing HCBS Providers: Providers who need financial support to address compliance issues identified through the state’s review process and who are seeking to modify their physical settings, policies, or practices to ensure full community integration and individual autonomy.
Available Funding: As with Track 1, the funding amount is variable and based on the submitted budget. The state reserves the right to adjust the funding amount as necessary.
Examples of Allowable Funding Uses:
- Modifications to the Physical Setting:
- Installing keypads, automatic door openers, or smart home technology to reduce reliance on staff.
- Installing locks on bedroom and bathroom doors while ensuring access for emergency situations.
- Widening doorways, adding ramps, or installing adaptive equipment to promote free movement.
- Encouraging Social Interaction & Community Integration:
- Modifying spaces to encourage interaction and access to the broader community, such as creating multi-use community spaces rather than segregated program areas.
- Eliminating restrictive design elements, such as secured perimeters or unnecessary locked doors, unless required by an individual plan.
- Training & Skill Development:
- Costs associated with developing and implementing skill-building programs, as well as facilitating training and educational opportunities for participants to access community-based options alongside non-Medicaid participants.
How to Apply
- Prepare Your Budget: The available funding for both Track 1 and Track 2 will be based on the applicant’s proposed budget. Ensure your proposal aligns with the goals of expanding capacity, ensuring compliance, and enhancing participant autonomy and independence.
- Submit Your Proposal: Submit a detailed plan that outlines the activities you intend to fund, whether it’s expanding services, improving compliance with the HCBS Settings Final Rule, or implementing necessary physical or policy modifications.
- Demonstrate Alignment with HCBS Goals: Ensure your proposal reflects the specific goals of either Track 1 or Track 2, and aligns with the needs of Kansas’s HCBS populations.
