Below is what your LeadingAge Kansas Advocacy team has in the works to combat CMS’s Proposed Minimum Staffing Rule. We have: 

  1. Submitted a statement to LeadingAge National to use for their efforts. See below.
    “Since the start of the pandemic, all, or part of, at least 47 nursing facilities have closed or reduced their offerings in Kansas. According to CMS, the implementation of the 24/7 Registered Nurse requirement would dramatically increase the cost per resident day for small rural nursing homes that are serving the tens of thousands of older Kansas living in senior care deserts. These arbitrary and unfunded staffing minimums rule will result in more rural nursing home closures, ripping away the ability to access quality care for large swathes of older Kansans.”
  2. Contacted congressional delegates’ policy teams to schedule a member-only webinar discussion on the rule.
    Save the date and make sure you’re registered to attend this webinar: Friday, September 29th at 10:00 AM CT.
  3. Invited state legislators and congressional delegates to attend our regional Coffee Chats in October and November.
    Find your facility’s designated region and get registered to attend today!
  4. Drafted a Kansas specific summary of the rule and concerns for members to review.
    See the Kansas specific summary here. 
  5. We are continuing to collect data, incorporating the proposed rule into upcoming testimony opportunities, and collaborating with other associations.
    Fill out the survey to help us prepare additional advocacy efforts for the proposed minimum staffing rule and other aging services issues.
  6. Drafted a Kansas Talking Points guide for members.
    See the talking points here. Have additional points that should be added to our list? Email Kylee Childs. 
  7. Coming soon: Action Alert for Op-Eds!
    Make sure you and your staff are signed up for our legislative action alerts so you can participate in this upcoming advocacy effort. Email Adrianna Mead for assistance in getting signed up for alerts.
  8. Get Signed Up for Fall Conference
    We’ve listened to your feedback and adjusted the Fall Conference agenda on October 3rd and 4th to include two 50-minute sessions on advocacy and the proposed rule. Make sure you and your staff are registered today!

Have additional advocacy suggestions? Email Kylee Childs.

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    Kylee Childs
    Kylee Childs, MSW, is the Director of Government Affairs.Since joining the association in 2023, she continues to be a fierce and resourceful advocate for aging services in Kansas. Her professional focus has always been service to others through advocacy. Kylee has a master’s degree in social work from the University of Missouri-Columbia, a bachelor's degree in criminology with a minor in Conflict Analysis and Trauma studies from Kansas State University, and a certificate in Grant Proposal Writing from Fort Hays State University. With a professional background in law enforcement and child welfare, and a successful 2023 legislative practicum with the Children's Alliance of Kansas, she brings rich professional experience to her role as Director of Government Affairs, and a front-line perspective on the needs of health and human services providers in our state. When not working, she's spending time with her two daughters. You can reach Kylee directly at 785.670.8051.

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