KMHC Monthly Meeting

March 29, 2023

9:30 a.m.  Welcome and Introductions     Mary Jones, President

Minutes of the previous meeting.  

9:35 a.m. Reports 

   Board of Directors - next meeting is March 29 - note this will be the fifth Wednesday of the month.

   Financial Report – Amy Campbell 

   Advocacy Committee – Colin Thomasset / Monica Kurz - Thank you to the hundreds of Kansas advocates who showed up to the Capitol on March 7 and our impressive lineup of sponsors and exhibitors!

   Governor’s Behavioral Health Services Planning Council – Wes Cole, Chair

   Big Tent Coalition - Mike Burgess

   KanCare Advocates Network - Sean Gatewood 

   Consumer Programs - Matt Spezia, P3 / Nancy Jensen

   Parity Committee -  Amy Campbell / Rick Cagan -  Providers are encouraged to participate in the 2023 Provider Parity Survey - Letter    Survey Link  Examples

   Suicide Prevention Coalition / 988 Crisis Line - Monica Kurz

10:00 a.m.  Lobbyist Report    Amy Campbell  (abbreviated list)

• KDADS Budget - House Appropriations delayed many recommendations from the KDADS Budget and Senate postponed mental health items until omnibus.  Items in play include - $5 m added funds for Substance Use Disorder Treatment, expedited certification for CCBHCs, $22 m state funds for expansion of Ascension Via Christi emergency room for psychiatric evaluations and emergencies, crisis funding for I/DD, Reimburse up to $5.0 million in costs of healthcare providers, law enforcement agencies, and counties on an hourly basis for patient observation and transportation following an evaluation and approval for stay at a state mental health hospital and admission to the state hospital (from existing funds), more
• State MH Hospitals - extreme issue for contract staffing - perhaps a GBA
• KDHE Budget -  Medicaid Expansion was removed.  Multiple reimbursements increased including EMS and physicians.
• DCF Budget - $6 m for foster care therapeutic training program,  $350,000 SGF for Safe Families for Kansas, more
• HB 2259 - Medicaid Mental Health Medications Prior Authorizations and MH Medications Advisory Committee changes
• HB 2260 - Increasing the number of medical student loan agreements that may be provided by the university of Kansas school of medicine and prohibiting impediments to switching between residency programs.  Summary Document
• HB 2340 - Requiring the behavioral sciences regulatory board to process applications within a certain time, decreasing the years of practice required for reciprocity licensure of certain behavioral sciences professions, extending the license period for temporary licenses, establishing new license categories and decreasing continuing education requirements related to diagnosis and treatment. House passed 118-3 Feb 23.  Senate passed March 28  Summary Document
• HB 2375 - Behavioral sciences; relating to social work; powers, duties and functions of the behavioral sciences regulatory board; establishing the temporary candidacy baccalaureate and master social work licenses; providing requirements and fees therefor; amending K.S.A. 65-6314 and K.S.A. 2022 Supp. 65-6306 and repealing the existing sections. House passed 119-2 Feb 23.  Senate passed 39-1 March 28. Summary Document
• HB 2430 - Providing for requirements for use of funds allocated to agencies for the purpose of supporting unhoused individuals and creating penalties for unauthorized camping on government-owned land.  Hearing March 2 had overwhelming opposition.  No action this session. Chair subsequently held an informational roundtable on homelessness March 23 in House Welfare Reform Committee.  http://sg001-harmony.sliq.net/00287/Harmony/en/View/Calendar/20230323/-1
• Medicaid Expansion debate - March 28 - ruled non-germaine and set aside.
• Lottery Vending Machine funds - FY 23 adjustment to reflect increased income to be used for Crisis Programs and Clubhouse Programs.   Legislation expected next session.

10:30 a.m.   Update from Andy Brown, KDADS Behavioral Health (tentative)

11:25 a.m.  Announcements

11:30 a.m.  Adjourn

2023 Schedule - Jan 25, Feb 22, Mar 29, April 26, May 24, June 28, July 26, August 23, September 27, October 25, Nov 15, Dec 13

Board Meetings: 11:45 a.m. quarterly the 4th Wednesdays (March 29, July 26, Sept. 27, Dec. 13)

For more information, contact: Kansas Mental Health Coalition

c/o Amy A. Campbell, Lobbyist, P.O. Box 4103, Topeka, KS 66604

785-969-1617    campbell525@sbcglobal.net