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Minutes for SB88 - Committee on Health and Human Services
Short Title
Requiring the state long-term care ombudsman and regional ombudsman to receive training in memory care.
Minutes Content for Mon, Mar 3, 2025
Carly Choi, Revisor of Statutes, provided an overview of SB88 (Attachment 6).
Jamie Gideon, Kansas Director of Public Policy, Alzheimer’s Association, provided testimony in support of SB88 (Attachment 7). This looks to address the gaps in training that are brought about when new ombudsmen are appointed. The topics in the bill are basic but essential and are the same topics in most basic dementia training that the Alzheimer's Association provide to ombudsmen across the country. They provide a good foundation for their work with residents in long term care facilities and their families. There is no cost to the training. The topics required in the training we listed.
Ms. Gideon responded to questions from the committee.
Haely Ordoyne, State Long Term Care (LTC) Ombudsman, provided testimony in support of SB88 (Attachment 8). Ombudsmen investigate and resolve complaints, educate residents, facility staff and the community, advocate for policy change, regularly visit facilities to monitor conditions and be accessible to residents, and are trained to resolve problems and to work to see that there is resolution to resident concerns. There was a recommendation to amend the language. It was noted that the training would be in addition to federally required training.
Linda MowBray, President/CEO, Kansas Health Care Association and Kansas Center for Assisted Living, provided testimony in support of SB88 (Attachment 9). The bill mandates that LTC Ombudsmen incorporate specialized dementia training into the existing training program. A list of the training topics was provided. The LTC Ombudsman plays a crucial role in assisting residents of nursing homes, assisted living facilities and other long term care settings.
Ms. MowBray responded to questions from the committee.
Elaine Belardo, Private Citizen, provided testimony in support of SB88 (Attachment 10). Ms. Belardo recounted issues related to her husband's experiences in a Veteran's Administration facility and the issues with the Long Term Care Ombudsman.
Ms. Belardo responded to questions from the committee.
Lorri Beck, Private Citizen, provided testimony in support of SB88 (Attachment 11). As a caregiver for her mother who had Alzheimer's Disease and a voluntary educator with the Alzheimer's Association, Ms. Beck said she could speak to the need for this training. It is vital that the staff and volunteers with the Ombudsman's office have the skills, knowledge, and the ability to determine if the complaint has merit and that they know how to help residents and families deal with issues that arise. The training would allow staff to be trained to keep residents calm, engaged, and safe.
Tiffany Naccarato, Private Citizen, provided testimony in support of SB88 (Attachment 12). Ms. Naccarato provided a personal story. The alarming reality is that 65% of long term care residents live with dementia. The bill is about training and raising the bar for care and compassion in the long term care facilities.
Ms. Naccarato responded to questions from the committee.
Ruth Burress, Private Citizen, provided testimony in support of SB88 (Attachment 13). Ms. Burress provided a personal story. Alzheimer's can often be misunderstood if there is no training regarding how to deal with the unique challenges presented by a Alzheimer's dementia diagnosis. There are specific challenges and communication needs regarding those with dementia and understanding those needs is crucial to be an effective advocate.
The following provided written only proponent testimony:
Kylee Childs. Director of Government Affairs, LeadingAge Kansas (Attachment 14)
Janet Hayes, Private Citizen (Attachment 15)
Linda Wyatt, Private Citizen (Attachment 16)
Daniel Goodman, Executive Director, Kansas Advocates for Better Care (Attachment 17)
David Herdman, Private Citizen (Attachment 18)
Valerie Johnson, Private Citizen (Attachment 19)
The hearing was closed.
