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Minutes for HB2590 - Committee on Public Health and Welfare
Short Title
Review of state long-term care ombudsman program and activities and access to certain records.
Minutes Content for Thu, Mar 8, 2018
Chairperson Schmidt opened the hearing on HB2590.
Scott Abbot, Staff Revisor, gave an overview of the bill and answered questions from committee members.
Barbara Hickert testified in support of HB2590 stating that passage of HB2590 would update the Kansas Long-Term Care Ombudsman Act. The purpose of these changes is to align Kansas statutes with federal law and regulation, but also with policies and with ombudsman practice. HB2590 clarifies the role of KDADS to provide oversight and monitoring of the State LTC Ombudsman program. The bill adds additional requirements for the appointment of the State LTC Ombudsman and the bill further defines the types of complaints that ombudsmen investigate to include complaints related to persons or entities outside of the facility. The bill also updates the acts related to the ombudsman role in providing information to other agencies, the media, and to legislators to advocate for changes and represent resident interests to these groups. (Attachment 2)
Ms. Hickert answered questions from committee members.
Kahlea Porter gave proponent testimony for HB2590. She stated that some key points of HB2590 include updated requirements regarding who is eligible to be appointed as the state LTC Ombudsman and further defines what the LTD Ombudsman's office investigates and who may access records and documents of residents to the extent necessary for carrying out the provisions of the LTC Ombudsman Act. (Attachment 3)
Questions were posed from committee members.
Written proponent testimony was submitted by Mitzi McFatrich, Kansas Advocates for Better Care (Attachment 4), and
Cindy Luxem, Kansas Health Care Association and the Kansas Center for Assisted Living. (Attachment 5)
Written neutral testimony was submitted by Rachel Monger, LeadinAge Kansas. (Attachment 6)
Chairperson Schmidt closed the hearing on HB2590.
Chairperson Schmidt adjourned the meeting at 10:20 a.m. The next scheduled meeting is March 9, 2018 at 9:30 a.m.
