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Minutes for SB154 - Committee on Ways and Means
Short Title
Increasing reimbursement rates for providers of home and community-based services under the intellectual or developmental disability waiver, making appropriations for such rates and providing for legislative review of the waiting list for such services.
Minutes Content for Wed, Mar 17, 2021
Chairperson Billinger opened the hearing on SB 154. Scott Abbott provided an overview of the bill and responded to questions from Committee members. (Attachment 1)
Matt Fletcher, Executive Director, Interhab, testified in support of the bill. Chronic under-funding is continuing to be an issue and causing difficulty in recruiting and retaining the Direct Support Professional (DSP) workforce. Going back to the early 2000s, the rate increases to IDD providers fell behind inflation. The turnover rate is very high with an average annual turnover of 46 percent with some providers experiencing turnover as high as 77 percent. Many have had to limit the number of new admissions due to lack of staffing. The pandemic has only exacerbated the issue with many providers having to shut down some services. There has also be an increase in overtime costs due to the pandemic. These organizations are competing with others for workers including fast food and big box stores. Additionally, they are experiencing increasing complexity in the services provided. Mr. Fletcher responded to questions from Committee members. (Attachment 2)
Nick Wood, Associate Director, Interhab, spoke as a proponent of the bill. There is a growing need to address the complex care issues for the IDD population that are age-related such as dementia and physical disabilities. Due to the high level of turnover, they are constantly training new people. This also makes it difficult for the Direct Support Professionals to develop rapport with the people they serve. Mr. Wood responded to questions from Committee members. (Attachment 3)
Tom Keil, Executive Director, ResCare South Central Community Living, stood in favor of the bill. His organization specializes in high-needs and medically complex care issues. The Direct Support Professionals are his champions. They not only compete with other industries such as fast food but also with nursing homes and other health care industries for this type of labor. The turnover rates are very high and have been even higher since the pandemic started resulting in more than 150 vacancies statewide. This has also resulted in a great deal of overtime. This bill would help to attract and retain staff who are committed to the individuals served. (Attachment 4)
Jerry Michaud, President/CEO, Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas, Inc., testified as a proponent of the bill. His organization is committed to serving and supporting those with IDD. While their turnover rate is less than the national average, the financial cost of each position that turns over is in the thousands. This bill would make a difference moving forward and is a stepped approach to fixing this situation. We need to address resource shortages and the growing waiting list for those who need services. Mr. Michaud responded to questions from Committee members. (Attachment 5)
Rachel Green, Director of Operations, COF Training Services, Inc., spoke in support of the bill. Every day the health of our IDD people are put at risk. The average turnover rate for all industries in the United States is 3 percent while in the DSP industry it is 44 percent. This also results in spending on overtime to cover for vacant spots. Also, the low employment rate in Kansas means there are less people to fill their positions. The role of the DSP is very complex as they act as crisis managers, teachers, chauffeurs, chefs, maids, etc. They also may need to deal with life and death situations. This is a nation-wide crisis but this bill would help them to at least be able to compete with fast-food places. Ms. Green responded to questions from Committee members. (Attachment 6)
Christine Cook, Direct Support Professional, COF Training Services, Inc., testified in favor of the bill. She supports people to live as independently as possible. She has developed a strong relationship with the people she supports and she knows what makes them happy and when they are struggling, even if they can't communicate verbally. She has had opportunities to go to other jobs but she loves what she does. She is the sole provider for her family and she has to work many long hours of overtime to make ends meet. This has resulted in her missing many birthdays, school activities and holidays but she is thankful for the things she has learned and for how strong it has made her. (Attachment 7)
Diane Voss, Parent, stood in favor of the bill. Her son is autistic and lives in a group home. He requires DSP support and there has been a continual change in staff at his group home. Problems and struggles appear when there is so much turnover as new staff have problems understanding him. The pandemic has only added to the problems. She has talked to departing staff and they have indicated they couldn't make ends meet with the salary they received even with working two to three jobs. This bill is a practical, common sense approach and solution. (Attachment 8)
Brenda Klotz, Parent, spoke a proponent of the bill. Her son has aggressive behaviors and is bi-polar in addition to having uncontrolled seizures. He requires 24/7 care and the pay that his support staff receives has not kept up with other job sectors. There is a great deal of turnover, which is very difficult on her son. The state of Kansas can, and should, do better. Ms. Klotz responded to questions from Committee members. (Attachment 9)
Written only testimony in support of the bill was submitted by:
Lori Feldkamp, Big Lakes Developmental Center, Inc. (Attachment 10)
Lori Burchfield, Parent (Attachment 11)
There being no further conferees, Chairperson Billinger closed the hearing on SB 154.
