(Jan. 31, 2023) – Today, Senate Public Health and Welfare, chaired by Senator Beverly Gossage (R-Eudora), heard an industry update from the long-term care industry.
The committee heard from Linda MowBray, president and CEO, Kansas Health Care Association and Kansas Center for Assisted Living. She described classifications of long-term care and industry acronyms. MowBray gave an overview of access to care across the state and emphasized that more than 50 percent of members have expressed concerns regarding long-term viability. Workforce challenges were noted as a significant root cause of concern. MowBray highlighted how the long-term care industry has an impact on hospital systems' ability to care for other patients. MowBray indicated the governor’s budget doesn’t cover the actual overall financial need, short nearly half the estimated need. She also suggested Medicaid rates haven’t kept up. Medicare rates are better but not great. There is a need to continue care of the long-term care population.
Rachel Monger, president and CEO, LeadingAge Kansas, appeared before the committee to review industry data on financial health. Monger emphasized labor costs as having grown by more than 270 percent, and the sustainability of those rates. She highlighted there is a 90 percent reliance on the staffing industries. Monger highlighted the impacts and frustrations of hospitals because her members cannot take patients. Monger noted 1,194 admissions referrals had been turned down for the month of November. Monger reiterated the aging population needs care in the future. Solutions presented included increasing Medicaid rates and addressing the Medicaid formula, staffing agency reform to help keep the labor market fair, and the need to allow nurses and nurse aides to leave a staffing agency without dealing with non-compete clauses. She also emphasized a need to support proposals to attract talent.
The committee requested additional information on certified nurse aide needs and proposals for hour reduction or increasing services under that profession. The committee also asked for information on where people are being displaced to and suggested that when the state discusses affordable housing, the long-term care industry should be a part of those solutions. Finally, the committee asked about resource sharing with childcare facilities.
The committee also saw bills introduced regarding temporary licensure for several of those positions regulated by the Kansas Behavioral Health Regulatory Board.