(Jan. 21, 2025) – Today, the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee met, chaired by Senator Beverly Gossage (R-Eudora). The committee heard from Haely Ordoyne, the Kansas Long Term Care Ombudsman, and Kerrie Lonard from the Office of the Child Advocate.

The presentation by Haely Ordoyne of the Office of the Long Term Care Ombudsman highlighted the office's history and mission. The office's purpose is to receive and respond to complaints. She noted that many complaints center on inadequate staffing and broader workforce challenges.

Committee members asked what types of adult care homes they typically deal with.

Kerri Lonard also presented the Office of the Child Advocate's history and mission, as well as how it works with other agencies to serve vulnerable youth.

The committee asked about challenges and held discussions on the issue of respite care.

The committee saw bill introductions by the Kansas Association of Drug Stores regarding the remote practice of pharmacy. This bill will be officially introduced and assigned a bill number in the coming days.

The committee will meet again tomorrow to hear from the Kansas Department for Children and Families.