Category Archives: Briefing Book

Leveraging the Use of Technology in Behavioral Health

This article discusses the current terminology for technology in behavioral health as well as research findings on the effectiveness of such technology. Mobile Applications In 2022, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced guidance (PDF) for technology in behavioral health and defined the following five categories: Mobile Platforms.Continue reading “Leveraging the Use of Technology in Behavioral Health”

Recent Tuition Changes in Higher Education

Flat Tuition The Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR) governs higher education institutions in the state and has the authority to adjust tuition, grants, and scholarships in accordance with KSA 76-719 et seq. for the six Regents institutions. These institutions are Emporia State University (ESU), Fort Hays State University (FHSU), Kansas State University (KSU), Pittsburg StateContinue reading “Recent Tuition Changes in Higher Education”

Medicaid Unwinding

Individuals and families must meet a variety of eligibility requirements to qualify for Medicaid services. In order to ensure that members continue to meet the requirements, the eligibility of each member is re-determined once a year. Re-determinations occur on a state level, but the requirement for states to complete annual financial reviews is a mandateContinue reading “Medicaid Unwinding”

Unified School District Open Enrollment Statutes

Open enrollment allows students to select and transfer to a public school of their choosing rather than attending a public school based on where they live. It is one of the school choice policies employed most frequently in the Unites States. State open enrollment statutes and regulations typically address intra-district (within district) enrollment, inter-district (betweenContinue reading “Unified School District Open Enrollment Statutes”

One Year Under the PACT Act

The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022, or PACT Act, was signed into law by President Joe Biden on August 10, 2022. The Act expands eligibility for U.S. Department of Veterans’ Administration (VA) health care for veterans with conditions related to toxic exposures, as well asContinue reading “One Year Under the PACT Act”

Vaccine Requirements in K-12 Schools and Post-secondary Institutions

Kansas Statute KSA 72-6262 et seq. requires proof of vaccination for all students enrolling for the first time in a school, preschool, day care program operated by a school, or as designated by the Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (Secretary). Certification must be from a licensed physician or local health departmentContinue reading “Vaccine Requirements in K-12 Schools and Post-secondary Institutions”

Telehealth: Status of Flexibilities

With the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States in early 2020 and the federal declaration of a public health emergency (PHE), both the federal government and the State of Kansas responded by issuing orders to waive regulations pertaining to telehealth to ease access to medical care for individuals. The PHE ended onContinue reading “Telehealth: Status of Flexibilities”

Use and Disclosure of Automated License Plate Recognition System Data

Automated License Plate Recognition Definitions and Data Confidentiality Within the Kansas Open Records Act, terms relating to automated license plate recognition (ALPR) are defined as: ALPR system — one or more high-speed cameras combined with computer algorithms used to convert images of license plates into computer readable data; andCaptured license plate data — the globalContinue reading “Use and Disclosure of Automated License Plate Recognition System Data”

Overview of Inflation Reduction Act Fund Distributions

The federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) was signed into law on August 16, 2022. According to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB), the IRA includes new spending and tax breaks totaling $499.0 billion from 2022 to 2031. At the same time, the IRA is estimated to increase savings and revenues by $738.0 billion.OfContinue reading “Overview of Inflation Reduction Act Fund Distributions”