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Category Archives: Kansas
Flags Half-Staff For Afghanistan Military Personnel Deaths
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Nurses Urged to Renew License
Governor Kelly Urges Nurses to Renew Licensing Before August 28 Deadline
~Nurses with license expiration dates between March 31, 2020 through July 31, 2021 must renew before Saturday~
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly urged Kansas nurses to renew their licensing requirements before the Saturday, August 28, 2021 deadline. The Kansas State Board of Nursing announced the notice for Kansas Nurses, and employers of Kansas Nurses, who were working under the professional licensing waivers issued via the COVID-19 disaster declaration Executive Order 21-09. Licensed nursing professionals impacted by the ending of these waivers are urged to renew their license as soon as possible.
“Since COVID-19 invaded Kansas, our nurses have been on-call around the clock to keep Kansans safe and healthy and I can’t thank them enough for their life-saving work,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Right now, we need our Kansas nurses more than ever. I urge all Kansas nurses to renew their licensing, so we can continue to care for patients.
“To all the unvaccinated Kansans – we owe it to our nurses to get vaccinated now. We must reduce the strain on our hospital system and our healthcare workers. We all need to step up and do our part to protect each other,” Governor Kelly said.
The Board of Nursing began sending multiple electronic and postcard mail renewal notices to licensees and stakeholders about the expiring waivers in the weeks and months leading up to the ending of these waivers. The Board has also continued to release public notices via social media, the agency newsletter and the KSBN website throughout the COVID pandemic emergency.
Without a disaster declaration, the governor and Board of Nursing cannot further extend the waivers. Legislative action is necessary to extend any waiver beyond August 28th.
The nurses impacted by these waivers are those who had a Kansas nursing license with a normal expiration date of March 31, 2020 through July 31, 2021 and who have NOT yet renewed their licensure.
Any of these licensees that are NOT renewed by August 28, 2021 will begin to lapse on August 29, 2021.
A nurse with a lapsed Kansas nursing license can no longer work until their license is reinstated.
If you are a Kansas Nurse or if you employ a Kansas Nurse and you are unsure when your nursing licenses expires, you may check the status of your license via the Nursing License Verification Database. This is a free service offered to the public and nurses.
Renewing your Kansas nursing license is a simple process that takes only minutes to complete.
- To renew your license, simply visit the “Getting Started” section of the Board of Nursing website.
- Read and follow all applicable instructions.
- Then, log into the Kansas Nursing License Portal to complete your renewal and pay applicable fees.
- To confirm your renewal has been completed, the nurse may do so via the same portal or by checking the Nursing License Verification Database. (Please allow up to two hours for the public verification database to update prior to checking.)
For more information or to renew your nursing license, please visit the Board of Nursing’s website at https://ksbn.kansas.gov/
Bucks Rewarded to Drivers Who Buckle Up
Safe Kids Kansas, State Farm and KDOT partner up for safety message
Topeka – Thousands of vehicles will be traveling the Kansas roadways during the Labor Day weekend. Many families will head out on one last camping trip or getaway as the school year begins. Safe Kids Kansas, (sponsored in part by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment), State Farm and the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) want to encourage families to buckle up and drive safely to protect their most valuable asset, their families.
This year, August 28 through September 12, a safety belt awareness campaign called “Bucks for Buckles” is being held in 46 cities across Kansas. Dollar bills are being distributed by local volunteers to drivers who have all occupants buckled up securely in their vehicle. Those riding unrestrained will receive educational materials about the effectiveness of seat belts and child safety seats in saving lives and reducing injuries.
“No one can predict when they will be involved in a motor vehicle crash, yet almost all of us will be involved in an automobile crash in our lifetime. In 2020, 365 people lost their lives on Kansas roadways and 56 percent of them were unbuckled,” said Cherie Sage, State Director for Safe Kids Kansas. “The single most effective means of protecting the lives of you and your passengers is wearing seat belts and using appropriate child restraints every time you ride in the vehicle – even short distances.”
According to the 2020 KDOT Seat Belt Survey, 85 percent of Kansans surveyed were wearing their seat belts. This compares to the national average is 90 percent. Kansas ranked 42nd in belt use in 2019, among 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Seat belts save more than 15,000 lives every year and are the best defense against drunk, aggressive, and distracted drivers. “Seat belts are the single most effective device you can use to save your life during a vehicle crash,” said Sage. “They also reduce your chances of having a serious injury by as much as 50 percent. It’s such a simple thing, so take your life into your own hand and buckle up.”
For more information about safety belt or child safety seat use, call 785-296-1223 or visit www.safekidskansas.org, www.safekids.org and www.facebook.com/safekidskansas.
A list of Bucks for Buckles sites and coordinators can be downloaded here.
This information can be made available in alternative accessible formats upon request. For more information about obtaining an alternative format, you may contact Safe Kids Kansas at 785-296-1223, or [email protected]. Both speech/hearing disabled and hearing Kansans can access the Kansas Relay Center by calling toll-free 1-800-766-3777. Callers should inform the relay operator of the number they wish to call and the type of call they are making direct, credit card, collect, person-to-person, etc.
Visit us at www.safekidskansas.org and on Facebook.
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Governor Directs State Agencies to Return to Remote Work
TOPEKA – In response to the continued spread of the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus, Governor Laura Kelly today released new guidance directing state agencies under the jurisdiction of the Executive Branch to resume remote work operations where possible.
“Since the start of the pandemic, my administration has followed the best public health guidance to keep our communities safe, mitigate the spread of the virus, and reduce strain on hospitals,” Governor Kelly said. “The decision to return to remote work was not made lightly – but we know that this is a necessary step to prevent COVID-19 infections. I am confident that our state employees will continue to provide quality services to all Kansans who need them.”
The remote work model will remain in place through October 4th. At that time, a re-assessment of current COVID-19 infection rates will determine when state employees can return to fully on-site work.
At the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, state agency operations shifted to remote work for employees whose job functions could be performed remotely. In June, after a significant reduction in daily COVID-19 infections, state employees began returning to state office buildings.
As infection numbers began to rise again throughout the summer, a transition to remote work will help control the spread of the virus among state employees. Onsite staffing will be limited to only those necessary to safely conduct agency operations.
Mask requirements, social distancing and other mitigation measures will remain in place for employees whose jobs must be performed on-site. Public offices serving customers will be encouraged to re-institute mitigation measures that were previously utilized during the pandemic, such as scheduling “by appointment only” or making allowances for virtual as opposed to in-person interactions. All such measures will be carried out in a way as to have as minimal an impact or inconvenience on customers.
Kansas Industrial Hemp Regulations Amended for Harvest Season
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MANHATTAN, Kansas — The state rules and regulations board has approved the adoption of temporary amendments to the Kansas industrial hemp regulations which were proposed by the Kansas Department of Agriculture. The regulation amendments will align Kansas’ industrial hemp regulations with the USDA’s Final Rule on commercial hemp production. The amended regulations extend the timeframe to complete sampling and harvest, provide flexibility to producers regarding potential remediation of plants if sampling tests above acceptable THC levels, and increases the threshold at which a crop will be deemed to have been produced negligently. The full amended regulations for K.A.R. 4-34-24, K.A.R. 4-34-25 and K.A.R. 4-34-29 can be found at www.agriculture.ks.gov/IndustrialHemp. Because these amendments directly address regulations that affect harvest, they were expedited to be in place on a temporary basis. Plans are in progress to make them permanent through the official rules and regulations approval process. Public comments may be submitted online after September 2 and a public hearing will be held on November 8 as KDA considers finalizing the regulations; KDA will release details on the public comments and hearing soon. ### Kansas Industrial Hemp Regulations Amended for Harvest Season.pdf |
KS New Heart Program
Governor Laura Kelly Announces Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services Receives $2.7 Million to Fund New KS HEART Program
~ KDADS one of five organizations receiving funding to provide substance use disorder services for pregnant and postpartum women ~
TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced that the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) is one of only five organizations nationally to be awarded a three-year, $2.7 million grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT). Grant funds through the FY 2020 State Pilot Grant Program for Treatment for Pregnant and Postpartum Women (PPW-PLT) will be used to provide evidence-based, family-centered treatment services to pregnant and postpartum women in Kansas with substance use disorders.
“This grant will expand critical treatment services to support pregnant and postpartum Kansans with substance abuse disorders – along with their children,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “By addressing the behavioral needs of mothers, we can protect mothers and their families.”
The KDADS program, which will be known as KS Helping Empower And Recover Together (KS HEART), will take effect September 30, 2021.
It’s estimated the KS HEART program will serve approximately 55 women a year at two pilot locations, for a total of 165 women over three years. Partners identified in the grant are DCCCA, Inc. and CKF Addiction and Treatment Services, with pilot sites in Salina and Wichita.
“By focusing on family-centered therapy, expanding outpatient programs, and providing community-based wraparound services, the KS HEART program aims to accomplish the goals of decreasing substance use, including opioids, among pregnant and postpartum women in Kansas,” KDADS Secretary Laura Howard said.
The purpose of the KS HEART program is to enhance flexibility in the use of funds designed to:
- Support family-based services for pregnant and postpartum women with a primary diagnosis of a substance use disorder, including opioid use disorders;
- Help state substance abuse agencies address the continuum of care, including services provided to pregnant and postpartum women in nonresidential-based settings; and
- Promote a coordinated, effective, and efficient state system managed by state substance abuse agencies by encouraging new approaches and models of service delivery.
Pregnant and postpartum women using substances face complex challenges that put the health and stability of their family at risk. Funding and eligibility restrictions to existing substance use treatment services often cause women to lose access to care during some of the most vulnerable points postpartum.
“The KS HEART program will bridge identified gaps to services and provide evidence-based treatments, including Medication Assisted Treatment and tobacco cessation as well as increase family stability and support and maintain community tenure and recovery for the whole family unit,” said KDADS Behavioral Health Services Commissioner Andy Brown.
“CKF Addiction Treatment is excited about this grant partnership with KDADS to help further treat the behavioral health needs of pregnant and postpartum women attending our services,” said CKF President and CEO Shane Hudson, MS, MSHCT, LCP, LCAC. “Addiction involves many layers and those with mental health symptoms that only exacerbate the symptoms of addiction need extra support. This grant aligns well with CKF’s focus of positively impacting patient health outcomes in addiction health care settings.”
“DCCCA is proud to partner with this project and excited to bring our expertise in women’s treatment to this work,” DCCCA CEO Lori Alvarado said. “We have prioritized services for pregnant and parenting women for more than 20 years and are eager to expand these critical services to women and children in Kansas.”
Keep Kids Safe In School
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K-31 section closed west of Fulton on Wednesday
Wednesday, Aug. 25, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) plans to close K-31 west of Fulton to replace a crossroad pipe. The closure is between reference points 131 and 132 and will be in effect from 7:15 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Traffic should use alternate routes. Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.Kandrive.org, for more road condition and construction details. Persons with questions may call KDOT Area Superintendent Derrick Shannon at (620) 901-6550 or Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen at (620) 902-6433.
Flags Half-Staff to Honor Firefighter
Governor Laura Kelly Directs Flags be Flown at Half-Staff to Honor Firefighter Josh Schwindt
TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly directed flags be flown at half-staff at all state grounds, buildings, and facilities on August 20, 2021 in honor of Morton County firefighter Josh Schwindt, who was fatally electrocuted while searching for survivors of a rollover accident on August 16, 2021.
“Today, I directed flags be flown at half-staff to honor Morton County firefighter Josh Schwindt,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “My condolences are with his family, loved ones, and fellow Morton County firefighters during their time of loss. Josh’s commitment to protecting his community and his service to our state will not be forgotten.”
Josh Schwindt will be interred during services held on August 20, 2021.
To receive future email alerts when the governor orders flags to half-staff, please visit: https://governor.kansas.gov/newsroom/kansas-flag-honor.
KS Flags At Half-Staff For Vern Miller
Governor Laura Kelly Directs Flags be Flown at Half-Staff to Honor Former Kansas Attorney General Vern Miller
TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly directed flags be flown at half-staff at all state grounds, buildings, and facilities on August 17, 2021 in honor of former Kansas Attorney General Vern Miller. Attorney General Miller will be interred during services held on Tuesday, August 17, 2021.
“As Attorney General, District Attorney, Sheriff, or Marshal, Vern Miller was one of Kansas’ great law enforcement officers,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “His commitment to enforcing the law fairly and standing up for all Kansans defined law enforcement like few before or after. I know that Vern’s legacy will live on through his impact and service to our state.”
To receive future email alerts when the governor orders flags to half-staff, please visit: https://governor.kansas.gov/newsroom/kansas-flag-honor.
KDOT resurfacing K-65 in Bourbon County
The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has started a resurfacing project on K-65 in Bourbon County, from K-3 east to K-31. Project activity includes a mill and overlay. Flaggers and a pilot car will guide one-lane traffic through the work zone; expect daytime delays of 15 minutes or less. Shilling Construction of Manhattan, Kansas, is the primary contractor on the project. Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.Kandrive.org, for more road condition and construction details. Persons with questions may contact Area Engineer Troy Howard, (620) 901-6557, or Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen, (620) 902-6433.