Gov. Brownback Issues ERO to restructure SRS and KDHE

The acronyms are abundant in this legislative update, but we'll attempt to clarify as much as possible!

What's in this ERO?

Yesterday, Governor Brownback issued Executive Reorganization Order (ERO) No. 41.  Remember this number because it pertains to a massive change for a number of social service agencies including Community Service Providers (CSPs) and Community Developmental Disability Organizations (CDDOs) who provide service to individuals with developmental disabilities.

The ERO proposes that CSPs and CDDOs who have been under the purview of The Department of Social and Rehabilitative Services (SRS) will be transferred to the new Department of Aging and Disability Services (a sub-department of KDHE: Kansas Department on Health and Environment).  In addition to DD services, the Department of Aging and Disability Services will assume responsibility for all Medicaid waivers including Physical Disability, Frail Elderly and Mental Health Waivers.  Secretary Sean Sullivan is the head of the Department on Aging an Disability Services.

SRS will be renamed the Department of Children and Families and will assume responsibility for foster care, adoptions, and child and welfare programs.  Last Friday Gov. Sam Brownback appointed former legislator Phyllis Gilmore to serve as Secretary of SRS.

What happens next?

The legislature has 60 days to act on the ERO - they can approve or disapprove it.  If neither chamber votes to reject the ERO it will go into effect July 1, 2012.

Click here to view ERO No. 41