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Publications iconKansas Register

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Volume 40 - Issue 41 - October 14, 2021

State of Kansas

Office of the Governor

Executive Order No. 21-27
Establishing the Office of Public Advocates

WHEREAS, Kansas is committed to the continued well-being of its citizens and families;

WHEREAS, ensuring the effective delivery of public human services is an essential component of our support for healthy families;

WHEREAS, improved coordination among the Department for Children and Families, the Department for Aging and Disability Services, the Department of Health and Environment, and other executive branch agencies is vital to the successful delivery of services for the protection and care of Kansans; and

WHEREAS, independent advocates tasked with advocating for and assisting those who rely on human services will ensure that citizens receive assistance resolving their complaints and concerns and will improve the operations and responsiveness of Kansas government.

NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Kansas, I hereby establish the Office of Public Advocates and order the following:

  1. The Office of Public Advocates shall consist of the following entities:
    1. The Long-Term Care Ombudsman, whose position was established pursuant to K.S.A. 75-7301, et seq., and is already attached to the Department of Administration; this order does not affect the provisions of K.S.A. 75-7301, et seq.;
    2. The KanCare Ombudsman, who shall be transferred from the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability to the Office of Public Advocates by way of this Executive Order and who shall be appointed by the Governor to serve for a term of five years, and may continue to serve beyond such five-year term if needed until a successor is appointed;
    3. The Division of the Child Advocate, created by separate executive order; and
    4. Any additional entities or offices created by future administrative action or legislative enactment.
  2. The Office of Public Advocates shall be attached to the Department of Administration and located in Topeka, Kansas.
  3. The Secretary of the Department of Administration shall provide such technical assistance and advice as the Secretary deems reasonable and necessary to assist the Office of Public Advocates and its entities to function as independent state officials or agencies.
  4. Neither the Secretary of the Department of Administration nor the Department of Administration shall have authority over the Office of Public Advocates.

This document shall be filed with the Secretary of State as Executive Order No. 21-27 and shall become effective immediately.

Dated October 4, 2021.

Laura Kelly
Governor

Doc. No. 049497

Secretary of State Seal