Kansas advisory committee endorses multiple regulatory edits, recommends striking outdated advertising rule On Jan. 6 the Licensed Psychology Advisory Committee reviewed several KAR regulations and, by consensus, recommended forwarding a set of edits to the BSRB (including modernizing application processes, clarifying renewal language, permitting CE Broker documentation and striking an obsolete advertising rule).

Kansas' Licensed Psychology Advisory Committee is shaking things up with proposed regulatory edits aimed at modernizing psychology practices and eliminating outdated rules!

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#KS #CitizenPortal #KansasBehavioralHealth #RegulatoryReform #MentalHealthAccess #ProfessionalStandards

Kansas psychology advisory committee backs recommendation for $6,000 cap on PSYPACT state assessment At its Jan. 6 meeting the Licensed Psychology Advisory Committee recommended the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board support a proposed PSYPACT rule capping any state assessment at $6,000, citing protection against rapidly rising charges as larger states join the compact.

Kansas' psychology advisory committee just pushed for a $6,000 cap on state assessments to protect against soaring costs as more states join PSYPACT!

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#KS #CitizenPortal #KansasBehavioralHealth #RegulatoryReform #MentalHealthAccess #CivicAccountability

AI in therapy on the committee's radar: staff present state examples, members raise safeguards concerns Staff briefed the advisory committee on other states' approaches to AI in behavioral health (Illinois, Nevada, Utah); members raised concerns about insurer use of AI, disclosures, privacy and a cited court case involving AI-produced therapy interactions and patient harm; the committee asked staff to continue collecting materials and partner with stakeholders.

As states grapple with the implications of AI in behavioral health, concerns are rising over safety, insurer autonomy, and the tragic cases that underscore the need for strict regulations.

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#KS #MentalHealthSafety #KansasBehavioralHealth #PolicyReform #AIEthics #CitizenPortal

Kansas BSRB reports progress on multistate compacts, licensee survey and workforce trends Board staff reported on multistate compact implementation (PSYPACT, professional counseling compact, social work compact), a licensee survey with roughly 4,000 respondents, and modest license growth; members discussed supervision, AI regulation, and training takeaways from national conferences.

Kansas is making strides in multistate compacts and licensee surveys, revealing insights that could reshape the future of behavioral health services!

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#KS #CitizenPortal #CivicAccountability #TelehealthInnovation #WorkforceDevelopment #KansasBehavioralHealth

KS Behavioral Sciences Board approves emergency rule requiring fingerprint-based background checks for new applicants The Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board voted to adopt an emergency regulation package that will (1) require national, fingerprint-based background checks for new licensure applicants starting Jan. 1, 2026, (2) create an opt-in pathway for current licensees to obtain checks to qualify for multistate compacts, and (3) include related fee language;

Kansas is set to implement fingerprint-based national background checks for all new licensure applicants starting January 1, 2026, changing the landscape for behavioral health professionals!

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#KS #CitizenPortal #PublicTrust #LicensureReform #KansasBehavioralHealth

Kansas BSRB praised for user-friendly website redesign by ASPPB Kansas BSRB receives commendation for its improved website usability from ASPPB.

Kansas BSRB's new website has earned accolades from the ASPPB for its user-friendly design, marking a major step towards enhancing public access to behavioral health information.

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#KS #UserExperience #CitizenPortal #PublicAccessibility #CivicTransparency #KansasBehavioralHealth

Kansas Board Implements Mandatory Background Checks for Licensure for Psychologists and Counselors Kansas board mandates background checks for initial licensure and reinstatement starting this fall.

Kansas is raising the bar for marriage and family therapists by mandating background checks for licensure, enhancing safety and professionalism in the field.

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#KS #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #MentalHealthRegulation #ProfessionalStandards #KansasBehavioralHealth

Kansas Advisory Committee Discusses Alternative Pathways for Licensure Tests Committee explores non-exam pathways to licensure for long-term practitioners without test success.

Kansas is on the brink of revolutionizing therapist licensure by exploring alternative pathways that could empower seasoned practitioners who struggle with standardized exams.

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#KS #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #LicensureReform #MentalHealthAccess #KansasBehavioralHealth

Behavioral Health Investment Secured with $9.4M Commitment for 2026 Council confirms ongoing $390,292 HUD grant for permanent supportive housing through 2026.

The Douglas County Board has secured a groundbreaking $9.4 million commitment to enhance behavioral health services and tackle housing challenges, ensuring a brighter future for the community.

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#KS #CitizenPortal #CommunitySupport #BudgetAccountability #KansasBehavioralHealth

Douglas County reports significant declines in emergency behavioral health cases and jail bookings County officials reveal 27% drop in emergency behavioral health incidents and 33% in jail bookings.

Douglas County is witnessing a remarkable transformation in mental health, with emergency behavioral health incidents dropping by 27% and jail bookings by 33%!

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#KS #CommunityCollaboration #CitizenPortal #MentalHealthInitiatives #HomelessnessSolutions #KansasBehavioralHealth

BSRB survey highlights need for improved communication and AI regulations in therapy profession Respondents recommend enhanced oversight, license portability, and better communication from BSRB.

Kansas therapists are calling for better communication and AI regulations to shape the future of marriage and family therapy.

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#KS #KansasBehavioralHealth #CitizenPortal #LicensePortability #AIEthicsInTherapy #MentalHealthRegulation

Kansas legislature approaches session end with pending veto overrides and budget bills Kansas legislature prepares for final decisions on veto overrides and budget legislation.

The Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board is on the brink of crucial changes as the legislative session wraps up, with potential veto overrides and budget decisions looming.

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#KS #KansasBehavioralHealth #RegulatoryReform #CitizenPortal #MentalHealthSupport

BSRB conducts extensive outreach to future mental health professionals across Kansas universities BSRB engages students at multiple universities to discuss licensing and professional conduct.

The Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board is revolutionizing support for future mental health professionals by enhancing outreach and guiding students through the licensure process.

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#KS #CitizenPortal #StudentOutreach #WorkforceDynamics #KansasBehavioralHealth