Commissioners agreed July 14 to use a 1.5% delinquency rate for mill-levy calculations, a change that slightly lowers the county mill levy while leaving roughly $953,776 in ongoing capacity in the behavioral health fund, staff said.

At a budget hearing, county behavioral health staff and partner agencies outlined 2027 requests and three administration supplemental asks — including $200,000 for justice‑involved housing, $100,000 for a closed‑loop referral tool and $140,000 in capital — and described moving $1.5 million from two self‑sustaining programs into crisis services to monitor uncompensated care costs.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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 BSRB receives commendation for its improved website usability from ASPPB.

Kansas board mandates background checks for initial licensure and reinstatement starting this fall.

Committee explores non-exam pathways to licensure for long-term practitioners without test success.

Council confirms ongoing $390,292 HUD grant for permanent supportive housing through 2026.

County officials reveal 27% drop in emergency behavioral health incidents and 33% in jail bookings.

Respondents recommend enhanced oversight, license portability, and better communication from BSRB.

Kansas legislature prepares for final decisions on veto overrides and budget legislation.

BSRB engages students at multiple universities to discuss licensing and professional conduct.