UNOFFICIAL COPY 24 RS BR 2423 Page 1 of 32 XXXX 2/28/2024 8:36 AM Jacketed AN ACT relating to health care to provide for an all-payer claims database and 1 making an appropriation therefor. 2 Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky: 3 SECTION 1. A NEW SECTION OF KRS CHAPTER 194A IS CREATED TO 4 READ AS FOLLOWS: 5 (1) A Kentucky all-payer claims database is created and established in Sections 1 to 6 6 of this Act to effect the following purposes: 7 (a) Allow for targeted population health initiatives; 8 (b) Determine state health status needs; 9 (c) Inform state health care planning; 10 (d) Support research in the areas of health care cost, quality, and accessibility; 11 (e) Improve the accessibility, adequacy, and affordability of health care and 12 health care coverage through the review and dissemination of data; 13 (f) Review health care costs among various treatment settings, providers, and 14 modalities; 15 (g) Evaluate the effectiveness of health care programs and services to improve 16 patient outcomes; and 17 (h) Support the development of quality improvement initiatives. 18 (2) Nothing in Sections 1 to 6 of this Act shall be construed to supersede, 19 supplement, or limit the provisions of KRS Chapter 216B relating to certificates 20 of need. 21 SECTION 2. A NEW SECTION OF KRS CHAPTER 194A IS CREATED TO 22 READ AS FOLLOWS: 23 As used in Sections 1 to 6 of this Act: 24 (1) "Executive director" means the executive director of the Office of Data Analytics 25 established under Sections 7, 8, and 9 of this Act; 26 (2) "Health care claims": 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 24 RS BR 2423 Page 2 of 32 XXXX 2/28/2024 8:36 AM Jacketed (a) Means claims made for the payment or reimbursement of the following 1 types of health care services: 2 1. Medical and hospital, which includes surgical, mental health, 3 substance use disorder, nursing, rehabilitative and habilitative 4 services, and laboratory services; 5 2. Dental; 6 3. Pharmacy; and 7 4. Any other health care service designated by the executive director by 8 administrative regulation; and 9 (b) Does not include claims made to a primary care provider for the provision 10 of primary care services under a direct primary care membership agreement 11 established under KRS 311.6201, 311.6202, 314.198, or 314.199; 12 (3) (a) "Health payer" means any person that pays, or administers the payment of, 13 health care claims. 14 (b) As used in paragraph (a) of this subsection, " person" includes but is not 15 limited to: 16 1. Medicare; 17 2. Medicaid; 18 3. The Kentucky Children's Health Insurance Program; 19 4. Workers' compensation insurers, self-insurers, and self-insured 20 groups; 21 5. Insurers, self-insurers, and self-insured groups, including self-insured 22 health plans and self-insured employer-organized associations, that 23 provide: 24 a. Coverage for health care services; 25 b. Health care benefits; or 26 c. Any kind of insurance regulated under KRS Chapter 304; 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 24 RS BR 2423 Page 3 of 32 XXXX 2/28/2024 8:36 AM Jacketed 6. Health maintenance organizations; 1 7. Limited health service organizations; 2 8. Provider-sponsored integrated health delivery networks; 3 9. Nonprofit hospital, medical-surgical, dental, and health service 4 corporations; 5 10. Administrators; 6 11. Pharmacy benefit managers; 7 12. Any third-party payor that is not exempt by federal law from 8 regulation under the insurance laws of this state; 9 13. Any person that contracts with a state or federal agency to provide 10 coverage for health care services; and 11 14. Any vendor or contractor of any person listed in subparagraphs 1. to 12 13. of this paragraph; and 13 (4) "Kentucky all-payer claims database" means the all-payer claims database 14 established under Sections 1 to 6 of this Act. 15 SECTION 3. A NEW SECTION OF KRS CHAPTER 194A IS CREATED TO 16 READ AS FOLLOWS: 17 (1) The Kentucky all-payer claims database fund is hereby created in the State 18 Treasury. 19 (2) The following shall be deposited into the fund: 20 (a) All grants and funds received or raised under Section 4 of this Act; 21 (b) Any fees collected under Section 6 of this Act; 22 (c) Any penalties collected under Section 11 of this Act; and 23 (d) Any appropriations made to the fund by the General Assembly. 24 (3) Notwithstanding KRS 45.229, moneys in the fund not expended at the close of a 25 fiscal year shall not lapse but shall be carried forward to the next fiscal year. Any 26 interest earnings of the fund shall become part of the fund and shall not lapse. 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 24 RS BR 2423 Page 4 of 32 XXXX 2/28/2024 8:36 AM Jacketed (4) Moneys in the fund are hereby appropriated by the General Assembly, and shall 1 be available to the executive director, to develop, implement, operate, and 2 maintain the Kentucky all-payer claims database. 3 SECTION 4. A NEW SECTION OF KRS CHAPTER 194A IS CREATED TO 4 READ AS FOLLOWS: 5 (1) The executive director shall develop, implement, operate, and maintain the 6 Kentucky all-payer claims database in accordance with Sections 1 to 6 of this Act. 7 (2) In carrying out the duties under subsection (1) of this section, the executive 8 director: 9 (a) Shall make good-faith efforts to: 10 1. Seek and accept grants, or raise funds, from any available source, 11 public or private, to support the development, implementation, 12 operation, and maintenance of the database; and 13 2. Establish agreements: 14 a. For voluntary reporting of health care claims data from health 15 payers that are not subject to mandatory reporting requirements. 16 If feasible, the executive director shall implement the reporting 17 format for self-insured group health plans described in 29 U.S.C. 18 sec. 1191d, as amended; 19 b. With the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to 20 obtain Medicare health care claims data; and 21 c. With all-payer claims databases in other states to establish a 22 single application for access to data by authorized users across 23 multiple states, if the executive director determines that the 24 agreements are feasible and beneficial for the operation of the 25 Kentucky all-payer claims database; 26 (b) Shall: 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 24 RS BR 2423 Page 5 of 32 XXXX 2/28/2024 8:36 AM Jacketed 1. Determine the measures necessary to implement reporting 1 requirements in a manner that: 2 a. Is cost effective and reasonable for data sources; 3 b. Is timely, relevant, and reliable for data users; 4 c. Eliminates, or reduces to the greatest extent practicable, the 5 submission of duplicate or redundant health care claims data; 6 and 7 d. Does not violate any applicable laws; 8 2. Establish policies and procedures necessary for the administration 9 and oversight of the database, including all necessary communication, 10 coordination, and data sharing with the commissioner of insurance 11 for enforcement under Section 11 of this Act; 12 3. Ensure the integrity, privacy, and security of personal health 13 information and other proprietary information related to the collection 14 and release of data; 15 4. Ensure that the database is operated in compliance with all state and 16 federal law, including but not limited to: 17 a. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 18 1996, Pub. L. No. 104-191, as amended, and any related federal 19 regulations, as amended; 20 b. 42 U.S.C. sec. 290dd-2, as amended, and any related federal 21 regulations, as amended, including but not limited to 42 C.F.R. 22 pt. 2; and 23 c. All other applicable state and federal data privacy and security 24 laws relating to the collection, storage, and release of data, 25 except that the provisions of this section and Section 6 of this Act 26 shall control over any conflicting state laws; and 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 24 RS BR 2423 Page 6 of 32 XXXX 2/28/2024 8:36 AM Jacketed 5. Promulgate any administrative regulations necessary to carry out 1 Sections 1 to 6 of this Act; and 2 (c) May: 3 1. a. Audit any data required to be submitted under Section 6 of this 4 Act as needed to corroborate the accuracy of submitted data. 5 b. Any audit conducted under this subparagraph shall, to the extent 6 practicable, be coordinated with other audits or examinations 7 performed by state or federal agencies; 8 2. a. Contract with one (1) or more qualified third parties: 9 i. To collect or process health care claims data; or 10 ii. For any other expertise, service, or function necessary to 11 carry out the provisions of Sections 1 to 6 of this Act. 12 b. The authority granted under this subparagraph shall include 13 without limitation designating a qualified third party to 14 implement, operate, and maintain the Kentucky all-payer claims 15 database; and 16 3. Share and receive data or other information, including confidential 17 and proprietary data or information, with and from state agencies, 18 federal agencies, and all-payer claims databases in other states if: 19 a. The recipient agrees in a written or electronic record to maintain 20 any confidential or proprietary status afforded to the data or 21 information; and 22 b. The data or information is shared or received in a manner that 23 does not violate any applicable laws. 24 (3) If the executive director contracts with a third-party under subsection (2)(c)2. of 25 this section, the executive director shall monitor and supervise the third party to 26 ensure that the third party complies with Sections 1 to 6 of this Act. 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 24 RS BR 2423 Page 7 of 32 XXXX 2/28/2024 8:36 AM Jacketed (4) A third party that contracts with the executive director under subsection (2)(c)2. 1 of this section shall not release, publish, or otherwise use any information to 2 which the third party has access under the contract without express permission in 3 a written or electronic record from the executive director. 4 (5) A waiver of any applicable privilege or claim of confidentiality in data or 5 information shall not occur as a result of a disclosure made under this section. 6 (6) (a) With regard to the Kentucky all-payer claims database, the executive 7 director shall file a written report with the Governor and the Legislative 8 Research Commission not later than September 1 of each year that details 9 the following: 10 1. The status of any development efforts, including efforts to obtain 11 funding for the database; 12 2. A detailed summary of database operations for the previous year; 13 3. The financial stability of the database; 14 4. An assessment of: 15 a. The cost, performance, and effectiveness of the database; 16 b. The performance of any third parties designated by the executive 17 director under subsection (2)(c)2. of this section; and 18 c. Whether the database has advanced the purposes set forth in 19 Section 1 of this Act; and 20 5. Any recommendations for database changes or improvements, 21 including statutory changes. 22 (b) In completing the determination required under paragraph (a)4.c. of this 23 subsection, the executive director shall, to the extent it is available, utilize 24 economic expertise. 25 SECTION 5. A NEW SECTION OF KRS CHAPTER 194A IS CREATED TO 26 READ AS FOLLOWS: 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 24 RS BR 2423 Page 8 of 32 XXXX 2/28/2024 8:36 AM Jacketed (1) There is hereby created and established a Kentucky All-payer Claims Database 1 Advisory Council, whose duties shall be to make recommendations to the 2 executive director as to the development, implementation, operation, and 3 maintenance of the database. 4 (2) (a) The council shall consist of the following members: 5 1. A member of academia with experience in health care data research; 6 2. A representative from the Kentucky Hospital Association; 7 3. A representative from the Kentucky Medical Association; 8 4. A representative from the Kentucky Pharmacists Association; 9 5. A representative from the Kentucky Dental Association; 10 6. A representative from the Kentucky Primary Care Association; 11 7. A representative from a Medicaid managed care organization or an 12 organization that represents Medicaid managed care organizations; 13 8. A representative from a health insurer that offers health insurance 14 coverage in the private market or an organization that represents such 15 health insurers; 16 9. A representative from an employer that provides self-insured group 17 health insurance coverage to its employees; 18 10. A representative from a property and casualty insurer or an 19 organization that represents property and casualty insurers; 20 11. A representative from a workers' compensation insurer, self-insurer, 21 or self-insured group; 22 12. A person that advocates on behalf of, or promotes the interests of, 23 health care consumers; and 24 13. A person with expertise or experience in health care data collection or 25 storage. 26 (b) In addition to the members described in paragraph (a) of this subsection, 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 24 RS BR 2423 Page 9 of 32 XXXX 2/28/2024 8:36 AM Jacketed the following persons, or their designees, shall serve as ex officio members 1 of the council: 2 1. The commissioner of the Department of Insurance; 3 2. The executive director of the Commonwealth Office of Technology; 4 3. The commissioner of the Department of Employee Insurance; 5 4. The commissioner of the Department for Medicaid Services; 6 5. The commissioner of the Department for Public Health; and 7 6. The commissioner of the Department for Behavioral Health, 8 Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities. 9 (c) The council shall include the following nonvoting ex officio members: 10 1. The executive director, who shall serve as chair of the council; and 11 2. A representative of the Office of Application Technology Services. 12 (d) The members described in paragraph (a) of this subsection shall: 13 1. Be appointed by the Governor; and 14 2. Serve three (3) year terms. 15 (e) 1. The Governor shall fill all vacancies under paragraph (a) of this 16 subsection within sixty (60) days of the vacancy. 17 2. In the event a representative or person referenced in paragraph (a) of 18 this subsection is not available or willing to serve, the Governor shall 19 appoint a person with expertise or experience in the referenced 20 industry or subject matter. 21 (3) The council's recommendations shall include but not be limited to 22 recommendations that: 23 (a) Provide specific strategies for measuring and collecting data related to 24 health care safety, quality, utilization, health outcomes, and cost; 25 (b) Focus on data elements that foster quality improvement and peer group 26 comparisons; 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 24 RS BR 2423 Page 10 of 32 XXXX 2/28/2024 8:36 AM Jacketed (c) Facilitate value-based, cost-effective purchasing of health care services by 1 public and private purchasers and consumers; 2 (d) Result in usable and comparable information that allows public and private 3 health care purchasers, consumers, and data analysts to identify and 4 compare health plans, health payers, health care facilities, and health care 5 providers regarding the provision of safe, cost-effective, and high-quality 6 health care services; 7 (e) Use and build upon existing data collection standards and methods that 8 establish and maintain the database in a cost-effective and efficient manner, 9 which includes incorporating and utilizing uniform data collection that 10 aligns, where possible, with national or federal uniform all-payer claims 11 database standards; 12 (f) Incorporate and utilize claims, eligibility, and other publicly available data 13 to the extent it is the most cost-effective method of collecting data to 14 minimize the cost and administrative burden on data sources; 15 (g) Address whether publicly available data, in addition to the data submitted by 16 health payers, should be included to measure or analyze health care quality, 17 safety, or cost issues, including data on the uninsured; 18 (h) Address the use of a master person identification process to enable 19 matching members across health plans; 20 (i) Ensure the integrity, privacy, and security of personal health information 21 and other proprietary information related to the collection and release of 22 data, including compliance with all state and federal laws as required under 23 subsection (2)(b) of Section 4 of this Act; 24 (j) Address ongoing oversight of database operations; and 25 (k) Address the feasibility and advisability of working with all-payer claims 26 databases in other states to establish a single application for access to data 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 24 RS BR 2423 Page 11 of 32 XXXX 2/28/2024 8:36 AM Jacketed by authorized users across multiple states. 1 (4) The first meeting of the council shall take place within thirty (30) days of 2 appointment of all the members described in subsection (2)(a) of this section. 3 (5) (a) The council shall meet upon the call of the executive director, but not less 4 than quarterly for the first two (2) years after the date of the first council 5 meeting. Thereafter, the council shall meet not less than biannually. 6 (b) A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum. 7 (c) Recommendations of the council shall require a majority of the members 8 present and eligible to vote. 9 (d) A member shall be permitted to participate and vote through distance 10 communication technology. 11 (6) The council shall be a budgetary unit of the cabinet, which shall: 12 (a) Pay all of the council's necessary operating expenses; and 13 (b) Furnish all office space, personnel, equipment, supplies, and technical or 14 administrative services required by the council in the performance of the 15 functions established in this section. 16 (7) Members of the council described in subsection (2)(a) of this section shall receive 17 no compensation for services, but shall receive actual and necessary travel 18 expenses associated with attending meetings, which shall be in accordance with 19 state administrative regulations relating to travel reimbursement. 20 SECTION 6. A NEW SECTION OF KRS CHAPTER 194A IS CREATED TO 21 READ AS FOLLOWS: 22 (1) To the extent permitted under federal law, health payers shall submit data 23 relating to health care claims to the executive director, or a third party designated 24 by the executive director, beginning not later than three (3) months after the 25 Kentucky all-payer claims database becomes fully operational. 26 (2) (a) The executive director shall establish the following by administrative 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 24 RS BR 2423 Page 12 of 32 XXXX 2/28/2024 8:36 AM Jacketed regulation: 1 1. The data elements to be collected, the reporting format, and the 2 frequency of submissions under subsection (1) of this section; 3 2. The data available to data users under subsection (5) of this section, 4 including: 5 a. The manner in which the data will be made available; and 6 b. The process for accessing, requesting, and making the data 7 available; and 8 3. Data access fees, which shall be deposited into the fund established in 9 Section 3 of this Act. 10 (b) In carrying out the requirements of this subsection, the executive director 11 may require data users to enter into data service agreements or memoranda 12 of understanding. 13 (3) To the extent permitted under federal law, any health payer not required to 14 comply with this section under state or federal law may opt to submit data under 15 this section. 16 (4) All state and local government health plans or programs regulated, created, or 17 authorized under Kentucky law, including any insurers or administrators 18 offering or administering those plans or programs, shall comply with the data 19 submission requirements of this section, including: 20 (a) Any plan or program offered or administered in accordance with KRS 21 Chapter 205; and 22 (b) Any governmental plan, as defined in 29 U.S.C. sec. 1002, including any 23 plan offered to the Public Employee Health Insurance Program for public 24 employees under KRS 18A.225 or 18A.2254. 25 (5) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the Kentucky all-payer claims 26 database shall: 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 24 RS BR 2423 Page 13 of 32 XXXX 2/28/2024 8:36 AM Jacketed (a) Be available to provide data to: 1 1. Health payers, consumers, employers, health care facilities, health 2 care providers, purchasers of health care, and state agencies, in a 3 form and manner that ensures the privacy and security of personal 4 health information as required by state and federal law, for the 5 purpose of allowing continuous review of health care utilization, 6 expenditures, quality, and safety; and 7 2. A state agency or other public or private entity for the purpose of 8 supporting the agency's or entity's demonstrated efforts to improve or 9 benefit the health care system through research and analysis, subject 10 to administrative regulations promulgated by the executive director; 11 and 12 (b) Present data in a manner that: 13 1. Allows for comparisons of: 14 a. Geographic, demographic, and economic factors; and 15 b. Institutional size; and 16 2. Is consumer-friendly. 17 (6) (a) To the extent permitted under federal law, a health payer shall not be 18 required to obtain any individual's consent or permission in order to submit 19 the individual's data in accordance with this section. 20 (b) Compliance with the requirements of this section shall not be deemed a 21 violation of data or consumer privacy laws or any other laws. 22 (7) Except as provided in Section 4 of this Act and subsection (8) of this section, the 23 Kentucky all-payer claims database shall not disclose any data that: 24 (a) Could be used to identify an individual; 25 (b) Is determined by the executive director to be incomplete, preliminary, 26 substantially in error, or not representative; or 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 24 RS BR 2423 Page 14 of 32 XXXX 2/28/2024 8:36 AM Jacketed (c) Could, due to small sample size or other factors, reveal the identity of an 1 individual or produce misleading information. 2 (8) (a) The executive director may require health payers to submit or use direct 3 identifying information about individuals for the purpose of assigning a 4 unique patient identifier. 5 (b) Upon the assignment of a unique patient identifier, all direct identifying 6 information about the individual shall be stripped from any data collected, 7 and not be retained, by the executive director or any third party designated 8 by the executive director. 9 (9) (a) A person shall not access, request, receive, or use any data or information 10 disclosed under subsection (5) of this section: 11 1. To obtain or disclose trade secrets; 12 2. To reidentify or attempt to reidentify an individual's data or 13 information; 14 3. To sell the data or information; 15 4. To distribute the data or information for commercial purposes; 16 5. To take any action in violation of any applicable data privacy or 17 security laws; or 18 6. For any purpose not identified in subsection (5) of this section. 19 (b) A person shall not access or receive data from the Kentucky all-payer 20 claims database unless the person agrees in a written or electronic record to 21 comply with this subsection. 22 (10) All information and data acquired by the executive director or a third party 23 designated by the executive director under this section shall: 24 (a) Be disclosed only to the extent provided in Section 4 of this Act and this 25 section; and 26 (b) Not be subject to disclosure under KRS 61.870 to 61.884. 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 24 RS BR 2423 Page 15 of 32 XXXX 2/28/2024 8:36 AM Jacketed Section 7. KRS 194A.030 (Effective between July 1, 2024, and July 1, 2025) is 1 amended to read as follows: 2 The cabinet consists of the following major organizational units, which are hereby 3 created: 4 (1) Office of the Secretary. Within the Office of the Secretary, there shall be an Office 5 of Legal Services, an Office of Inspector General, an Office of Public Affairs, an 6 Office of Human Resource Management, an Office of Finance and Budget, an 7 Office of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs, an Office of Administrative Services, 8 an Office of Application Technology Services, and an Office of Data Analytics, as 9 follows: 10 (a) The Office of Legal Services shall provide legal advice and assistance to all 11 units of the cabinet in any legal action in which it may be involved. The 12 Office of Legal Services shall employ all attorneys of the cabinet who serve 13 the cabinet in the capacity of attorney, giving legal advice and opinions 14 concerning the operation of all programs in the cabinet. The Office of Legal 15 Services shall be headed by a general counsel who shall be appointed by the 16 secretary with the approval of the Governor under KRS 12.050 and 12.210. 17 The general counsel shall be the chief legal advisor to the secretary and shall 18 be directly responsible to the secretary. The Attorney General, on the request 19 of the secretary, may designate the general counsel as an assistant attorney 20 general under the provisions of KRS 15.105; 21 (b) The Office of Inspector General shall be headed by an inspector general who 22 shall be appointed by the secretary with the approval of the Governor. The 23 inspector general shall be directly responsible to the secretary. The Office of 24 Inspector General shall be responsible for: 25 1. The conduct of audits and investigations for detecting the perpetration of 26 fraud or abuse of any program by any client, or by any vendor of 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 24 RS BR 2423 Page 16 of 32 XXXX 2/28/2024 8:36 AM Jacketed services with whom the cabinet has contracted; and the conduct of 1 special investigations requested by the secretary, commissioners, or 2 office heads of the cabinet into matters related to the cabinet or its 3 programs; 4 2. Licensing and regulatory functions as the secretary may delegate; 5 3. Review of health facilities participating in transplant programs, as 6 determined by the secretary, for the purpose of determining any 7 violations of KRS 311.1911 to 311.1959, 311.1961, and 311.1963; 8 4. The duties, responsibilities, and authority pertaining to the certificate of 9 need functions and the licensure appeals functions, pursuant to KRS 10 Chapter 216B; 11 5. The notification and forwarding of any information relevant to possible 12 criminal violations to the appropriate prosecuting authority; 13 6. The oversight of the operations of the Kentucky Health Information 14 Exchange; and 15 7. The support and guidance to health care providers related to telehealth 16 services, including the development of policy, standards, resources, and 17 education to expand telehealth services across the Commonwealth; 18 (c) The Office of Public Affairs shall be headed by an executive director 19 appointed by the secretary with the approval of the Governor in accordance 20 with KRS 12.050. The office shall provide information to the public and news 21 media about the programs, services, and initiatives of the cabinet; 22 (d) The Office of Human Resource Management shall be headed by an executive 23 director appointed by the secretary with the approval of the Governor in 24 accordance with KRS 12.050. The office shall coordinate, oversee, and 25 execute all personnel, training, and management functions of the cabinet. The 26 office shall focus on the oversight, development, and implementation of 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 24 RS BR 2423 Page 17 of 32 XXXX 2/28/2024 8:36 AM Jacketed quality improvement services; curriculum development and delivery of 1 instruction to staff; the administration, management, and oversight of training 2 operations; health, safety, and compliance training; and equal employment 3 opportunity compliance functions; 4 (e) The Office of Finance and Budget shall be headed by an executive director 5 appointed by the secretary with the approval of the Governor in accordance 6 with KRS 12.050. The office shall provide central review and oversight of 7 budget, contract, and cabinet finances. The office shall provide coordination, 8 assistance, and support to program departments and independent review and 9 analysis on behalf of the secretary; 10 (f) The Office of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs shall be headed by an 11 executive director appointed by the secretary with the approval of the 12 Governor in accordance with KRS 12.050. The office shall provide central 13 review and oversight of legislation, policy, and administrative regulations. 14 The office shall provide coordination, assistance, and support to program 15 departments and independent review and analysis on behalf of the secretary; 16 (g) The Office of Administrative Services shall be headed by an executive 17 director appointed by the secretary with the approval of the Governor in 18 accordance with KRS 12.050. The office shall provide central review and 19 oversight of procurement, general accounting including grant monitoring, and 20 facility management. The office shall provide coordination, assistance, and 21 support to program departments and independent review and analysis on 22 behalf of the secretary; 23 (h) The Office of Application Technology Services shall be headed by an 24 executive director appointed by the secretary with the approval of the 25 Governor in accordance with KRS 12.050. The office shall provide 26 application technology services including central review and oversight. The 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 24 RS BR 2423 Page 18 of 32 XXXX 2/28/2024 8:36 AM Jacketed office shall provide coordination, assistance, and support to program 1 departments and independent review and analysis on behalf of the secretary; 2 and 3 (i) The Office of Data Analytics shall be headed by an executive director who 4 shall be appointed by the secretary with the approval of the Governor under 5 KRS 12.050 and shall: 6 1. Identify and innovate strategic initiatives to inform public policy 7 initiatives and provide opportunities for improved health outcomes for 8 all Kentuckians though data analytics;[. The office shall ] 9 2. Provide leadership in the redesign of the health care delivery system 10 using electronic information technology to improve patient care and 11 reduce medical errors and duplicative services; and 12 3. Implement and administer the Kentucky all-payer claims database in 13 accordance with Sections 1 to 6 of this Act; 14 (2) Department for Medicaid Services. The Department for Medicaid Services shall 15 serve as the single state agency in the Commonwealth to administer Title XIX of 16 the Federal Social Security Act. The Department for Medicaid Services shall be 17 headed by a commissioner for Medicaid services, who shall be appointed by the 18 secretary with the approval of the Governor under KRS 12.050. The commissioner 19 for Medicaid services shall be a person who by experience and training in 20 administration and management is qualified to perform the duties of this office. The 21 commissioner for Medicaid services shall exercise authority over the Department 22 for Medicaid Services under the direction of the secretary and shall only fulfill 23 those responsibilities as delegated by the secretary; 24 (3) Department for Public Health. The Department for Public Health shall develop and 25 operate all programs of the cabinet that provide health services and all programs for 26 assessing the health status of the population for the promotion of health and the 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 24 RS BR 2423 Page 19 of 32 XXXX 2/28/2024 8:36 AM Jacketed prevention of disease, injury, disability, and premature death. This shall include but 1 not be limited to oversight of the Division of Women's Health and the Office for 2 Children with Special Health Care Needs. The duties, responsibilities, and authority 3 set out in KRS 200.460 to 200.490 shall be performed by the Department for Public 4 Health. The Department for Public Health shall advocate for the rights of children 5 with disabilities and, to the extent that funds are available, shall ensure the 6 administration of services for children with disabilities as are deemed appropriate 7 by this office pursuant to Title V of the Social Security Act. The Department for 8 Public Health may promulgate administrative regulations under KRS Chapter 13A 9 as may be necessary to implement and administer its responsibilities. The Office for 10 Children with Special Health Care Needs may be headed by an executive director 11 appointed by the secretary with the approval of the Governor in accordance with 12 KRS 12.050. The Department for Public Health shall be headed by a commissioner 13 for public health who shall be appointed by the secretary with the approval of the 14 Governor under KRS 12.050. The commissioner for public health shall be a duly 15 licensed physician who by experience and training in administration and 16 management is qualified to perform the duties of this office. The commissioner 17 shall advise the head of each major organizational unit enumerated in this section 18 on policies, plans, and programs relating to all matters of public health, including 19 any actions necessary to safeguard the health of the citizens of the Commonwealth. 20 The commissioner shall serve as chief medical officer of the Commonwealth. The 21 commissioner for public health shall exercise authority over the Department for 22 Public Health under the direction of the secretary and shall only fulfill those 23 responsibilities as delegated by the secretary; 24 (4) Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities. The 25 Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities shall 26 develop and administer programs for the prevention of mental illness, intellectual 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 24 RS BR 2423 Page 20 of 32 XXXX 2/28/2024 8:36 AM Jacketed disabilities, brain injury, developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders 1 and shall develop and administer an array of services and support for the treatment, 2 habilitation, and rehabilitation of persons who have a mental illness or emotional 3 disability, or who have an intellectual disability, brain injury, developmental 4 disability, or a substance use disorder. The Department for Behavioral Health, 5 Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities shall be headed by a commissioner for 6 behavioral health, developmental and intellectual disabilities who shall be 7 appointed by the secretary with the approval of the Governor under KRS 12.050. 8 The commissioner for behavioral health, developmental and intellectual disabilities 9 shall be by training and experience in administration and management qualified to 10 perform the duties of the office. The commissioner for behavioral health, 11 developmental and intellectual disabilities shall exercise authority over the 12 department under the direction of the secretary, and shall only fulfill those 13 responsibilities as delegated by the secretary; 14 (5) Department for Family Resource Centers and Volunteer Services. The Department 15 for Family Resource Centers and Volunteer Services shall streamline the various 16 responsibilities associated with the human services programs for which the cabinet 17 is responsible. This shall include, but not be limited to, oversight of the Division of 18 Family Resource and Youth Services Centers and Serve Kentucky. The Department 19 for Family Resource Centers and Volunteer Services shall be headed by a 20 commissioner who shall be appointed by the secretary with the approval of the 21 Governor under KRS 12.050. The commissioner for family resource centers and 22 volunteer services shall be by training and experience in administration and 23 management qualified to perform the duties of the office, shall exercise authority 24 over the department under the direction of the secretary, and shall only fulfill those 25 responsibilities as delegated by the secretary; 26 (6) Department for Community Based Services. The Department for Community Based 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 24 RS BR 2423 Page 21 of 32 XXXX 2/28/2024 8:36 AM Jacketed Services shall administer and be responsible for child and adult protection, 1 guardianship services, violence prevention resources, foster care and adoption, 2 permanency, and services to enhance family self-sufficiency, including child care, 3 social services, public assistance, and family support. The department shall be 4 headed by a commissioner appointed by the secretary with the approval of the 5 Governor in accordance with KRS 12.050; 6 (7) Department for Income Support. The Department for Income Support shall be 7 responsible for child support enforcement and disability determination. The 8 department shall serve as the state unit as required by Title II and Title XVI of the 9 Social Security Act, and shall have responsibility for determining eligibility for 10 disability for those citizens of the Commonwealth who file applications for 11 disability with the Social Security Administration. The department shall be headed 12 by a commissioner appointed by the secretary with the approval of the Governor in 13 accordance with KRS 12.050; and 14 (8) Department for Aging and Independent Living. The Department for Aging and 15 Independent Living shall serve as the state unit as designated by the Administration 16 on Aging Services under the Older Americans Act and shall have responsibility for 17 administration of the federal community support services, in-home services, meals, 18 family and caregiver support services, elder rights and legal assistance, senior 19 community services employment program, the state health insurance assistance 20 program, state home and community based services including home care, 21 Alzheimer's respite services and the personal care attendant program, certifications 22 of assisted living facilities, and the state Council on Alzheimer's Disease and other 23 related disorders. The department shall also administer the Long-Term Care 24 Ombudsman Program and the Medicaid Home and Community Based Waivers 25 Participant Directed Services Option (PDS) Program. The department shall serve as 26 the information and assistance center for aging and disability services and 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 24 RS BR 2423 Page 22 of 32 XXXX 2/28/2024 8:36 AM Jacketed administer multiple federal grants and other state initiatives. The department shall 1 be headed by a commissioner appointed by the secretary with the approval of the 2 Governor in accordance with KRS 12.050. 3 Section 8. KRS 194A.030 (Effective July 1, 2025) is amended to read as 4 follows: 5 The cabinet consists of the following major organizational units, which are hereby 6 created: 7 (1) Office of the Secretary. Within the Office of the Secretary, there shall be an Office 8 of Legal Services, an Office of Inspector General, an Office of Public Affairs, an 9 Office of Human Resource Management, an Office of Finance and Budget, an 10 Office of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs, an Office of Administrative Services, 11 an Office of Application Technology Services and an Office of Data Analytics, as 12 follows: 13 (a) The Office of Legal Services shall provide legal advice and assistance to all 14 units of the cabinet in any legal action in which it may be involved. The 15 Office of Legal Services shall employ all attorneys of the cabinet who serve 16 the cabinet in the capacity of attorney, giving legal advice and opinions 17 concerning the operation of all programs in the cabinet. The Office of Legal 18 Services shall be headed by a general counsel who shall be appointed by the 19 secretary with the approval of the Governor under KRS 12.050 and 12.210. 20 The general counsel shall be the chief legal advisor to the secretary and shall 21 be directly responsible to the secretary. The Attorney General, on the request 22 of the secretary, may designate the general counsel as an assistant attorney 23 general under the provisions of KRS 15.105; 24 (b) The Office of Inspector General shall be headed by an inspector general who 25 shall be appointed by the secretary with the approval of the Governor. The 26 inspector general shall be directly responsible to the secretary. The Office of 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 24 RS BR 2423 Page 23 of 32 XXXX 2/28/2024 8:36 AM Jacketed Inspector General shall be responsible for: 1 1. The conduct of audits and investigations for detecting the perpetration of 2 fraud or abuse of any program by any client, or by any vendor of 3 services with whom the cabinet has contracted; and the conduct of 4 special investigations requested by the secretary, commissioners, or 5 office heads of the cabinet into matters related to the cabinet or its 6 programs; 7 2. Licensing and regulatory functions as the secretary may delegate; 8 3. Review of health facilities participating in transplant programs, as 9 determined by the secretary, for the purpose of determining any 10 violations of KRS 311.1911 to 311.1959, 311.1961, and 311.1963; 11 4. The duties, responsibilities, and authority pertaining to the certificate of 12 need functions and the licensure appeals functions, pursuant to KRS 13 Chapter 216B; 14 5. The notification and forwarding of any information relevant to possible 15 criminal violations to the appropriate prosecuting authority; 16 6. The oversight of the operations of the Kentucky Health Information 17 Exchange; and 18 7. The support and guidance to health care providers related to telehealth 19 services, including the development of policy, standards, resources, and 20 education to expand telehealth services across the Commonwealth; 21 (c) The Office of Public Affairs shall be headed by an executive director 22 appointed by the secretary with the approval of the Governor in accordance 23 with KRS 12.050. The office shall provide information to the public and news 24 media about the programs, services, and initiatives of the cabinet; 25 (d) The Office of Human Resource Management shall be headed by an executive 26 director appointed by the secretary with the approval of the Governor in 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 24 RS BR 2423 Page 24 of 32 XXXX 2/28/2024 8:36 AM Jacketed accordance with KRS 12.050. The office shall coordinate, oversee, and 1 execute all personnel, training, and management functions of the cabinet. The 2 office shall focus on the oversight, development, and implementation of 3 quality improvement services; curriculum development and delivery of 4 instruction to staff; the administration, management, and oversight of training 5 operations; health, safety, and compliance training; and equal employment 6 opportunity compliance functions; 7 (e) The Office of Finance and Budget shall be headed by an executive director 8 appointed by the secretary with the approval of the Governor in accordance 9 with KRS 12.050. The office shall provide central review and oversight of 10 budget, contract, and cabinet finances. The office shall provide coordination, 11 assistance, and support to program departments and independent review and 12 analysis on behalf of the secretary; 13 (f) The Office of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs shall be headed by an 14 executive director appointed by the secretary with the approval of the 15 Governor in accordance with KRS 12.050. The office shall provide central 16 review and oversight of legislation, policy, and administrative regulations. 17 The office shall provide coordination, assistance, and support to program 18 departments and independent review and analysis on behalf of the secretary; 19 (g) The Office of Administrative Services shall be headed by an executive 20 director appointed by the secretary with the approval of the Governor in 21 accordance with KRS 12.050. The office shall provide central review and 22 oversight of procurement, general accounting including grant monitoring, and 23 facility management. The office shall provide coordination, assistance, and 24 support to program departments and independent review and analysis on 25 behalf of the secretary; 26 (h) The Office of Application Technology Services shall be headed by an 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 24 RS BR 2423 Page 25 of 32 XXXX 2/28/2024 8:36 AM Jacketed executive director appointed by the secretary with the approval of the 1 Governor in accordance with KRS 12.050. The office shall provide 2 application technology services including central review and oversight. The 3 office shall provide coordination, assistance, and support to program 4 departments and independent review and analysis on behalf of the secretary; 5 and 6 (i) The Office of Data Analytics shall be headed by an executive director who 7 shall be appointed by the secretary with the approval of the Governor under 8 KRS 12.050 and shall: 9 1. Identify and innovate strategic initiatives to inform public policy 10 initiatives and provide opportunities for improved health outcomes for 11 all Kentuckians though data analytics;[. The office shall ] 12 2. Provide leadership in the redesign of the health care delivery system 13 using electronic information technology to improve patient care and 14 reduce medical errors and duplicative services; and 15 3. Implement and administer the Kentucky all-payer claims database in 16 accordance with Sections 1 to 6 of this Act; 17 (2) Department for Medicaid Services. The Department for Medicaid Services shall 18 serve as the single state agency in the Commonwealth to administer Title XIX of 19 the Federal Social Security Act. The Department for Medicaid Services shall be 20 headed by a commissioner for Medicaid services, who shall be appointed by the 21 secretary with the approval of the Governor under KRS 12.050. The commissioner 22 for Medicaid services shall be a person who by experience and training in 23 administration and management is qualified to perform the duties of this office. The 24 commissioner for Medicaid services shall exercise authority over the Department 25 for Medicaid Services under the direction of the secretary and shall only fulfill 26 those responsibilities as delegated by the secretary; 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 24 RS BR 2423 Page 26 of 32 XXXX 2/28/2024 8:36 AM Jacketed (3) Department for Public Health. The Department for Public Health shall develop and 1 operate all programs of the cabinet that provide health services and all programs for 2 assessing the health status of the population for the promotion of health and the 3 prevention of disease, injury, disability, and premature death. This shall include but 4 not be limited to oversight of the Division of Women's Health and the Office for 5 Children with Special Health Care Needs. The duties, responsibilities, and authority 6 set out in KRS 200.460 to 200.490 shall be performed by the Department for Public 7 Health. The Department for Public Health shall advocate for the rights of children 8 with disabilities and, to the extent that funds are available, shall ensure the 9 administration of services for children with disabilities as are deemed appropriate 10 by this office pursuant to Title V of the Social Security Act. The Department for 11 Public Health may promulgate administrative regulations under KRS Chapter 13A 12 as may be necessary to implement and administer its responsibilities. The Office for 13 Children with Special Health Care Needs may be headed by an executive director 14 appointed by the secretary with the approval of the Governor in accordance with 15 KRS 12.050. The Department for Public Health shall be headed by a commissioner 16 for public health who shall be appointed by the secretary with the approval of the 17 Governor under KRS 12.050. The commissioner for public health shall be a duly 18 licensed physician who by experience and training in administration and 19 management is qualified to perform the duties of this office. The commissioner 20 shall advise the head of each major organizational unit enumerated in this section 21 on policies, plans, and programs relating to all matters of public health, including 22 any actions necessary to safeguard the health of the citizens of the Commonwealth. 23 The commissioner shall serve as chief medical officer of the Commonwealth. The 24 commissioner for public health shall exercise authority over the Department for 25 Public Health under the direction of the secretary and shall only fulfill those 26 responsibilities as delegated by the secretary; 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 24 RS BR 2423 Page 27 of 32 XXXX 2/28/2024 8:36 AM Jacketed (4) Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities. The 1 Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities shall 2 develop and administer programs for the prevention of mental illness, intellectual 3 disabilities, brain injury, developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders 4 and shall develop and administer an array of services and support for the treatment, 5 habilitation, and rehabilitation of persons who have a mental illness or emotional 6 disability, or who have an intellectual disability, brain injury, developmental 7 disability, or a substance use disorder. The Department for Behavioral Health, 8 Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities shall be headed by a commissioner for 9 behavioral health, developmental and intellectual disabilities who shall be 10 appointed by the secretary with the approval of the Governor under KRS 12.050. 11 The commissioner for behavioral health, developmental and intellectual disabilities 12 shall be by training and experience in administration and management qualified to 13 perform the duties of the office. The commissioner for behavioral health, 14 developmental and intellectual disabilities shall exercise authority over the 15 department under the direction of the secretary, and shall only fulfill those 16 responsibilities as delegated by the secretary; 17 (5) Department for Family Resource Centers and Volunteer Services. The Department 18 for Family Resource Centers and Volunteer Services shall streamline the various 19 responsibilities associated with the human services programs for which the cabinet 20 is responsible. This shall include, but not be limited to, oversight of the Division of 21 Family Resource and Youth Services Centers and Serve Kentucky. The Department 22 for Family Resource Centers and Volunteer Services shall be headed by a 23 commissioner who shall be appointed by the secretary with the approval of the 24 Governor under KRS 12.050. The commissioner for family resource centers and 25 volunteer services shall be by training and experience in administration and 26 management qualified to perform the duties of the office, shall exercise authority 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 24 RS BR 2423 Page 28 of 32 XXXX 2/28/2024 8:36 AM Jacketed over the department under the direction of the secretary, and shall only fulfill those 1 responsibilities as delegated by the secretary; 2 (6) Department for Community Based Services. The Department for Community Based 3 Services shall administer and be responsible for child and adult protection, 4 guardianship services, violence prevention resources, foster care and adoption, 5 permanency, and services to enhance family self-sufficiency, including child care, 6 social services, public assistance, and family support. The department shall be 7 headed by a commissioner appointed by the secretary with the approval of the 8 Governor in accordance with KRS 12.050; and 9 (7) Department for Aging and Independent Living. The Department for Aging and 10 Independent Living shall serve as the state unit as designated by the Administration 11 on Aging Services under the Older Americans Act and shall have responsibility for 12 administration of the federal community support services, in-home services, meals, 13 family and caregiver support services, elder rights and legal assistance, senior 14 community services employment program, the state health insurance assistance 15 program, state home and community based services including home care, 16 Alzheimer's respite services and the personal care attendant program, certifications 17 of assisted living facilities, and the state Council on Alzheimer's Disease and other 18 related disorders. The department shall also administer the Long-Term Care 19 Ombudsman Program and the Medicaid Home and Community Based Waivers 20 Participant Directed Services Option (PDS) Program. The department shall serve as 21 the information and assistance center for aging and disability services and 22 administer multiple federal grants and other state initiatives. The department shall 23 be headed by a commissioner appointed by the secretary with the approval of the 24 Governor in accordance with KRS 12.050. 25 Section 9. KRS 194A.101 is amended to read as follows: 26 (1) The Office of Data Analytics is hereby created in the Office of the Secretary. The 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 24 RS BR 2423 Page 29 of 32 XXXX 2/28/2024 8:36 AM Jacketed office shall: 1 (a) Provide oversight and strategic direction for, and be responsible for the 2 coordinating of, the data analysis initiatives of[for] the various departments 3 that regulate health care and social services to ensure that policy is consistent 4 with the long-term goals across the Commonwealth; and 5 (b) Implement and administer the Kentucky all-payer claims database in 6 accordance with Sections 1 to 6 of this Act. 7 (2) The office shall have the authority to review all data requests received by the 8 cabinet from the public, review the requests for content to determine the cabinet's 9 response, and approve the release of the requested information. The office shall 10 review data analyses conducted by the departments within the cabinet to ensure the 11 consistency, quality, and validity of the analysis prior to its use in operational and 12 policy decisions. The office shall facilitate the process of data integration by 13 initiating and maintaining data-sharing agreements in order to improve inter-agency 14 and cross-cabinet collaboration. 15 (3) The Office of Data Analytics shall promulgate administrative regulations in 16 accordance with KRS Chapter 13A to implement this section. 17 Section 10. KRS 304.2-100 is amended to read as follows: 18 (1) The commissioner shall personally supervise the operations of the department. 19 (2) The commissioner shall examine and inquire into violations of this code, shall 20 enforce the provisions of this code with impartiality and shall execute the duties 21 imposed upon him or her by this code. 22 (3) The commissioner shall have the powers and authority expressly conferred upon 23 him or her by or reasonably implied from the provisions of this code. 24 (4) The commissioner may conduct such examinations and investigations of insurance 25 matters, in addition to examinations and investigations expressly authorized, as the 26 commissioner may deem proper upon reasonable and probable cause to determine 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 24 RS BR 2423 Page 30 of 32 XXXX 2/28/2024 8:36 AM Jacketed whether any person has violated any provisions of this code or to secure 1 information useful in the lawful administration of any such provision. The cost of 2 such additional examinations and investigations shall be borne by the state. 3 (5) The commissioner may establish and maintain such branch offices in this state as 4 may be reasonably required for the efficient administration of this code. 5 (6) The commissioner shall have such additional powers and duties as may be provided 6 by other laws of this state. 7 (7) The commissioner shall assist the Office of[ Health] Data[ and] Analytics in 8 carrying out Subtitle 17B of this chapter,[ and] KRS 194A.099, and Sections 1 to 6 9 of this Act. 10 SECTION 11. A NEW SECTION OF SUBTITLE 99 OF KRS CHAPTER 304 11 IS CREATED TO READ AS FOLLOWS: 12 (1) (a) The commissioner shall enforce the reporting requirements for health 13 payers under Section 6 of this Act. 14 (b) In carrying out the duties under paragraph (a) of this subsection, the 15 commissioner: 16 1. May assess a civil penalty in accordance with this section; and 17 2. Shall have the authority, powers, and duties set forth in Subtitle 2 of 18 this chapter for violations of this code, including the requirements for 19 orders, notices, and hearings. 20 (2) (a) Subject to paragraphs (b), (c), (d), and (e) of this subsection, the 21 commissioner shall promulgate an administrative regulation designating a 22 schedule of penalties, not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000) per day, 23 for any health payer that fails to comply with the reporting requirements for 24 that person under Section 6 of this Act. 25 (b) State and federal agencies shall not be assessed or subject to a penalty 26 under this subsection. 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 24 RS BR 2423 Page 31 of 32 XXXX 2/28/2024 8:36 AM Jacketed (c) The commissioner may, by administrative regulation, adjust the maximum 1 penalty established under paragraph (a) of this subsection every two (2) 2 years based on the percent change in the nonseasonally adjusted annual 3 average Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U), U.S. City 4 Average, Medical Care, as published by the United States Bureau of Labor 5 Statistics. 6 (d) The commissioner shall promulgate an administrative regulation 7 designating the process for notice, hearing, and collection of any penalty 8 assessed under paragraph (a) of this subsection. 9 (e) The commissioner may, upon such terms and conditions that are 10 determined by the commissioner to be in the public interest, remit or 11 mitigate any penalty assessed under paragraph (a) of this subsection. 12 (3) Any penalties collected by the department under this section shall be deposited 13 into the fund established in Section 3 of this Act. 14 (4) The commissioner may promulgate any additional administrative regulations 15 necessary to implement or aid in the effectuation of this section. 16 Section 12. (1) The Governor shall make all initial appointments under 17 subsection (2)(a) of Section 5 of this Act within 90 days of the effective date of this Act. 18 (2) Notwithstanding subsection (2)(d)2. of Section 5 of this Act, initial 19 appointments under subsection (2)(a) of Section 5 of this Act shall be staggered so that, 20 of the initial 13 appointments: 21 (a) Five of the appointments expire at four years after the initial appointment; 22 (b) Four of the appointments expire at three years after the initial appointment; 23 and 24 (c) Four of the appointments expire at two years after the initial appointment. 25 Section 13. If the Cabinet for Health and Family Services determines that a 26 waiver or any other authorization from a federal agency is necessary to implement 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 24 RS BR 2423 Page 32 of 32 XXXX 2/28/2024 8:36 AM Jacketed Section 6 of this Act for any reason, including the loss of federal funds, the cabinet shall, 1 within 90 days after the effective date of this Act, request the waiver or authorization, and 2 may only delay implementation of those provisions for which a waiver or authorization 3 was deemed necessary until the waiver or authorization is granted. 4