Kansas tightens requirements for nursing home license

Kansas lawmakers have tightened the financial requirements for a license to operate nursing homes.

The move comes after state regulators were forced to take over 22 struggling nursing homes last year.

Officials with the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services told The Kansas City Star they had no choice to step in because nursing home managers had fallen behind on bills for basics like food and utilities, putting the health and safety of residents at risk.

The Legislature passed a bill requested by Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s administration. It requires much more financial information from people applying for nursing home licenses.

Under the new law, applicants must show they have enough working capital for the first 12 months of operations.