Kansas loses federal money not enforcing vaccine mandates in hospitals, nursing homes
Kansas will lose nearly $350,000 in federal funding because state workers will not enforce federal vaccine mandates in hospitals and nursing homes, according to a letter from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services (CMS).
Those workers, however, will still be subject to the vaccine requirement issued last year by the federal agencies.
Gov. Laura Kelly announced Tuesday that state surveyors tasked with determining whether CMS-funded agencies comply with federal requirements would not enforce the federal COVID-19 mandate.
The decision, Kelly said, came after negotiations between her administration and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
“Kansas employees should not be required to enforce a federal mandate this late in the pandemic. In addition, mandates like this could further intensify the workforce shortage we are experiencing in our health care facilities throughout the state. CMS leadership has assured me they’re working with facilities and will not take punitive measures,” Kelly said in a statement.
In a letter dated March 18 Jonathan Blum, Chief Operating Officer at CMS, said Kansas’s refusal to have state surveyors enforce the COVID-19 mandate is a violation of the state’s agreement with the agency.
In response, Blum said, CMS would take action to enforce the mandate and inform Kansas providers of it.
The agency said it would reduce funding to Kansas for surveying purposes by $348,723.
“While we are disappointed in Kansas’ approach to meeting its survey and certification requirements, please be assured that CMS will continue to take every step possible to ensure the safety of patients and that federal funds are efficiently administered,” Blum wrote.
Last year Kelly signed legislation passed by the GOP-controlled Legislature establishing a no-questions-asked policy for religious exemptions to employer COVID-19 vaccine requirements.
Under the policy employers mandating vaccines cannot inquire into the sincerity of a religious belief if an employee seeks an exemption.
Last year the Legislature also barred any state funded agency from enforcing a vaccine passport.
