An Official Website of the Commonwealth of Kentucky
Services
Department for Public Health (DPH)
Kentucky has the prescription for significantly reducing childhood obesity. It's called 5-2-1-0.
Children, Families,
Department for Medicaid Services (DMS)
The Adult Targeted Case Management Program provides case management services for adults age 18 and older diagnosed with severe mental illnesses. Adult Targeted Case Management is limited to the 14 community mental health centers.
Seniors, Adults, Providers,
Department for Aging and Independent Living (DAIL)
The Aging and Disability Resource Center provides information about and referrals to aging and disability information, programs and services.
Seniors, Adults,
An apostille/certificate of authentication is a document intended for international use and is obtained only through the Kentucky Secretary of State's Office.
Seniors, Adults, Children, Families, Licenses & Certifications, Online Services,
Assisted living communities in Kentucky must be certified each year by the Kentucky Department for Aging and Independent Living.
The Kentucky Asthma Management Program receives funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to reduce the burden of asthma through education, awareness and community partnerships.
Adults, Children, Families,
The BRFSS is a telephone health survey.
Families, Providers,
There are two services programs available: National Family Caregiver Support Program and Kentucky Family Caregiver Program.
The Health Care Access Branch is responsible for registering charitable health care organizations in Kentucky as required by Kentucky Revised Statute (KRS) 216.940 - 216.945, The Kentucky Charitable Health Care Services Act (KCHCSA) and its companion law KRS 304.40-075.
Providers, Licenses & Certifications,
Office of the Secretary (OS)
CHFS information technology policies
Online Services,
CHFS information technology standards
Department for Community Based Services (DCBS)
Every state child welfare agency works in conjunction with federal oversight to implement a variety of services for the benefit of children and families. State child welfare services include prevention efforts, services to identify and protect abused and neglected children and a service array to treat families and children affected by abuse and neglect. Services are implemented according to formal state plans in compliance with federal requirements around federal funding sources.
Seniors, Adults, Children, Families,
The Child Care Assistance Program helps families obtain child care. The goals of the program parallel those of the federal laws that provide funding for Kentucky's child care program. The division also provides program coordination for subsidy payments, professional development, and training, promulgates regulations and develops policy and procedures.
Department for Income Support (DIS)
Child Support Enforcement in the Department for Income Support provides assistance to parents with minor children seeking financial support from a noncustodial parent. Every child has a legal right to financial support from both parents.
Children, Families, Online Services,
The Child Targeted Case Management Program provides case management services for children younger than 21 diagnosed with severe emotional disabilities. Child Targeted Case Management is limited to the 14 community mental health centers.
Children, Families, Providers,
Kentucky Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (KCLPPP) is part of the Healthy Homes Initiative and offers a comprehensive approach to primary and secondary prevention of childhood and prenatal lead poisoning and other housing-related health hazards.
Adults, Children, Families, Providers,
Chronic conditions such as diabetes, arthritis or high blood pressure make life difficult for many. Learning to manage these conditions can make life easier. The Department for Aging and Independent Living is offering help through the Chronic Disease Self Management Program.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refers to two lung diseases: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Both conditions cause obstruction of airflow that interferes with normal breathing. COPD is preventable and treatable.
Seniors, Adults, Families,
The Kentucky Colon Cancer Prevention Program works to reduce new cases of colon cancer and associated disability and death in partnership with state, regional and local health professionals. The program receives federal funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to administer Organized Approaches to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening programs. The program also receives restricted state funding to implement the Kentucky Colon Cancer Screening Program.
Use this form to request a personal appearance from DCBS Commissioner's Office officials.
Seniors, Adults, Children, Families, Online Services,
Community Health Action Teams (CHAT) are an initiative designed to help communities develop infrastructure and capacity to prevent chronic disease and create healthier places to live, work and play.
Adults, Providers,
In Kentucky, CHWs work in local health departments, community organizations, federally qualified health centers, hospitals, managed care organizations and other health-related fields. The Kentucky Department for Public Health actively works to advance the CHW profession.
Many licensure boards in Kentucky require continuing education on HIV/AIDS (please check with your licensure board for specifics).
Office of Vital Statistics Kentucky death certificate order information.
Adults, Children, Families, Licenses & Certifications, Online Services,
The Kentucky Diabetes Prevention and Control Program health initiative is designed to reduce new cases of type 2 diabetes and the sickness, disability and death associated with diabetes and its complications.
Seniors, Adults, Families, Providers,
Disability Determination Services makes disability determinations on behalf of the commissioner of Social Security for residents of Kentucky.
Adults, Children,
TRAIN is the premier learning resource for professionals who protect the public's health. A free service of the Public Health Foundation is part of the newly expanded Training Finder Real-time Affiliate Integrated Network (TRAIN). Through this site, you can: Quickly find and register for many courses listed on TRAIN.org and participating TRAIN affiliate sites. Track your learning with personal online transcripts. Access valuable materials, course reviews, and discussions to improve your learning experience. Stay informed of the latest public health trainings for your area or expertise. To learn more about becoming a participant, please visit our website: https://ky.train.org
Elder abuse is often a silent crime. Most of us never see it because most victims are abused behind closed doors by their own family members. And, too often, people who do see it choose not to get involved because it’s “none of my business.”
The Kentucky Electronic Death Registration System (KY-EDRS).
The Electronic Plan of Correction (ePOC) application will eliminate the need for paper-based communication between Certified Nursing Home providers and the Office of Inspector General when submitting and reviewing plans of correction.
Providers,
We appreciate your interest in employment with the Kentucky local health departments. To be considered for employment opportunities, an application must be completed. A resume will not substitute.
The environment plays an important role in health and human development. Where we live, learn, work, and play can all affect our health. EnviroHealthLink, Kentucky Environmental Public Health Tracking Network, provides information and data about how the environment affects human health. Our new website helps to answer questions about air quality, drinking water, cancer, and a wide variety of other topics.
Statewide early intervention program providing services to children with developmental disabilities from birth to age 3 and their families.
Commission for Children with Special Health Care Needs (CCSHCN)
In collaboration with the Department for Community Based Services, the Office for Children with Special Health Care Needs operates two programs specifically developed to support Kentucky's child welfare system: the Medically Complex Foster Care Program and the OCSHCN Nurse Consultant Foster Care Support Program.
Children,
Department for Family Resource Centers and Volunteer Services (DFRCVS)
FRYSC CORPS is an AmeriCorps project, with members committed to serving the children of Kentucky in partnership with caring families, supportive schools and resource centers, active communities and dedicated volunteers, providing literacy-rich opportunities to assist K-12 students in improving their reading skills, benefiting their entire lives.
The Hart-Supported Living program is for Kentuckians with disabilities to request funds for supports so they can live in their homes and communities and avoid institutionalization.
Seniors, Adults, Children,
The Kentucky Health Access Nurturing Development Services (HANDS) program is a voluntary home visitation program for any new or expectant parents. HANDS supports families as they build healthy, safe environments for the optimal growth and development of children.
The Kentucky Health Alert Network (HAN) is the primary communication and collaboration tool for public health in Kentucky. HAN is a secure, Internet-based system that allows government and non-government public health personnel to instantly contact and work with each other. HAN provides simple tools for issuing alerts, sharing and reviewing documentation and retrieving contact information. The system is administered by DPH at the state level and at the local level by health department public health preparedness planners. To learn more about becoming a participant please contact us.
The Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) encourages all Kentucky local health departments (LHDs) to pursue national accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board or at minimum adopt its standards and best practices.
The Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) Designation program of the Health Care Access Branch within the Department for Public Health is the program designated by the federal Health Resources and Service Administration to assess and submit shortage designation data based on required federal criteria. HPSAs may have shortages ofprimary medical care, dental or mental health providers and may be urban or rural areas, population groups or medical or other public facilities. More than 36 federal programs depend on the shortage designation to determine eligibility or as a funding preference, including scholarship/loan repayment programs and Medicaid incentive funding programs.
Healthcare-associated infections, or HAIs, are infections people get while receiving health care treatment for another condition. HAIs are one of the top 10 causes of death in the United States. Both surveillance (identifying new cases) and prevention activities are vital to reduce the number of patients affected by HAIs.
Seniors, Adults, Children, Families, Providers,
The Kentucky Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention (KHDSP) State Action Plan promotes improved diagnosis of hypertension and improves stroke treatment.
Seniors, Adults, Providers, Licenses & Certifications,
The Kentucky Hemophilia Program, administered by the Office for Children with Special Health Care Needs (OCSHCN), provides ongoing care to children and adults with hemophilia and other rare bleeding disorders.
The intent of the Kentucky HIV/AIDS Care Coordinator Program (KHCCP) is to facilitate the provision of quality care and services to HIV-infected individuals and their families in a timely, consistent manner of continued care. The program provides care coordinators in six regional sites through arrangements with two local health departments in the Cumberland Valley and Northern Kentucky regions and four non-profit agencies in the Barren River, Lexington, Louisville and Purchase regions to assess needs and provide services. These regional sites allow for statewide coverage and better local access to these services.
The Home and Community Based (HCB) Waiver program provides services and support to elderly people or children and adults with disabilities to help them to remain in or return to their homes.
Home Health services are available to Medicaid recipients of all ages and are intended to be short-term in duration. HH services must be prescribed by a physician. Services shall follow a written plan of care to help the Medicaid recipient to receive medically necessary and reasonable care to remain at home. Teaching the recipient or family members, whenever possible, appropriate care techniques for the recipient's condition and needs should occur in the episode of care.
The Homecare Program provides supports and services for daily needs as well as coordination among caregivers and provider agencies to help adults at risk of institutional care remain in their own homes.
Seniors,
Hospice also provides supportive services to terminally ill persons and assistance to their families in adjusting to the patient's illness and death.
Medicaid covers hospice services for terminally ill recipients. Hospice care provides palliative care, relief of pain and other symptoms, for persons in the last phase of an incurable disease so that they can live as fully and comfortably as possible. Hospice also provides supportive services to terminally ill persons and assistance to their families in adjusting to the patient's illness and death.
Seniors, Families, Providers,
Most inpatient hospital services are covered as long as the inpatient stay is justified as medically necessary. Certain hospital outpatient and emergency room services are also covered.
The Kentucky Immunization Program works to provide services aimed at preventing and reducing the risk and incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases for all Kentuckians.
The John Chafee Independence Program is a federally funded program designed to teach youth aged twelve (12) and over who are in out of home care or who were formerly in care, the skills they need to be self-sufficient when they leave care. These services are provided to all eligible youth regardless of permanency goals. To sign up for an independent living program contact the Independent Living Coordinator in your region.
Medicaid covers services to individuals with intellectual disabilities (IID) who require a planned program of active treatment on an inpatient basis and who meet patient status criteria of ICF/IID participating in the Medicaid program.
The J-1 Visa Waiver programs in the Health Care Access Branch assists the public and private health sectors in qualifying to employ an international medical graduate who may obtain a waiver of his or her two-year home residency requirement by serving in a health professional shortage area or a medically underserved area/population for a period of three years.
Abuse, misuse, diversion and illegal sale of prescription drugs are some of the largest threats facing the safety and welfare of the citizens of Kentucky. The Kentucky All Schedule Prescription Electronic Reporting System (KASPER) tracks controlled substance prescriptions dispensed within the state. A KASPER report shows all scheduled prescriptions for an individual over a specified time period, the prescriber and the dispenser.
Studies show that children who attend programs with high-quality early learning environments have better math, language and social skills. Kentucky All STARS is Kentucky's expanded five-star quality rating and improvement system for type I, type II and certified family child care homes.
The Kentucky National Background Check Program offers an enhanced pre-employment background check screening through an electronic interface called KARES (Kentucky Applicant Registry and Employment Screening System). This background check process enables automatic abuse registry checks, including ongoing registry checks after employment date, as well as fingerprint based background checks through Kentucky State Police (KSP) and the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI).
KBSR is a state-mandated surveillance system designed to provide information on the incidence, prevalence, trends and possible causes of stillbirths, birth defects and disabling conditions. KBSR collects information on children from birth to age five diagnosed with any structural, functional or biochemical abnormality. The system relies primarily on hospital, vital statistics and laboratory reporting. KBSR is administered by the Department for Public Health in the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
The Kentucky Electronic Public Health Record System (KY-EPHRS) is an Internet-based, centralized public health data repository health care professionals can use to record public health data for Kentucky's 4 million residents. The network was developed to implement and analyze public health programs and comply with state and federal public health reporting requirements.
Kentucky HEALTH
Adults, Families,
In the event of a large-scale public health emergency, the need for surge capacity of health and medical systems would be critical. The K HELPS program will allow public health officials to register health professionals, apply emergency credentialing standards and allow for the verification of the identity, credentials and qualifications of prospective volunteers. As of August 2009, the system is now also being used to register providers who are interested in providing the H1N1 (swine) flu vaccine in the fall.
The Kentucky Immunization Registry (KYIR) is known as an Immunization Information System (IIS). KYIR is a Web-based, statewide, centralized, population-based, across-the-lifespan, and easy-to-use system that includes standard tools such as patient history, dose forecasting according to ACIP recommendations, reminder-recall, prints official immunization records with no signature required, on-line inventory management, and automated reporting of doses administered. Automated report functions are available to assess immunization coverage as of a given date for each provider, the entire State, or subgroups within.
The Kentucky Infants Safe and Strong (KISS) award program recognizes hospitals taking steps to implement evidence-based practices to reduce infant mortality risks and to earn Baby-Friendly Hospital designation by Baby Friendly USA.
The Kentucky Outreach and Information Network (KOIN) newsletter is an informative newsletter developed for KOIN members to help stay informed on preparedness efforts in Kentucky with an emphasis on vulnerable populations.
The Kentucky Physician Care (KPC) Program is a public/private partnership with the Health Kentucky, Inc. network, the Department for Community Based Services , and the Department for Public Health.
The Kentucky Prescription Assistance Program (KPAP) began in October 2008 to help Kentuckians locate free or reduced-cost prescription drugs. The KPAP helps the public access prescription drug programs offered by the drug manufacturers, discount drug programs and discount pharmacy programs. These programs offer prescription drugs free or at reduced costs for qualifying individuals and/or their families.
The Kentucky State Regional Infection Prevention and Epidemiology (K-STRIPE) committee is a group of professionals from different health care fields dedicated to preventing healthcare-associated infections. These professionals volunteer their time and expertise to create collaborative prevention efforts across the state.
Kentucky Strengthening Families (KYSF) represents a multi-disciplinary partnership of more than 20 public and private national, state and local organizations dedicated to promoting six research-based protective factors into services and supports for children and their families.
Syringe exchange programs (SEPs) have existed and been studied extensively in the United States since 1988. SEPs are community-based programs that provide access to sterile needles and syringes free of cost, facilitate safe disposal of used needles and syringes and offer safer injection education. SEPs in Kentucky also provide linkages to critical services and programs, including substance use disorder treatment programs; overdose prevention education; screening, care and treatment for HIV and viral hepatitis; prevention of mother-to-child transmission; hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccination; screening for other sexually transmitted diseases and tuberculosis; partner services; and other medical, social and mental health services. In direct response to Senate Bill 192 enacted during the 2015 regular legislative session, the Kentucky Department for Public Health has published guidelines for local health departments implementing harm reduction and syringe exchange programs.
Adults, Families, Providers,
Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program (K-TAP) is the monetary assistance program established by Kentucky using Federal funds from the TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) block grant. K-TAP provides financial and medical assistance to needy dependent children in Kentucky and the parents, or relatives, with whom the children are living. K-TAP also helps families find jobs or get training that leads to a job.
The Kentucky Integrated Child Care System (KICCS) Portal is a web-based application used by child care providers, Quality Enhancement Initiative staff, STARS Quality Coordinators and professional development counselors.
Providers, Online Services,
Information and resources for Kentucky Immunization Registry contributors.
LIHEAP is a federally-funded program to help eligible low-income households meet their home heating and/or cooling needs.
Office of Vital Statistics Kentucky marriage and divorce order information.
Adults, Families, Licenses & Certifications, Online Services,
Medicaid is a program for families and individuals who have income and resources within the established guidelines. Resources only apply to the aged, blind or disabled population within the established guidelines.
This program administers payment for medically necessary therapeutic foods, formulas, supplements and low-protein modified food products, with the exception of over-the-counter products, for all verified Kentucky residents of the Commonwealth of who do not qualify for another insurance program or whose insurance coverage is exhausted or denied. The program works with durable medical equipment providers, pharmacies and university metabolic centers to assist those with inborn errors of metabolism and genetic conditions to receive life-saving treatments as funds allow.
The Michelle P. Waiver is a home- and community-based waiver program of the Kentucky Medicaid program developed as an alternative to institutional care for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. The waiver allows individuals to remain in their homes with services and supports.
MIIW services are community-based, in-home waiver services for an individual who is dependent on a ventilator 12 hours or greater per day, meets High Intensity nursing care services 24 hours per day and would otherwise require nursing facility level of care in a hospital-based nursing facility.
National Background Check Program
Children, Providers,
The Health Care Access Branch works cooperatively with the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) to bring health care professionals to underserved communities. NHSC recruits fully trained and licensed health care clinicians to provide primary health care services in NHSC-approved sites in health professional shortage areas.
The Office for Children with Special Health Care Needs manages the state Newborn Hearing Screening Program, which ensures that all newborns receive a hearing screening before leaving the hospital. Newborn hearing screening is the first step in identifying infants with hearing loss and prescribing follow-up care.
Information on eligibility for Medicaid nursing facility benefits, covered services, how to apply, forms and more.
The Nutrition Program for the Elderly provides one nutritionally balanced home-delivered or congregate dining-style meal per day. Additional services include nutrition screening, education and counseling.
The Kentucky Oral Health Program has a long and proud history with the Department for Public Health. In 1928, Kentucky became only the third state in the country to establish a public dental health program.
Participant Directed Services (PDS) allows waiver participants to choose a provider for their non-medical waiver services, giving them greater freedom of choice, flexibility and control over their supports and services. Participants can choose to direct some or all of their non-medical waiver services. PDS used to be known as the Consumer Directed Option.
The mission of the Pediatric Cancer Research Trust Fund Board is to enhance efforts to reduce pediatric cancer incidence and mortality. The efforts of the board target the program needs and challenges of the commonwealth. To make childhood cancer a state health priority and give all Kentucky children access to new and innovative cancer research, development, and precision treatment — with less toxicity — while encouraging psychosocial support and focus on the complicated issues of long-term survivorship. These efforts target the needs and challenges specific to Kentucky childhood cancer epidemiology and treatments but hope to serve as a national model for how other states approach childhood cancer research.
The Personal Care Attendant Program helps severely physically disabled adults at risk of being institutionalized to live in their own homes and communities by subsidizing costs of personal attendant services.
Adults,
The Kentucky Physical Activity Program is part of the state Department for Public Health, Health Promotions Branch. This program promotes physical activity for all Kentuckians and helps local health departments address community physical activity needs.
The Public Health Prenatal Program assures access to basic prenatal services through the LHD directly or by referral for those women who meet the following eligibility guidelines: income at or below 185 percent federal poverty level who are uninsured (no private insurance, no Medicaid, no Medicare).
Early detection of HIV infection is vital to saving lives and minimizing the effects of AIDS. Of the 3,600 AIDS cases diagnosed in the last 10 years 24 percent were infected and infectious for 10 or more years before ever being testing.
The Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant (PHHSBG) provides funding to the Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to address health problems, prevent diseases and promote health.
Psychiatric residential treatment facilities services are covered for residents ages 6 to 21 who require treatment on a continuous basis as a result of a severe mental or psychiatric illness.
Children, Families, Providers, Licenses & Certifications,
Kentucky's Tobacco Quitline, 1-800-QUIT NOW, offers one-on-one proactive counseling for tobacco users who are ready to quit using tobacco products.
This program inspects and registers all facilities that use radiation producing machines. The program inspects mammography facilities under a cost reimbursement contract with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to assure facilities meet the requirements of the Mammography Quality Standards Act of 1992. The program also certifies operators of sources of radiation to ensure compliance with existing statutes and regulations.
The Kentucky Radon Program is involved in educational and awareness programs for citizens throughout the commonwealth, including exhibits and staff presentations, responding to phone and e-mail inquiries, and distributing radon awareness literature.
The Epi Rapid Responders are a small group of multi-disciplinary investigators who mount immediate, comprehensive response to reports of disease outbreaks. Teams ordinarily include a nurse, environmentalist and epidemiologist at the local health department level.
School-Based Health Services are evaluative, diagnostic, preventive and treatment services provided for the maximum reduction of physical or mental disability, to allow for functioning of the recipient to his best possible level, to prevent loss of current functional level, or to correct any defects or conditions.
The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) provides training and part-time employment opportunities to low-income people 55 and older.
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Sobriety Treatment and Recovery Teams (START) START is an intensive child welfare program for families with co-occurring substance use and child maltreatment delivered in an integrated manner with local addiction treatment services.
The Kentucky State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) provides information, counseling and assistance to seniors and disabled individuals, their families and caregivers. This service is provided at no charge by local, well-trained counselors.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) contains large quantities of medicine and medical supplies to protect the public in the event of a public health emergency such as a terrorist attack, flu outbreak or natural disaster. The SNS is designed to supplement and resupply hospitals and state/local public health agencies when an emergency overwhelms local resources anywhere and at any time within the U.S. or its territories.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps people with little or no money buy food for healthy meals at participating stores. SNAP benefits increase a household's food buying power when added to the household's money.
Supports for Community Living (SCL) is a Kentucky Medicaid program home- and community-based waiver providing an alternative to institutional care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. SCL allows individuals to remain in or return to the community in the least restrictive setting.
The Adolescent Health Initiatives (AHI) section of the Divison of Women's Health works in collaboration with mulitiple partners across the commonwealth to promote adolescent health. We are dedicated to improving the health well being of Kentucky's youth so that they will have every opportunity to grow up safe and healthy and develop into successful adults.
Each year more than 8,000 Kentuckians die of illnesses caused by tobacco use.
The TBI Trust Fund was established to provide flexible funding and support to those with brain injuries. The fund supports supplemental community-based efforts to meet the special needs of each individual with a brain injury.
The state tuberculosis control program is authorized by state law to coordinate TB control activities in Kentucky. The program's overarching objective is to eliminate TB as a public health problem. The program works to achieve that objective by focusing its efforts on three main goals:
The latest EHR news and information.
The WIC programs provides nutrition assistance and support to pregnant and breastfeeding women and families with children from birth to five years old.