The Health Care Workforce Partnership (HCWP) Committee was formed in response to Health and Human Services’ notice of funding availability and subsequent grant award. This grant was provided as a resource for states to plan and implement programs aimed at increasing the supply of primary health care professionals^, and as part of a larger effort at the national level, to assess the workforce supply and demand, and develop uniform and consistent data sets on health care professionals in order to identify and address key health professions issues, and develop informed workforce policies. 

The HCWP will bring critical partners together to develop a comprehensive strategic plan that increases primary health care professionals in Kansas by 10-25% over the next ten years and to accomplish the grant’s seven objectives, which are as follows:

(a)  Analyze State labor market information in order to create health 
     care career pathways for students and adults, including
     dislocated workers;
(b)  Identify current and projected high demand State or regional
     health care sectors for purposes of planning career pathways;
(c)  Identify existing Federal, State, and private resources to recruit,
     educate or train, and retain a skilled health care workforce and
     strengthen partnerships;
(d)  Describe the academic and health care industry skill standards for
     high school graduation, for entry into postsecondary education, and
     for various credentials and licensure;
(e)  Describe State secondary and postsecondary education and
     training policies, models, or practices for the health care sector,
     including career information and guidance counseling;
(f)   Identify Federal or State policies or rules to developing a coherent,
     comprehensive health care workforce development strategy and
     barriers and a plan to resolve these barriers; and
(g) Participate in programmatic evaluation and reporting activities.

^ “Primary health care professionals” are those able to direct the delivery of care, i.e. doctors, ARNPs, PAs, dentists, dental hygienists, and clinical mental health.  “Primary care” means the provision of integrated, accessible health care services by clinicians who are accountable for addressing a large majority of personal health care needs, developing a sustained partnership with patients, and practicing in the context of family and community.  The term “clinician” refers to an individual who uses a recognized scientific knowledge base and has the authority to direct the delivery of personal health services to patients. A clinician has direct contact with patients and might or might not be a physician (i.e. able to diagnose and write a prescription).  HRSA's focus is doctors, physician assistants and advanced registered nurse practitioners.

Grant Specifics

 Click here to access Kansas Department of Commerce Workforce Services' Workforce Grant site containing the SGA, submitted grant and notice of award for the Health Care Workforce Development Planning Grant.