Kentucky Statutes 194A.030 v3 – Major organizational units of cabinet. (Effective July 1, 2025)
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The cabinet consists of the following major organizational units, which are hereby created:
(1) Office of the Secretary. Within the Office of the Secretary, there shall be an Office of Legal Services, an Office of Inspector General, an Office of Public Affairs, an Office of Human Resource Management, an Office of Finance and Budget, an Office of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs, an Office of Administrative Services, an Office of Application Technology Services and an Office of Data Analytics, as follows:
(a) The Office of Legal Services shall provide legal advice and assistance to all units of the cabinet in any legal action in which it may be involved. The Office of Legal Services shall employ all attorneys of the cabinet who serve the cabinet in the capacity of attorney, giving legal advice and opinions concerning the operation of all programs in the cabinet. The Office of Legal Services shall be headed by a general counsel who shall be appointed by the secretary with the approval of the Governor under KRS § 12.050 and KRS § 12.210. The general counsel shall be the chief legal advisor to the secretary and shall be directly responsible to the secretary. The Attorney General, on the request of the secretary, may designate the general counsel as an assistant attorney general under the provisions of KRS § 15.105;
(b) The Office of Inspector General shall be headed by an inspector general who shall be appointed by the secretary with the approval of the Governor. The inspector general shall be directly responsible to the secretary. The Office of Inspector General shall be responsible for:
1. The conduct of audits and investigations for detecting the perpetration of fraud or abuse of any program by any client, or by any vendor of services with whom the cabinet has contracted; and the conduct of special investigations requested by the secretary, commissioners, or office heads of the cabinet into matters related to the cabinet or its programs;
2. Licensing and regulatory functions as the secretary may delegate;
3. Review of health facilities participating in transplant programs, as determined by the secretary, for the purpose of determining any violations of KRS § 311.1911 to KRS § 311.1959, 311.1961, and 311.1963;
4. The duties, responsibilities, and authority pertaining to the certificate of need functions and the licensure appeals functions, pursuant to KRS Chapter 216B;
5. The notification and forwarding of any information relevant to possible criminal violations to the appropriate prosecuting authority;
6. The oversight of the operations of the Kentucky Health Information
Exchange; and
7. The support and guidance to health care providers related to telehealth services, including the development of policy, standards, resources, and education to expand telehealth services across the Commonwealth;
(c) The Office of Public Affairs shall be headed by an executive director appointed by the secretary with the approval of the Governor in accordance with KRS § 12.050. The office shall provide information to the public and news media about the programs, services, and initiatives of the cabinet;
(d) The Office of Human Resource Management shall be headed by an executive director appointed by the secretary with the approval of the Governor in accordance with KRS § 12.050. The office shall coordinate, oversee, and execute all personnel, training, and management functions of the cabinet. The office shall focus on the oversight, development, and implementation of quality improvement services; curriculum development and delivery of instruction to staff; the administration, management, and oversight of training operations; health, safety, and compliance training; and equal employment opportunity compliance functions;
(e) The Office of Finance and Budget shall be headed by an executive director appointed by the secretary with the approval of the Governor in accordance with KRS § 12.050. The office shall provide central review and oversight of budget, contract, and cabinet finances. The office shall provide coordination, assistance, and support to program departments and independent review and analysis on behalf of the secretary;
(f) The Office of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs shall be headed by an executive director appointed by the secretary with the approval of the Governor in accordance with KRS § 12.050. The office shall provide central review and oversight of legislation, policy, and administrative regulations. The office shall provide coordination, assistance, and support to program departments and independent review and analysis on behalf of the secretary;
(g) The Office of Administrative Services shall be headed by an executive director appointed by the secretary with the approval of the Governor in accordance with KRS § 12.050. The office shall provide central review and oversight of procurement, general accounting including grant monitoring, and facility management. The office shall provide coordination, assistance, and support to program departments and independent review and analysis on behalf of the secretary;
(h) The Office of Application Technology Services shall be headed by an executive director appointed by the secretary with the approval of the Governor in accordance with KRS § 12.050. The office shall provide application technology services including central review and oversight. The office shall provide coordination, assistance, and support to program departments and independent review and analysis on behalf of the secretary; and
(i) The Office of Data Analytics shall be headed by an executive director who shall be appointed by the secretary with the approval of the Governor under KRS § 12.050 and shall identify and innovate strategic initiatives to inform public policy initiatives and provide opportunities for improved health outcomes for all Kentuckians though data analytics. The office shall provide leadership in the redesign of the health care delivery system using electronic
information technology to improve patient care and reduce medical errors and duplicative services;
(2) Department for Medicaid Services. The Department for Medicaid Services shall serve as the single state agency in the Commonwealth to administer Title XIX of the Federal Social Security Act. The Department for Medicaid Services shall be headed by a commissioner for Medicaid services, who shall be appointed by the secretary with the approval of the Governor under KRS § 12.050. The commissioner for Medicaid services shall be a person who by experience and training in administration and management is qualified to perform the duties of this office. The commissioner for Medicaid services shall exercise authority over the Department for Medicaid Services under the direction of the secretary and shall only fulfill those responsibilities as delegated by the secretary;
(3) Department for Public Health. The Department for Public Health shall develop and operate all programs of the cabinet that provide health services and all programs for assessing the health status of the population for the promotion of health and the prevention of disease, injury, disability, and premature death. This shall include but not be limited to oversight of the Division of Women’s Health and the Office for Children with Special Health Care Needs. The duties, responsibilities, and authority set out in KRS § 200.460 to KRS § 200.490 shall be performed by the Department for Public Health. The Department for Public Health shall advocate for the rights of children with disabilities and, to the extent that funds are available, shall ensure the administration of services for children with disabilities as are deemed appropriate by this office pursuant to Title V of the Social Security Act. The Department for Public Health may promulgate administrative regulations under KRS Chapter 13A as may be necessary to implement and administer its responsibilities. The Office for Children with Special Health Care Needs may be headed by an executive director appointed by the secretary with the approval of the Governor in accordance with KRS § 12.050. The Department for Public Health shall be headed by a commissioner for public health who shall be appointed by the secretary with the approval of the Governor under KRS § 12.050. The commissioner for public health shall be a duly licensed physician who by experience and training in administration and management is qualified to perform the duties of this office. The commissioner shall advise the head of each major organizational unit enumerated in this section on policies, plans, and programs relating to all matters of public health, including any actions necessary to safeguard the health of the citizens of the Commonwealth. The commissioner shall serve as chief medical officer of the Commonwealth. The commissioner for public health shall exercise authority over the Department for Public Health under the direction of the secretary and shall only fulfill those responsibilities as delegated by the secretary;
(4) Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities. The Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities shall develop and administer programs for the prevention of mental illness, intellectual disabilities, brain injury, developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders and shall develop and administer an array of services and support for the treatment, habilitation, and rehabilitation of persons who have a mental illness or emotional disability, or who have an intellectual disability, brain injury, developmental
disability, or a substance use disorder. The Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities shall be headed by a commissioner for behavioral health, developmental and intellectual disabilities who shall be appointed by the secretary with the approval of the Governor under KRS § 12.050. The commissioner for behavioral health, developmental and intellectual disabilities shall be by training and experience in administration and management qualified to perform the duties of the office. The commissioner for behavioral health, developmental and intellectual disabilities shall exercise authority over the department under the direction of the secretary, and shall only fulfill those responsibilities as delegated by the secretary;
(5) Department for Family Resource Centers and Volunteer Services. The Department for Family Resource Centers and Volunteer Services shall streamline the various responsibilities associated with the human services programs for which the cabinet is responsible. This shall include, but not be limited to, oversight of the Division of Family Resource and Youth Services Centers and Serve Kentucky. The Department for Family Resource Centers and Volunteer Services shall be headed by a commissioner who shall be appointed by the secretary with the approval of the Governor under KRS § 12.050. The commissioner for family resource centers and volunteer services shall be by training and experience in administration and management qualified to perform the duties of the office, shall exercise authority over the department under the direction of the secretary, and shall only fulfill those responsibilities as delegated by the secretary;
(6) Department for Community Based Services. The Department for Community Based Services shall administer and be responsible for child and adult protection, guardianship services, violence prevention resources, foster care and adoption, permanency, and services to enhance family self-sufficiency, including child care, social services, public assistance, and family support. The department shall be headed by a commissioner appointed by the secretary with the approval of the Governor in accordance with KRS § 12.050; and
(7) Department for Aging and Independent Living. The Department for Aging and Independent Living shall serve as the state unit as designated by the Administration on Aging Services under the Older Americans Act and shall have responsibility for administration of the federal community support services, in-home services, meals, family and caregiver support services, elder rights and legal assistance, senior community services employment program, the state health insurance assistance program, state home and community based services including home care, Alzheimer’s respite services and the personal care attendant program, certifications of assisted living facilities, and the state Council on Alzheimer’s Disease and other related disorders. The department shall also administer the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program and the Medicaid Home and Community Based Waivers Participant Directed Services Option (PDS) Program. The department shall serve as the information and assistance center for aging and disability services and administer multiple federal grants and other state initiatives. The department shall be headed by a commissioner appointed by the secretary with the approval of the Governor in accordance with KRS § 12.050.
Effective: July 1, 2025
History: Amended 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 25, sec. 4, effective June 29, 2023; ch. 124, sec.
5, effective July 1, 2024; and ch. 124, sec. 91, effective July 1, 2025. — Amended
2022 Ky. Acts ch. 51, sec. 6, effective July 14, 2022; ch. 211, sec. 22, effective January 1, 2023; and ch. 223, sec. 6, effective January 1, 2023. — Amended 2021 Ky. Acts ch. 180, sec. 5, effective June 29, 2021. — Amended 2020 Ky. Acts ch. 9, sec.
2, effective July 15, 2020. — Amended 2019 Ky. Acts ch. 90, sec. 6, effective June
27, 2019. — Amended 2018 Ky. Acts ch. 114, sec. 3, effective July 14, 2018; and ch.
159, sec. 2, effective July 14, 2018. — Amended 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 80, sec. 28, effective June 29, 2017; and ch. 92, sec. 2, effective June 29, 2017. — Amended 2012
Ky. Acts ch. 146, sec. 21, effective July 12, 2012; and ch. 158, sec. 14, effective July
12, 2012. — Amended 2010 Ky. Acts ch. 161, sec. 28, effective July 15, 2010. — Amended 2007 Ky. Acts ch. 24, sec. 1, effective June 26, 2007. — Amended 2006
Ky. Acts ch. 172, sec. 5, effective July 12, 2006; and ch. 181, sec. 3, effective July
12, 2006. — Amended 2005 Ky. Acts ch. 99, sec. 25, effective June 20, 2005. — Amended 2003 Ky. Acts ch. 40, sec. 2, effective June 24, 2003. — Amended 2000
Ky. Acts ch. 6, sec. 2, effective July 14, 2000. — Created 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 426, sec.
4, effective July 15, 1998.
Legislative Research Commission Note (7/1/2025). This statute was amended by 2023
Ky. Acts chs. 25 and 124, which are in conflict. Under KRS § 446.250, Acts ch. 124, which was last enacted by the General Assembly, prevails.
Legislative Research Commission Note (7/12/2012). This statute was amended by 2012
Ky. Acts chs. 146 and 158. Where these Acts are not in conflict, they have been codified together. Where a conflict exists, Acts ch. 146, which was last enacted by the General Assembly, prevails under KRS § 446.250.
Legislative Research Commission Note (4/19/2007). A manifest clerical or typographical error has been corrected by the Reviser of Statutes in the second full sentence of subsection (2) of this section pursuant to KRS § 7.136(1)(h).
(1) Office of the Secretary. Within the Office of the Secretary, there shall be an Office of Legal Services, an Office of Inspector General, an Office of Public Affairs, an Office of Human Resource Management, an Office of Finance and Budget, an Office of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs, an Office of Administrative Services, an Office of Application Technology Services and an Office of Data Analytics, as follows:
Terms Used In Kentucky Statutes 194A.030 v3
- Action: includes all proceedings in any court of this state. See Kentucky Statutes 446.010
- Attorney: means attorney-at-law. See Kentucky Statutes 446.010
- Cabinet: means the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. See Kentucky Statutes 194A.005
- Contract: A legal written agreement that becomes binding when signed.
- Federal: refers to the United States. See Kentucky Statutes 446.010
- Fraud: Intentional deception resulting in injury to another.
- Oversight: Committee review of the activities of a Federal agency or program.
- Secretary: means the secretary for health and family services. See Kentucky Statutes 194A.005
- State: when applied to a part of the United States, includes territories, outlying possessions, and the District of Columbia. See Kentucky Statutes 446.010
- Statute: A law passed by a legislature.
- Treatment: when used in a criminal justice context, means targeted interventions
that focus on criminal risk factors in order to reduce the likelihood of criminal behavior. See Kentucky Statutes 446.010
(a) The Office of Legal Services shall provide legal advice and assistance to all units of the cabinet in any legal action in which it may be involved. The Office of Legal Services shall employ all attorneys of the cabinet who serve the cabinet in the capacity of attorney, giving legal advice and opinions concerning the operation of all programs in the cabinet. The Office of Legal Services shall be headed by a general counsel who shall be appointed by the secretary with the approval of the Governor under KRS § 12.050 and KRS § 12.210. The general counsel shall be the chief legal advisor to the secretary and shall be directly responsible to the secretary. The Attorney General, on the request of the secretary, may designate the general counsel as an assistant attorney general under the provisions of KRS § 15.105;
(b) The Office of Inspector General shall be headed by an inspector general who shall be appointed by the secretary with the approval of the Governor. The inspector general shall be directly responsible to the secretary. The Office of Inspector General shall be responsible for:
1. The conduct of audits and investigations for detecting the perpetration of fraud or abuse of any program by any client, or by any vendor of services with whom the cabinet has contracted; and the conduct of special investigations requested by the secretary, commissioners, or office heads of the cabinet into matters related to the cabinet or its programs;
2. Licensing and regulatory functions as the secretary may delegate;
3. Review of health facilities participating in transplant programs, as determined by the secretary, for the purpose of determining any violations of KRS § 311.1911 to KRS § 311.1959, 311.1961, and 311.1963;
4. The duties, responsibilities, and authority pertaining to the certificate of need functions and the licensure appeals functions, pursuant to KRS Chapter 216B;
5. The notification and forwarding of any information relevant to possible criminal violations to the appropriate prosecuting authority;
6. The oversight of the operations of the Kentucky Health Information
Exchange; and
7. The support and guidance to health care providers related to telehealth services, including the development of policy, standards, resources, and education to expand telehealth services across the Commonwealth;
(c) The Office of Public Affairs shall be headed by an executive director appointed by the secretary with the approval of the Governor in accordance with KRS § 12.050. The office shall provide information to the public and news media about the programs, services, and initiatives of the cabinet;
(d) The Office of Human Resource Management shall be headed by an executive director appointed by the secretary with the approval of the Governor in accordance with KRS § 12.050. The office shall coordinate, oversee, and execute all personnel, training, and management functions of the cabinet. The office shall focus on the oversight, development, and implementation of quality improvement services; curriculum development and delivery of instruction to staff; the administration, management, and oversight of training operations; health, safety, and compliance training; and equal employment opportunity compliance functions;
(e) The Office of Finance and Budget shall be headed by an executive director appointed by the secretary with the approval of the Governor in accordance with KRS § 12.050. The office shall provide central review and oversight of budget, contract, and cabinet finances. The office shall provide coordination, assistance, and support to program departments and independent review and analysis on behalf of the secretary;
(f) The Office of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs shall be headed by an executive director appointed by the secretary with the approval of the Governor in accordance with KRS § 12.050. The office shall provide central review and oversight of legislation, policy, and administrative regulations. The office shall provide coordination, assistance, and support to program departments and independent review and analysis on behalf of the secretary;
(g) The Office of Administrative Services shall be headed by an executive director appointed by the secretary with the approval of the Governor in accordance with KRS § 12.050. The office shall provide central review and oversight of procurement, general accounting including grant monitoring, and facility management. The office shall provide coordination, assistance, and support to program departments and independent review and analysis on behalf of the secretary;
(h) The Office of Application Technology Services shall be headed by an executive director appointed by the secretary with the approval of the Governor in accordance with KRS § 12.050. The office shall provide application technology services including central review and oversight. The office shall provide coordination, assistance, and support to program departments and independent review and analysis on behalf of the secretary; and
(i) The Office of Data Analytics shall be headed by an executive director who shall be appointed by the secretary with the approval of the Governor under KRS § 12.050 and shall identify and innovate strategic initiatives to inform public policy initiatives and provide opportunities for improved health outcomes for all Kentuckians though data analytics. The office shall provide leadership in the redesign of the health care delivery system using electronic
information technology to improve patient care and reduce medical errors and duplicative services;
(2) Department for Medicaid Services. The Department for Medicaid Services shall serve as the single state agency in the Commonwealth to administer Title XIX of the Federal Social Security Act. The Department for Medicaid Services shall be headed by a commissioner for Medicaid services, who shall be appointed by the secretary with the approval of the Governor under KRS § 12.050. The commissioner for Medicaid services shall be a person who by experience and training in administration and management is qualified to perform the duties of this office. The commissioner for Medicaid services shall exercise authority over the Department for Medicaid Services under the direction of the secretary and shall only fulfill those responsibilities as delegated by the secretary;
(3) Department for Public Health. The Department for Public Health shall develop and operate all programs of the cabinet that provide health services and all programs for assessing the health status of the population for the promotion of health and the prevention of disease, injury, disability, and premature death. This shall include but not be limited to oversight of the Division of Women’s Health and the Office for Children with Special Health Care Needs. The duties, responsibilities, and authority set out in KRS § 200.460 to KRS § 200.490 shall be performed by the Department for Public Health. The Department for Public Health shall advocate for the rights of children with disabilities and, to the extent that funds are available, shall ensure the administration of services for children with disabilities as are deemed appropriate by this office pursuant to Title V of the Social Security Act. The Department for Public Health may promulgate administrative regulations under KRS Chapter 13A as may be necessary to implement and administer its responsibilities. The Office for Children with Special Health Care Needs may be headed by an executive director appointed by the secretary with the approval of the Governor in accordance with KRS § 12.050. The Department for Public Health shall be headed by a commissioner for public health who shall be appointed by the secretary with the approval of the Governor under KRS § 12.050. The commissioner for public health shall be a duly licensed physician who by experience and training in administration and management is qualified to perform the duties of this office. The commissioner shall advise the head of each major organizational unit enumerated in this section on policies, plans, and programs relating to all matters of public health, including any actions necessary to safeguard the health of the citizens of the Commonwealth. The commissioner shall serve as chief medical officer of the Commonwealth. The commissioner for public health shall exercise authority over the Department for Public Health under the direction of the secretary and shall only fulfill those responsibilities as delegated by the secretary;
(4) Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities. The Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities shall develop and administer programs for the prevention of mental illness, intellectual disabilities, brain injury, developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders and shall develop and administer an array of services and support for the treatment, habilitation, and rehabilitation of persons who have a mental illness or emotional disability, or who have an intellectual disability, brain injury, developmental
disability, or a substance use disorder. The Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities shall be headed by a commissioner for behavioral health, developmental and intellectual disabilities who shall be appointed by the secretary with the approval of the Governor under KRS § 12.050. The commissioner for behavioral health, developmental and intellectual disabilities shall be by training and experience in administration and management qualified to perform the duties of the office. The commissioner for behavioral health, developmental and intellectual disabilities shall exercise authority over the department under the direction of the secretary, and shall only fulfill those responsibilities as delegated by the secretary;
(5) Department for Family Resource Centers and Volunteer Services. The Department for Family Resource Centers and Volunteer Services shall streamline the various responsibilities associated with the human services programs for which the cabinet is responsible. This shall include, but not be limited to, oversight of the Division of Family Resource and Youth Services Centers and Serve Kentucky. The Department for Family Resource Centers and Volunteer Services shall be headed by a commissioner who shall be appointed by the secretary with the approval of the Governor under KRS § 12.050. The commissioner for family resource centers and volunteer services shall be by training and experience in administration and management qualified to perform the duties of the office, shall exercise authority over the department under the direction of the secretary, and shall only fulfill those responsibilities as delegated by the secretary;
(6) Department for Community Based Services. The Department for Community Based Services shall administer and be responsible for child and adult protection, guardianship services, violence prevention resources, foster care and adoption, permanency, and services to enhance family self-sufficiency, including child care, social services, public assistance, and family support. The department shall be headed by a commissioner appointed by the secretary with the approval of the Governor in accordance with KRS § 12.050; and
(7) Department for Aging and Independent Living. The Department for Aging and Independent Living shall serve as the state unit as designated by the Administration on Aging Services under the Older Americans Act and shall have responsibility for administration of the federal community support services, in-home services, meals, family and caregiver support services, elder rights and legal assistance, senior community services employment program, the state health insurance assistance program, state home and community based services including home care, Alzheimer’s respite services and the personal care attendant program, certifications of assisted living facilities, and the state Council on Alzheimer’s Disease and other related disorders. The department shall also administer the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program and the Medicaid Home and Community Based Waivers Participant Directed Services Option (PDS) Program. The department shall serve as the information and assistance center for aging and disability services and administer multiple federal grants and other state initiatives. The department shall be headed by a commissioner appointed by the secretary with the approval of the Governor in accordance with KRS § 12.050.
Effective: July 1, 2025
History: Amended 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 25, sec. 4, effective June 29, 2023; ch. 124, sec.
5, effective July 1, 2024; and ch. 124, sec. 91, effective July 1, 2025. — Amended
2022 Ky. Acts ch. 51, sec. 6, effective July 14, 2022; ch. 211, sec. 22, effective January 1, 2023; and ch. 223, sec. 6, effective January 1, 2023. — Amended 2021 Ky. Acts ch. 180, sec. 5, effective June 29, 2021. — Amended 2020 Ky. Acts ch. 9, sec.
2, effective July 15, 2020. — Amended 2019 Ky. Acts ch. 90, sec. 6, effective June
27, 2019. — Amended 2018 Ky. Acts ch. 114, sec. 3, effective July 14, 2018; and ch.
159, sec. 2, effective July 14, 2018. — Amended 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 80, sec. 28, effective June 29, 2017; and ch. 92, sec. 2, effective June 29, 2017. — Amended 2012
Ky. Acts ch. 146, sec. 21, effective July 12, 2012; and ch. 158, sec. 14, effective July
12, 2012. — Amended 2010 Ky. Acts ch. 161, sec. 28, effective July 15, 2010. — Amended 2007 Ky. Acts ch. 24, sec. 1, effective June 26, 2007. — Amended 2006
Ky. Acts ch. 172, sec. 5, effective July 12, 2006; and ch. 181, sec. 3, effective July
12, 2006. — Amended 2005 Ky. Acts ch. 99, sec. 25, effective June 20, 2005. — Amended 2003 Ky. Acts ch. 40, sec. 2, effective June 24, 2003. — Amended 2000
Ky. Acts ch. 6, sec. 2, effective July 14, 2000. — Created 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 426, sec.
4, effective July 15, 1998.
Legislative Research Commission Note (7/1/2025). This statute was amended by 2023
Ky. Acts chs. 25 and 124, which are in conflict. Under KRS § 446.250, Acts ch. 124, which was last enacted by the General Assembly, prevails.
Legislative Research Commission Note (7/12/2012). This statute was amended by 2012
Ky. Acts chs. 146 and 158. Where these Acts are not in conflict, they have been codified together. Where a conflict exists, Acts ch. 146, which was last enacted by the General Assembly, prevails under KRS § 446.250.
Legislative Research Commission Note (4/19/2007). A manifest clerical or typographical error has been corrected by the Reviser of Statutes in the second full sentence of subsection (2) of this section pursuant to KRS § 7.136(1)(h).