The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) was established in 1976 as a result of the Judicial Article. The Judicial Article created Kentucky’s unified court system and made the chief justice head of the state court system, also known as the Kentucky Court of Justice. The AOC is the operational arm of the Judicial Branch. The AOC supports court facilities and programs in all 120 counties, with its main campus in Frankfort.
The Advisory Council for Medical Assistance (MAC) advises the Department for Medicaid Services regarding Medicaid health and medical care.
Kentucky African American Heritage Commission (KAAHC) was formally established February 10, 1994, by Executive Order 94-145a to "promote awareness of significant African-American influences within the historical and cultural experiences of Kentucky" (enabling legislation KRS. 171.800). Under this legislation, the KAAHC's mission is to identify and promote awareness of significant African American influences on the history and culture of Kentucky and to support and encourage the preservation of Kentucky African American heritage and historic sites. The commission has 19 members appointed by the Governor and includes representatives from the state's major universities, state agencies, community preservation organizations, and interested citizens. The commission is administratively attached to the Kentucky Heritage Council, with the council providing staff assistance and program oversight.
The Agricultural Development Board was created in 2000 by KRS 248.707. The Board administers funds that provide economic assistance to the agriculture community of the Commonwealth.
The Kentucky Agriculture Finance Corporation (KAFC) was created in 1984 by KRS 247.944. In 2002, the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board recommended that KAFC be restructured to provide capital access for agricultural diversification and infrastructure projects. KAFC assists beginning farmers, farm families, and agribusinesses obtain the necessary capital to establish, maintain or expand their agricultural operation.
The Agricultural Resource Development Authority was established in 1994 by KRS 11.170 and repealed in 2017. The Authority served to unify the efforts of agricultural groups working on behalf of farmers and agribusiness.
The Agriculture Water Quality Authority was created in 1994 by the Agriculture Water Quality Act (KRS 224.71-100 through 224.71-140). The members of the authority are appointed by the governor to represent the state’s agriculture and environmental community while developing and supporting a statewide agricultural water quality plan.
The Airport Zoning Commission was created in 1960 to approve and permit all structures built on or near an airport. The commission, a part of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, is governed by KRS Chapter 183.
The Kentucky Applied Behavior Analyst Licensing Board was created in 2010. The board examines and licenses all eligible candidates for entry into the profession as an applied behavior analyst. It recommends appropriate changes in the law to assure fairness and equality. The board conducts formal hearings when necessary and prosecutes by due process any violators of KRS 319C.010 t0 319C.990.
The Office of Auditor of Public Accounts was first created as a constitutional office by the 1850 Constitution of Kentucky. The provision for the election of an Auditor, whose duties would be prescribed by statute, began in this document and still appears in the current Constitution adopted in 1891. The duties of the Auditor are found in KRS Chapter 43 and include the right to investigate all state and county officials authorized to handle state funds or who manage or control state property or who make estimates or records that are used as a basis for disbursement of state funds. The organization units within this agency are the Office of the State Auditor; the Office of Legal and Audit Support Services; Office of Planning and Management; Office of Technology and Special Audits; and Division of Financial Audit.
The Bar Association originated as a voluntary association in 1871. In 1934, the Kentucky General Assembly passed an act creating an all-inclusive bar association. The Association maintains a proper discipline of the members of the bar, initiates and supervises, with the approval of the Court, appropriate means to insure a continuing high standard of professional competence on the part of the members of the Bar, and bears a substantial and continuing responsibility for promoting the efficiency and improvement of the judicial system.
The Bluegrass State Skills Corporation was created in 1984 by KRS 154.12-205. The corporation, a part of the Cabinet for Economic Development, promotes the employment opportunities of the citizens of the Commonwealth by creating and expanding programs of skills training and education which meet the needs of business and industry.
The Kentucky Board of Architects was established in 1930 to protect the public health, safety and welfare by the regulation of architects. It was originally entitled the Kentucky Board of Examiners and Registration of Architects. Since 2002, the Board has additionally assumed the responsibility for the certification of interior designers in the Commonwealth. The Board is governed by the Kentucky Revised Statutes under Title XXVI, Occupations and Professions, Chapter 323.
The Kentucky Board of Auctioneers was created in 1962 by KRS Chapter 330. The Board protects the public through examination, licensure, and regulation of auctioneers, apprentice auctioneers, limited livestock auctioneers, limited tobacco auctioneers, and auction house operators.
The Kentucky Board of Barbering was created in 1960 by KRS Chapter 317. The Board governs the location and housing of barber shops or schools; the quality or equipment, supplies, materials, records, and furnishings required in barber shops or schools; the training and supervision of barber apprentices; the qualifications of teachers of barbering; the hours and courses of instruction at barber schools; and the examinations of applicants for barber, apprentice barber, or teacher of barbering. The Board consists of five Board members appointed by the Governor of the Commonwealth.
The Board of Licensure for Professional Art Therapists was created in 1994. The Board examines and licenses all eligible candidates for entry into the profession of art therapy. It recommends appropriate changes in the law to assure fairness and equality. The board conducts formal hearings when necessary and prosecutes by due process any violators of KRS 309.130 to 309.1399. It is attached to the Department of Professional Licensing in the Public Protection Cabinet for administrative purposes.
The Board of Alcohol and Drug Counselors was created in 1996. The board examines and certifies all eligible candidates for entry into the profession of Alcohol and Drug Counseling. It recommends appropriate changes in the law to assure fairness and equality. The board conducts formal hearings when necessary and prosecutes by due process any violators of KRS 309.080 to 309.089.
The Kentucky Board of Chiropractic Examiners was established in 1962. It is responsible for regulating the practice and licensure of chiropractors in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The Board also investigates complaints against practitioners and is responsible for imposing disciplinary sanctions against those who violate KRS Chapter 312 and KAR 201 Chapter 21.
The Claims Commission was established as an independent agency of state government to better serve the citizens of the Commonwealth, to provide an efficient and effective form of government, to ensure consistent application of applicable law, and to provide for the timely adjudication of claims and appeals. It is administratively attached to the Public Protection Cabinet. The Board of Claims, the Crime Victims Compensation Board, and the Kentucky Board of Tax Appeals were abolished and combined into one agency, the Claims Commission, pursuant to Executive Order 2016-576 and effective October 1, 2016.
The Kentucky Board of Dentistry was created in 1942 under KRS Chapter 313. The Board is responsible for licensing dentists and dental hygienists and administering the Dental Practice Act, which involves investigating complaints and litigating complaints against dentists and dental hygienists.
The Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors was established as State Board of Embalmers in 1934. KRS Chapter 316 governs the Board. The Board consists of five Board members, office staff and an inspector. The Board’s objective is to prescribe the standards of efficiency for those who are engaged in the practice of funeral directing and embalming. The Board also adopts, promulgates and enforces regulations for the transaction of the funeral establishments and embalming business, the management of its affairs, and the promotion of the educational standards of the professions.
The Kentucky State Board of Hairdressers & Cosmetologists was created in 1974. Under the provisions of KRS Chapters 317 A and B, the Board administers and enforces regulations relating to cosmetology, cosmetologists, schools of cosmetology, students enrolled in cosmetology, apprentice cosmetologists, nail technicians, teachers of cosmetology, cosmetology salons, and nail salons.
The Kentucky State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors was established in 1938 to protect the public health, safety and welfare by licensing and monitoring of individuals and firms deemed qualified to practice. The Board consists of nine (9) members appointed by the Governor and two (2) ex officio members. The Board operates under KRS 322.10 through 322.990 and 201 KAR 18.
The Board of Nursing was established in 1950 by KRS 314.011, which charged it with regulating the practice of nursing in Kentucky. The mission of the board is to enforce public policy related to the safe and effective practice of nursing in the interest of public welfare. It examines applicants and issues or renews licenses to qualified candidates, hears charges against licenses and determines whether to revoke licenses and prosecute those violating laws pertaining to nurses, approves curricula and standards for schools of nursing and monitors competency standards for nurses. In addition, the board approves providerships for mandatory continuing education and prelicensure programs of nursing, enforces the Nursing Practice Act and issues nursing practice opinions. The Board consists of sixteen members appointed by the Governor for four year terms. The Board is self-supporting through fees assessed for professional licensure and receives no general fund tax appropriation.
The Kentucky Board of Pharmacy serves the Commonwealth to promote, preserve, and protect the public health, safety, and welfare through effective regulation of the practice of Pharmacy. The Board accomplishes this mission through examination, testing and credentialing of prospective pharmacists; regulation and discipline of all licensed pharmacists; and appropriate communication of information and laws pertaining to the practice of Pharmacy in Kentucky. The Kentucky Board of Pharmacy is self-supporting and receives no general fund tax appropriation. It is funded through fees assessed for the licensing and registration of its professionals and the permitting of pharmacies and wholesaler/manufacturing facilities. The first Board was assembled informally in 1874 and formally formed in 1898 and originally functioned as part of the Department of Health. In 1936 the Board was placed within the Department of Business Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation. In 1938, the responsibility for the enforcement of the prophylactic laws was vested in the Board. By 1960 the Board was back within the Department of Health. Under KRS 315.191(Created 1966 Ky. Acts ch. 260, sec. 1.), the board was authorized to establish qualifications for pharmacists; administer pharmacy license examinations; issue, deny, suspend, and revoke licenses; and place licensees on probation. The board was also authorized to adopt appropriate rules to regulate those matters set forth in KRS 315.050 to 315.210 relating to pharmacists and pharmacies.
The Board of Physical Therapy licenses all physical therapists and physical therapist assistants for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The Board interprets and enforces the laws and regulations through the credentialing process, investigating complaints and applying disciplinary measures as set forth by law. The Board was established in 1958 under the provisions of KRS 327.030 - 327.070 to license and regulate the practice of physical therapy. The board consists of seven members appointed by the Governor. Six of these members are physical therapists and one is a public member.
Created in 1974, the Board of Social Work examines and licenses all eligible candidates for entry into the profession of Social Work. It recommends appropriate changes in the law to assure fairness and equality. The Board conducts formal hearings when necessary and prosecutes by due process any violators of KRS 335.010 to 335.170.
The Cabinet for Economic Development was originally formed as the Department of Economic Development in 1956 as the successor to the Agricultural and Industrial Development Board created in 1948. In 1962, the Department was renamed the Department of Commerce. The Department was placed under the newly created Development Cabinet in 1972. In 1982, the Development Cabinet became the Commerce Cabinet, which was renamed in 1988 as the Cabinet for Economic Development. The Cabinet formerly included the Department of the Arts, the Tobacco Research Board, and the Kentucky Geological Survey. The Tobacco Research Board and the Kentucky Geological Survey were transferred to the University of Kentucky. The Department of the Arts was abolished in 1990. In 1992, the Kentucky Economic Development Partnership was created as a board to govern the Cabinet, and the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority replaced the Kentucky Development Finance Authority and the Kentucky Rural Economic Development Authority. The Cabinet for Economic Development is the primary state agency in Kentucky responsible for creating new jobs and investment in the state. Currently, the Cabinet consists of the Office of the Secretary, the Department for Business Development, the Office of Financial Services and the Office of Legal Services. The Department for Business Development consists of the Office of Research and Public Affairs, and the Office of Entrepreneurship.
The Cabinet was established in 1878 as the State Board of Health and Superintendent of Vital Statistics by Acts of 1878, Chapter 499. The Cabinet for Health and Family Services has reorganized many times since its creation and is governed by Kentucky Revised Statutes Chapter 194A. The Cabinet for Health and Family Services is the primary state agency for operating the public health, Medicaid, certificate of need and licensure, and mental health/mental retardation programs in the Commonwealth.
The Commission for Children with Special Health Care Needs was created in 1998. It is authorized to provide medical services to children with special health care needs pursuant to KRS 200.460 to 200.490. Its Hemophilia Program is included in KRS 200.550 and 200.560. These services are provided through contractual or other types of agreement that are necessary to locate, diagnose, treat, habilitate, or rehabilitate children with disabilities and may include auxiliary services such as room and board and travel for patients and parents or parent substitutes.
The Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing was established in 1982 in accordance with KRS 163.500-163.520 as The Commission for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired. In 1994, it was renamed the Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. The Commission serves in an advisory capacity to the Governor and the General Assembly concerning policy and programs to enhance the quality and coordination of services for the deaf and hearing impaired in both the public and private sectors. Additionally, the Commission oversees the provision of interpreter services to the deaf and hearing impaired. The Commission also compiles needs assessment surveys and a census of the deaf and hearing impaired population.
The Kentucky Commission on Women is dedicated to elevating the status of women and girls in the Commonwealth, empowering them to overcome barriers to equity, and expanding opportunities to achieve their fullest potential. The commission operates under the mandates set down in KRS 344.510-344.530. In response to President John F. Kennedy's creation of The Commission on the Status of Women, Kentucky Governor Edward T. Breathitt established a state commission in April 1964 to study and report on the status of Kentucky women. The findings demonstrated a pronounced need for a permanent agency to promote the improvement of women's status, and in November 1968, Governor Louie Nunn signed the executive order establishing the Kentucky Commission on Women. In 1970, the Kentucky Commission on Women became an official state agency through legislative action. The Kentucky Commission on Women became part of the Cabinet for General Government as an administrative body attached to the Governor's Office in 1980. In January 2008, Governor Steven Beshear relocated the Kentucky Commission on Women into the State Capitol for the first time in the Commission's history. The Kentucky Commission on Women is comprised of a board of directors. Membership of the board consists of the Lieutenant Governor and not more than 24 members and a Chairperson, who is appointed by the Governor. Board members serve four-year terms.
Kentucky. Commission on Women
The Council on Postsecondary Education was created in May 1997, during the 1997 First Extraordinary Session, called by the Governor to reform higher education (KRS 164.011). It replaced the Council on Higher Education, which was abolished during this same session. Among its responsibilities are to develop and implement a strategic agenda for the postsecondary and adult education system that includes measures of educational attainment, effectiveness and efficiency; produce and submit a biennial budget request for adequate public funding of postsecondary education; monitor and approve tuition rates and admission criteria at public postsecondary institutions; define and approve all academic programs at public institutions; ensure the coordination and connectivity of technology among public institutions; and collect and distribute comprehensive data about postsecondary education performance. The Council consists of the Commissioner of Education, a faculty member, a student member, and thirteen citizen members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate and the House of Representatives. Executive Order 2000-8 issued on January 4, 2000, and confirmed by 2000 Senate Bill 233 removed the Commission on Community Volunteerism and Service from the Council and moved it to the Cabinet for Families and Children.
The Court of Appeals was created as a result of the Judicial Article passed in 1975 and effective in 1976. It is the lower appellate court. With a few exceptions, most cases appealed from Circuit Court go to the Court of Appeals. The Court of Appeals also handles appeals of a Circuit Court decision on a District Court judgment. Fourteen judges, two elected from each of the seven appellate districts, serve for eight-year terms. Court of Appeals judges are divided into panels of three to review and decide cases, with the majority deciding the outcome.
Found within the Secretary's office of the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet, the mission of the Kentucky Criminal Justice Council is to provide the Governor and the Kentucky General Assembly with recommendations to guide decision making and policy development on issues involving the courts, law enforcement and corrections and through research, planning and evaluation, to reduce crime and improve the fair administration of justice in the Commonwealth of Kentucky in accordance with HB463.
The Kentucky Department for Aging and Independent Living (DAIL) was established in 2007 under KRS 194A.030. It oversees the administration of statewide programs and services on behalf of Kentucky's elders and individuals with disabilities. It is charged to serve as the state unit as designated by the Administration on Aging Services under the Older Americans Act and has 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 adult day care and assisted living facilities, the state Council on Alzheimer's Disease and other related disorders, and the Institute on Aging. The department also administers the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program and the Medicaid Home and Community Based Waivers Consumer Directed Option (CDO) Program.
The Department for Behavioral, Health Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities was created in 1998. It provides leadership, in partnership with others, to prevent disability, build resilience in individuals and their communities, and facilitate recovery for people whose lives have been affected by mental illness, intellectual disability or other developmental disability, or substance abuse. The department is authorized by KRS 194A.030, and is headed by a Commissioner. The department contains three divisions: Administration and Financial Management, Behavioral Health, and Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities. The department also operates several inpatient facilities that provide psychiatric, rehabilitative and nursing care services to its clients.
The Department for Energy Development and Independence was formed in 2008 and is governed by KRS 152.712. The mission of the Department is to improve the quality and security of life for all Kentuckians by creating efficient, sustainable energy solutions and strategies; by protecting the environment; and by creating a base for strong economic growth. The Department for Energy Development and Independence is headed by a commissioner appointed by the Secretary of the Energy and Environment Cabinet with the approval of the Governor. The department is made up of the following divisions: Efficiency and Conservation; Renewable Energy; Biofuels; Energy Generation Transmission and Distribution; Carbon Management; and Fossil Energy Development.
The Department for the Blind was originally established as a business enterprise program for the blind by the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation in the Department of Education in 1948. In 1956, the State Rehabilitation Agency in the Department of Education took over this program. In 1958, a Division of the Blind was created in the State Rehabilitation Agency. These functions were placed in the Bureau for the Blind when it was created within the Education and Humanities Cabinet, in 1976. The Bureau was renamed the Department for the Blind in 1988 and in 1990 was transferred to the Cabinet for Workforce Development. By 2010, it was renamed the Office for the Blind within the Department for Workforce Investment. The Kentucky Office for the Blind is a state government rehabilitation agency that assists persons who are blind or visually impaired. The Office operates under KRS 163.450 through 163.480.
The Department of Agriculture was established in 1942 as part of Agriculture, Labor and Statistics. In 1962, this department became its own entity functioning under the direction of an elected Commissioner. The Department of Agriculture promotes the interests of agriculture and horticulture in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and is governed by Kentucky Revised Statues 246 – 263. The Department of Agriculture consists of the Office of the Commissioner; Office of the Chief Executive Officer; Office for Agricultural Marketing and Product Promotion; Office for Consumer and Environmental Protection; Office of State Veterinarian; Office for Strategic Planning and Administration; and State Board of Agriculture.
The Department of Agriculture was established in 1942 as part of Agriculture, Labor and Statistics. In 1962, this department became its own entity functioning under the direction of an elected Commissioner. The Department of Agriculture promotes the interests of agriculture and horticulture in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and is governed by Kentucky Revised Statues 246 - 263. The Department of Agriculture consists of the Office of the Commissioner; Office of the Chief Executive Officer; Office for Agricultural Marketing and Product Promotion; Office for Consumer and Environmental Protection; Office of State Veterinarian; Office for Strategic Planning and Administration; and State Board of Agriculture.
The Department of Agriculture was established in 1942 as part of Agriculture, Labor and Statistics. In 1962, this department became its own entity functioning under the direction of an elected Commissioner. The Department of Agriculture promotes the interests of agriculture and horticulture in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and is governed by Kentucky Revised Statues 246 - 263. The Department of Agriculture consists of the Office of the Commissioner; Office of the Chief Executive Officer; Office for Agricultural Marketing and Product Promotion; Office for Consumer and Environmental Protection; Office of State Veterinarian; Office for Strategic Planning and Administration; and State Board of Agriculture.
The Division of Charitable Gaming was created in 1994, as part of the Justice Cabinet. In 1998, the division was elevated to a department and placed in the Cabinet for Public Protection and Regulation. In 2004, it was placed in the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet. As of 2010, it is in the Public Protection Cabinet. The Department is empowered to license and regulate the conduct of charitable gaming and to license and regulate charitable gaming organizations, facilities, manufacturers and distributors in Kentucky (KRS 238.510). The Charitable Gaming Advisory Commission provides ongoing advice and input to the Department and the General Assembly to assist in establishing effective policy for the licensing and regulation of charitable gaming. The Department of Charitable Gaming is composed of the Commissioner’s Office and two divisions, the Division of Licensing and Compliance and the Division of Enforcement. The Division of Licensing and Compliance has two branches, Licensing and Compliance. The Division of Enforcement has two branches, Audit and Investigation.
The Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) was formed in 1998 within the Cabinet for Families and Children under KRS 194.030. The Cabinet for Families and Children and the Cabinet for Health Services were consolidated in 2004. The department provides family support; childcare; child and adult protection; eligibility determinations for Medicaid and food stamps; and administration of an energy cost assistance program. The department administers the state foster care and adoption systems and recruits and trains parents to care for the state's children who are waiting for a permanent home.
The Department of Education significantly changed due to the Kentucky Education Reform Act of 1990 (KERA). All positions in the Department of Education were abolished and the new commissioner of Education reorganized the Department with new positions in 1991. The Workforce Development Cabinet was also created in response to KERA. The State Board of Adult Vocational Education and Vocational Rehabilitation; Office of Vocational Rehabilitation; and Adult Basic Education programs were transferred to the new cabinet. The Department was reorganized again in 1998 and again in 2010. The Kentucky Department of Education provides resources and guidance to Kentucky's public schools and districts as they implement the state's K-12 education requirements. The department also serves as the state liaison for federal education requirements and funding opportunities. Current organizational structure is as follows: Office of the Commissioner; Office of Guiding Support Services and General Counsel; Office of Administration and Support; Office of Knowledge, Information and Data Services; Office of Next-Generation Schools and Districts; Office of Assessment and Accountability; and Office of Next-Generation Learners.
