KMS Update: APRN independent practice bill advancing – please contact your Senator to urge opposition

From KMS Executive Director Rachelle Colombo:
It was another busy week in the Legislature leading up to its first major deadline — Turnaround Day on Feb. 24 — when most bills must be passed out of their originating chamber to receive further consideration.

The Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee has scheduled the APRN independent practice bill, SB 454, for advancement on Monday morning. Though this new proposal has some different provisions than its most recent predecessor, SB 174, the effect of the proposal is the same. SB 454, SB 174, and HB 2256 all allow for the unrestricted practice of medicine by APRNs without physician oversight. It is possible the Senate health committee will combine these bills into an unrelated House Bill allowing the measure to move more quickly and without consideration by the House health committee.

We rarely issue calls to action to KMS members, but we are doing so now. Please contact your senator and urge them to oppose these proposals. Find your senator’s contact information here: www.openstates.org/find_your_legislator.

Communication should be respectful and concise:

1. Without limitation on scope of practice and without oversight by the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts (KSBHA), this bill would permit the unsupervised practice of medicine by non-physicians and pose serious risk to patients in our state.
2. 94% of Kansans responding to a recent statewide poll on health care issues said it was important to have a physician leading their health care team when it comes to diagnosing or treating them or their family member.
3. Ask your senator to please vote against these proposals.

We hope you will consider taking a few minutes to call your senator to express your concern. 

Legislators are impacted when they hear from their constituents, and even those senators who do not serve on the health committee need to hear from you and your colleagues before Monday. 

Physicians are among the most trusted voices on questions concerning health care. Together as a collective voice, you can most certainly help steer public policy in the best direction on behalf of Kansas patients.

If you have questions about this update or other matters, please contact KMS Executive Director Rachelle Colombo: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..