(Feb. 13, 2024) - Yesterday, the House Health and Human Services Committee, chaired by Representative Brenda Landwehr (R-Wichita) met to hold hearings and work the following bills:

House Bill 2751, authorizing the Kansas department of aging and disability services to condition or restrict a disability service provider license, granting the secretary the authority to grant regulation waivers, unrelated to health and safety and authorizing correction orders and civil fines to be appealed to the secretary. 

Proponents included:

• Lacey Hunter, Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services
• Chris Stanyer, Goodwill Industries of Kansas
• Matt Fletcher, Interhab

There was no opponent or neutral testimony.

House Bill 2750, permitting the use of expedited partner therapy to treat a sexually transmitted disease.

Proponents included:

• Dr. Derek Totten, Kansas Department of Health and Environment
• Kelly Fritz, Miami County Health Department
• Dr. Patrick Allen, the University of Kansas Medical School
• Kimberly Kern, Walgreens

Neutral testimony: 

• Kansas State Board of Healing Arts

Appearing in opposition:

• Nicholas Reinecker

The Health committee also met today to hold a hearing on House Bill 2746, updating requirements for receiving and renewing a license under the dietitians licensing act. 

Proponent testimony: 

• Lacey Hunter, KDADS

The committee took final action on the following bills this week:

• House Bill 2484, enacting the social work licensure compact to provide interstate practice privileges for social workers. The committee made changes to the finger printing and changed fees and recommended favorably as amended.  
• House Bill 2746, updating requirements for receiving and renewing a license under the dietitians licensing act.
• House Bill 2751, authorizing KDADS to condition or restrict disability service provider license, granting secretary authority to grant regulation waivers unrelated to health and safety and authorizing correction orders and civil fines to be appeals by the secretary. The committee amended the bill to ensure that it is only direct service providers in need of background checks and not executive staff. 
• House Bill 2750, permitting the use of expedited partner therapy to treat a sexually transmitted disease. The committee amended the bill to focus on chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomoniasis. The committee also amended the bill to include documentation for partners name and age, and to apply to those over 18.

These bills will now go to the full House for further review.