(Jan. 31, 2024) – Today, the House Health and Human Services Committee, chaired by Rep. Brenda Landwehr (R-Wichita), held a hearing on House Bill 2579. The legislation authorizes the Kansas Board of Emergency Medical Services to distribute non-prescription over-the-counter medications. The committee heard from the following:

Proponents in writing and appearing before the committee:

• David Adams, Kansas EMS Association
• Paul Davis, Johnson County Department of Emergency Services
• Bryan Beaver, MD, EMS medical director

Opponents:

• Joseph House, Kansas Board of Emergency Medical Services indicated this is already being done.

The committee amended the bill to remove outdated language. The committee recommended the bill favorably as amended.

The committee also worked House Bill 2578. The committee held lengthy discussions about who should be allowed to access the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic licensure with federally qualified health centers seeking the ability also to be deemed a CCBHC in the future. The bill was recommended favorably for passage as amended.