(April 4, 2024) – Today, the Subcommittee of Appropriations members studying the issue of supplemental nurse staffing agencies met. The committee, chaired by Rep. Les Mason (R-McPherson) heard the following recommendations:

• An interim committee should examine this issue more closely, including privatization of state hospitals, contract nursing, how Kansas supervisor models and requirements differ from those of other states, and pipeline challenges
• In the Promise Act, carving out a segment that would include additional Allied Health Programs such as occupational therapists, respiratory therapists and behavioral health specialists
• An Omnibus funding program to include the Allied Health Service Scholarship Program and more investments in the Nursing Service Scholarship Program and the Nurse Initiative Grant
• Adding tech platforms to those supplemental nurse staffing agencies that would need to register and report to the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services
• Taking a second look at House Bill 2265 during the interim committee
• Allowing state hospitals to pay retention and new hire bonuses and raises

The committee recommendations are likely to be discussed in the Omnibus budget session and the next legislative session as the interim committee makes additional recommendations.