(Jan. 16, 2025) – Today, the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee, chaired by Sen. Beverly Gossage (R-Eudora), heard bill introductions on the right to refuse medications, activities related to public health associated with the power of the Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Dental Practice Act.

Next, Secretary Laura Howard gave an update on the division of the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services and the agency's legislative agenda, including establishing the Mental Health Intervention Team program in statute, establishing the new South Central Regional Mental Health Hospital in statute, creating a civil monetary penalty and reinvestment fund and program and default to outpatient forensic competency evaluation and restoration services.

Lastly, the committee reviewed recommendations from the Bob Bethell Committee on KanCare Oversight and the Sedation Dentistry Committee.