(March 18, 2025) – Today, the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee held a hearing on House Bill 2217. The legislation expands the scope of the inspector general to audit and investigate all state cash, food or health assistance programs and grants the inspector general the power to subpoena, administer oaths and execute search warrants thereto.

Proponents:

• Medicaid Inspector General Steven Anderson  

Opponents:

Marc Altenbernt, General Counsel, Kansas Department for Children and Families

The committee also worked the following bills:

• House Bill 2039 amends the definitions in the Kansas Credentialing Act to provide that certain entities providing physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech-language pathology are not home health agencies

• House Bill 2311 prohibits the secretary from adopting and enforcing policies for placement, custody and appointment of a custodian that may conflict with sincerely held religious or moral beliefs regarding sexual orientation or gender identity and creating a right of action for violations

• House Bill 2335 adds maternity centers to the definition of health care provider for purposes of the Healthcare Provider Insurance Availability Act