(Feb. 7, 2024) – Today, the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee, chaired by Sen. Beverly Gossage (R-Eudora), held a hearing on Senate Bill 352, known as the John D. Springer Patient's Bill of Rights. The legislation requires hospitals to allow in-person visitation, adopt visitation policies and procedures and creating a civil cause of action for violation of such rights.
Proponents included:
- Senator Mark Steffan (R-Hutchinson)
- Peggy Springer – spouse of John D. Springer
- Amy Siple, APRN, FNP GS-C
- Andrea Erickson, Individual
- Debbie Detmer, Individual
- Georganne Lovelace, Individual
- Julie Ribelin, Individual
- Karen Hershey, Individual
- Kathy Brown, Nurse and Attorney
Appearing in opposition:
Debra Mize, Kansans for Health Freedom, appeared as a neutral conferee.
The committee also worked Senate Bill 363, amending statutes regulating the practice of barbering regarding licensure, examination and fees. The bill now goes before the full Senate.