(Jan. 17, 2024) – Today, the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee, chaired by Sen. Beverly Gossage (R-Eudora), heard legislation introduced including:

• A bill related to childhood gender assignment procedures by Sen. Mike Thompson (R-Bonner Springs)
• A bill related to the Kansas Health Care Stabilization Fund by Sen. Mark Steffan (R-Hutchinson)

• A patient bill of rights bill by Sen. Mark Steffan (R-Hutchinson)

Next, the committee heard a presentation by Douglas Neal, MPH, Palliative Care; and Karin Porter-Williamson, MD; and Donna Yadrich, MPA, co-chair. The committee received background on the Palliative Care Council, the value of palliative care, the percentage of Medicaid expenditures related to palliative care and workforce shortages compared to increased needs, highlighting:

• There are less than 6,400 palliative medicine physicians in the U.S.
• One palliative care physician to 1,200 people living with serious illness
• One medical oncologist for every 141 people diagnosed with cancer
• rising aging population

Finally, the committee received an overview of 2024 legislative priorities including:

• Added requirements for education and training on palliative care for those working in the field today and those entering the field.
• Enhanced support for unpaid family caregivers
• Funding for a project ECHO Palliative Care Center of Excellence - similar to the Missouri and Texas model
• Create incentive for training by requiring a certain

Committee member Sen. Cindy Holscher (D-Overland Park) asked those presenting about a constituent who had issues with insurance approval for palliative care services and asked for services or guidance the commission might provide. The conferee highlighted a need for payers to see this service the same as they would any other health services.