(Feb. 11, 2025) – Today, the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee, chaired by Senator Beverly Gossage (R-Eudora), held a hearing on Senate Bill 82.  The legislation waives physical environment standards for hospitals transitioning to Rural Emergency Hospitals. KHA testified in support as did LeadingAge Kansas and Mercy Hospital, Inc., Moundridge. The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services testified as neutral to the bill.

The committee also heard Senate Bill 88; which requires state long-term care ombudsman and regional ombudsman to receive training in memory care.

Next, the committee worked the following bills:

Senate Bill 29. The committee created a substitute bill that deals with public gatherings related to local health officers. They may recommend but not prohibit. The committee recommended the substitute bill as amended, and it will now go to the full Senate for further review.

Lastly, the committee took final action on Senate Bill 126, which enacts the Physician Assistant Licensure Compact to provide interstate practice privileges for physician assistants. The committee made technical amendments and recommended the bill favorably for passage.

The committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, Feb. 12.