(March 17, 2026) – Today, the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee completed work on two bills before it.

House Bill 2528 addresses the Kansas State Board of Nursing and has undergone discussion and amendments. Amendments made to the bill include:

• Further provisions to clarify that any action based on unprofessional misconduct not related to licensure timing would not be expunged.
• Adds language indicating what the board can do following a licensure lapse to get to reinstatement and allows a time period of five years.
• Adds language regarding investigations of KSBN, allowing for independent review.
• Adds delay language to the closure of investigations so if investigations are currently underway, they can continue.
• Disciplinary action versus under petition are handled differently.
• Language if the applicant causes investigation delays.
• Language to treat LPNs and RNs equally.
• Updates language to reduce the number of times the board must notify licensees of upcoming renewal dates to just twice.
• Restores the previous House language regarding conflict of interest and removes the ability of anyone who is a legislator or in the governor's office to serve on the board.
• Reduces the grace period for license renewals from 30 days to 30 days.

Today, the committee made further amendments:

• Directs the board to review all active cases and ensure that nothing voided or expunged has a dual compliance with licensure and any patient safety issues within six months. A substitute motion was made to delay the effective date until after publication in the register, with a new deadline set for Sept. 1, 2026. The substitute motion passed.

The committee recommended the bill favorably as amended.

Next, the committee worked Senate Bill 522. The bill enacts the Kansas Medical Freedom Act to prohibit denying an individual's access to certain services based on the individual's medical choices. The committee amended the bill to apply only to schools and government entities and recommended it favorably for passage, with committee members expressing concern.

Then the committee held an informational hearing on House Bill 2368. The bill provides for the licensure of anesthesiologist assistants. The Revisor's Office provided the committee with an overview of the bill and updated them on its legislative status.

The committee heard from Anesthesiologist Dr. Kathy Perryman who shared why she supports this bill. Dr. Perry discussed the results in Missouri and how it works there.

Jenny Nolan, a certified anesthesiologist assistant, emphasized patient outcomes and the importance of practicing under a physician-care model. She highlighted that the impacts on rural areas will likely be more positive and emphasized the need for a freer and fairer market.

Next, the committee heard from opponents, including Donna Knyght, retired department chair of anesthesia care at a health care system. She testified that it would impact the education of nurse anesthesia students and training programs. Knyght highlighted an AA cannot work under a certified registered nurse anesthetist and the possible clinical site impacts. She emphasized the training needs of the profession.

The committee closed the hearing and completed its work for its session.