(Feb. 1, 2023) – Today, House Health and Human Services, chaired by Representative Brenda Landwehr (R-Wichita), heard from the Kansas Optometric Association. Executive Director Todd Fleischer gave an overview of the association and talked about changes within those serving in the profession. He shared with the committee what they advocated in last session, as well as testified regarding some of the programs and outreach the industry is doing in Kansas and beyond to increase vision screenings. The committee also heard from a member optomologist from Southeast Kansas who shared some of the challenges of the profession including:
- Stagnant reimbursement
- Attracting workforce
The committee also heard bill introductions on the following topics:
- Rep. Bill Clifford, statutory updates on behalf of the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board
- Rep. Ruiz on behalf of Rep. Rui Xu, prohibits pelvic exams on unconscious patients without consent
- Rep. Eplee, Diagnostic and Supplemental Breast Cancer Screening, on behalf of the Susan B. Komen Foundation
- Rep. Eplee, Telehealth bill on behalf of Kansas Hospital Association
The committee is scheduled to meet again next week.