(March 4, 2026) – Today, the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee held hearings on the following bills:

House Bill 2478 requires advanced practice registered nurses and registered nurse anesthetists to undergo a criminal history check when applying for a nursing license. Carol Moreland, Kansas State Board of Nursing, appeared in support.

House Bill 2509 expands the definition of a health care provider to include an advanced practice registered nurse, for the purposes of the Healthcare Provider Insurance Availability Act. The committee heard from Rachelle Colombo of the Kansas Medical Society, who expressed support. Clark Shultz of the Healthcare Stabilization Fund gave neutral testimony.

The committee also took final action, recommending the following bills favorably for passage:

Sub for House Bill 2250 defines an emergency opioid antagonist as including an expired emergency opioid antagonist for a person rendering aid to another in reasonable need of medical assistance. The committee made amendments as requested by the law enforcement community.

House Bill 2562 allows the issuance of a special license plate or a permanent or temporary placard for individuals with a disability, based on documentation proving the disability from a physical therapist.

These bills will now go to the full Senate. The committee is scheduled to meet again tomorrow.