(March 10, 2026) – Today, the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee held a hearing on House Bill 2587. The bill authorizes a licensed private psychiatric hospital to maintain a stock supply of emergency medication kits for pharmaceutical emergencies.

The committee heard from Erik Hatten, CEO of Corterra of Wichita.

Next, the committee held a hearing on House Bill 2702. The legislation stipulates that applicants for a physician assistant license must submit to a criminal record check, provides for the collaboration between physicians and physician assistants and requires the revocation of a physician assistant license under certain circumstances.

Proponent testimony was provided by:

• Kerstin Stephens, Kansas Academy of Physician Associates; and
• Rachelle Colombo, Kansas Medical Society.

The committee also recommended Mark Uhlig and Debbie Wilkerson for confirmation to the University of Kansas Hospital Authority.

Lastly, the committee took action on the following compact bills:

House Bill 2534, respiratory therapy, the committee made one amendment and recommended favorably for passage.

House Bill 2533, occupational therapists and occupational therapists assistants. The committee made one amendment and recommended favorably for passage.

House Bill 2760, esthetics, the committee made one amendment and recommended favorably for passage.

House Bill 2763, athletic trainers, the committee made one amendment and recommended favorably for passage.