Capitol Comments Articles
Senate Public Health and Welfare Hears Expeditated Partner Therapy Bill

Doc Consulting Large Man (Feb. 10, 2026) – Today, the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee held a hearing on Senate Bill 448, which permits the use of expedited partner therapy to treat a sexually transmitted disease.

The committee heard from the following proponents:

  • Patrick Allen, MD, physician from Wichita
  • Tara Chettiar, MD. Kansas Section American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
  • Dereck Totten, MD, chief medical officer, Kansas Department of Health and Environment
  • Randy Bowman, executive director, Kansas Association of Local Health

No opponent or neutral testimony was provided. The committee will meet again tomorrow.