(Feb. 5, 2026) – Today, the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee met to complete work on House Bill 2223, which concerns the practice of optometry. As a reminder, yesterday the committee adopted the following amendments:

Placing optometrists in the Kansas Health Care Stabilization Fund under certain circumstances, authorizing the Board of the Kansas Health Care Stabilization Fund to make changes, modifying the review processes for recommendations, including continuing education requirements and changing the process and makeup of the interprofessional advisory committee.

Eliminating laser surgery from the allowable scope of practice.

Today's amendments offered included:

• Credentialing for the licensee will be provided by the Board of Optometry and will require 10 procedures performed under supervision by an optometrist. The amendment failed on a vote of 4-6.
• Quarterly and then annual data reporting by the Board of Optometry on optometrists performing these procedures, with a sunset date. This amendment passed and was added to the bill.
• An amendment addressing training for more recent graduates. This amendment passed.

The committee recommended House Bill 2223 as amended favorably for passage. The bill will now go to the full Senate.

The committee then held an informational hearing on Senate Bill 271,which codifies a permanent fix that ties CHIP eligibility to 2008 levels. While this language has been addressed annually through a budget proviso, the bill makes those changes permanent.

Testimony was provided by proponents:

• Heather Braum of Kansas Action for Children; and
• Christine Osterlund Medicaid Director.

The committee's next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday of next week.