SENATE PASSES APRN LEGISLATION! WHAT'S NEXT?
Posted over 3 years ago by Merilyn Douglass
March 9, 2022. What a momentous day for Kansas health care!
Senate Substitute for HB 2279 was passed by the Senate today by a vote of 30-7. This legislation removes the requirement for the physician-signed protocols to prescribe medication, requires national certification for licensure of new applicants and requires malpractice insurance for licensure (with a few exceptions.) http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/hb2279_04_0000.pdf
The first debate of the bill occurred Tuesday, March 8th, 2022. A Kansas Medical Society sponsored amendment was introduced and did not pass that would have inserted language into the bill describing the APRN scope of practice to not include the practice of medicine or surgery. A motion to return the bill back to committee was also defeated. The Senate voted to pass the bill without any amendments. On Wednesday, March 9th, the final vote occurred with a resounding supportive vote.
Next steps? The bill goes over to the House of Representatives, and there are a few options for our bill going forward. Our lobbyists are determining best strategies. One option is that the bill may go to a conference committee (a committee of Senators and Representatives) for its next debate. We will keep everyone updated with strategies.
Take the time to thank your Senators and please send a special thank you to Senator Hildebrand for being the main speaker for our bill. He weathered some tough and pointed questions, responded pragmatically with professional respect and poise. This bill’s success is due to many who worked hard and tirelessly. Kudos to our sponsors including Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Americans for Prosperity, AARP, Amazon and Walmart. Ron and Julie Hein, our lobbyists worked days, evenings and weekends communicating with legislators and the lobbying team. National Council of State Boards of Nursing hired lobbyists Josh and Kimberly Svaty provided key strategies that set the stage for success including conversations with legislators. AANP contributed lobbyist time and advice to our team. Our sponsors also created strong and supportive campaigns that helped to convince legislators of the merits of APRN directed-health care.
The work will continue to get the bill across the finish line this legislative session. More legislator contacts will be needed, stay tuned for another call to action. KAPN is proud and grateful for everyone’s support up to this point! Let’s get this over the finish line!
submitted: Merilyn Douglass APRN