Conference Committee discusses HB 2279- No Action
Posted about 3 years ago by Merilyn Douglass
The Conference Committee composed of leaders from each of the Legislative Health Committees met Tuesday, March 22, 2022. Most of the conversations were between Chairman Landwehr and Senator Hilderbrand. Chairman Landwehr offered the same amendment presented in the Public Health and Welfare Committee. Senator Hilderbrand, with utmost respectful decorum, declined the amendment stating the amendment had already been voted down. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2f05P0iuDk&list=PLGnUWv2THZAgJT7QFcWajUoKFgUmKBc0R&index=2&t=823s (Link to the video of the meeting, 53 minutes total) The meeting concluded without any resolution.
Instructions from our lobbying team are to contact your Representative if you have not done so as mentioned in previous email. Ask for support of HB 2279 and tell your story about your practice. Clarify the misinformation:
- APRNs can prescribe medications without the collaborative practice agreement when HB 2279 is passed. The Board of Nursing will promulgate regulations pertaining to the proposed statute changes that will reflect that a collaborative practice agreement (CPA) is not required to prescribe medications. National Council of State Boards of Nursing and American Association of Nurse Practitioners advocates contributed language on our bill based on other states’ statutes. It is professionally written and clarifies APRN practice without a CPA.
- Malpractice insurance for APRNs is easily obtained, the CPA is not required to purchase malpractice insurance. APRNs in Colorado and Nebraska, practicing without a CPA, pay similar rates that we do here in Kansas and have no difficulties obtaining malpractice insurance, whether it is a personal policy or employer-purchased.
Next, send an email to Governor Kelly. Tell your story and ask for support of HB 2279. Remind her that removing the requirement for the physician-signed protocols will clear the way for APRNs to establish practices in Kansas, especially to provide care for the underserved and rural communities. Use this link to a web page for communication to the Governor: https://governor.kansas.gov/questions_form/
Additional contact information for Governor Kelly:
Office of the Governor
Capitol, 300 SW 10th Ave., Ste. 241S
Topeka, KS 66612-1590
Toll Free: 877-KSWORKS (877-579-6757)
Local: 785-296-3232
Send a thank you to Senator Hilderbrand for he has truly been our Champion. Richard.Hilderbrand@senate.ks.gov. He spoke for the bill and answered questions with professionalism that was admirable. Senator Hilderbrand artfully questioned Representative Landwehr and held ground when it was evident no compromise was happening. It was heartwarming to hear the Senator proudly talk about his experiences with his provider, a nurse practitioner, stating there were no other providers in his community.
Thank you everyone for your legislative contacts, social media posts, and please spread the word.
Merilyn Douglass APRN