Important Legislative Update

Good evening KAPN members and Kansas APRNs,

I planned to have my first message as in the incoming KAPN President focus on an introduction to our board and organizational goals for the coming year. Unfortunately, this is being preceded by a disappointing update to the status of our legislation that was anticipated to take effect tomorrow.

We would like to reassure you that our legislation was signed into law by governor Kelly on April 15, with the signing ceremony taking place just last week. At this time there is not a concern for the completion of the rules and regulations as planned. However, the enactment date for removal of the collaborative practice agreement has been delayed due to a request from the Kansas Medical Society at this morning’s regulatory hearing.

Please see below for additional details that were written today in collaboration with AANP. In the coming weeks, the KAPN board will be in close contact with AANP, our lobbyists, and the rules and regulations committee. We have been informed that similar situations have occurred in other states during the process of formalizing full practice authority.

Thank you for your engagement and all you do for your patients and communities. We will provide updates as additional information is available. 

Caring for Kansas,

Laurel

Laurel Short, DNP, FNP-C

KAPN President

Subject Line: UPDATE: July 1 Effective Date DELAYED for Full Practice Authority

On April 15, 2022, the Nursing community celebrated the official signing of House Bill 2279 into state law, bringing Full Practice Authority to Kansas and strengthening choice and access to care for patients.

Those changes were scheduled to take effect this week on July 1, 2022, pending the approval of temporary/emergency regulations by The Kansas State Rules and Regulations Board.  Unfortunately, full implementation of the proposed rules has hit a snag and been delayed due to a request from the Kansas Medical Society at this morning’s regulatory hearing.

What Does This Mean for NP Practice At This Time?
The Kansas Board of Nursing is advising APRNs to retain their collaborative agreements for select areas of practice until all provisions of the law are fully implemented in accordance with the intentions of the legislature.  Details about the approved temporary changes are posted on the Kansas Board of Nursing website and are available here. 

What Happens Next?
Don’t get discouraged. The next hearing on APRN regulations is scheduled for July 18, 2022.  The Nursing community is working together to ensure that the intent and purpose of the recent legislative effort is fully implemented. 

Stay tuned: 
AANP and KAPN are continuing to work closely together and with our partners in the state to address this delay. Please keep an eye on your email for updates as this process continues to unfold.