HB 2763 creates a compact allowing athletic trainers licensed in one participating state to practice in other member states without obtaining separate licenses. This directly affects licensed athletic trainers seeking to work across state lines, active military members and their spouses relocating for duty, and patients gaining broader access to these professionals. The bill establishes uniform licensing standards and a commission to manage mutual recognition, eliminating the need for multiple state licenses while preserving each state's authority to regulate practice and protect public safety. It requires trainers to maintain current licensure and meet continuing education standards to exercise interstate practice privileges.
HB 2677 requires all Kansas health insurance plans (excluding small employer plans and limited-benefit policies) to cover hearing aids and related services for insured children under 18 with diagnosed hearing impairments, effective January 1, 2027. The coverage includes devices, evaluations, programming, repairs, ear molds, and auditory training, with a $5,000 maximum per child over 48 months. Insurers cannot deny coverage or terminate plans based on a child's hearing impairment. This applies to all plans issued, renewed, or modified in Kansas, excluding small employer group plans and certain specialized policies.
HB 2735, the "Patient's Right to Save Act," requires health insurers in Kansas to offer voluntary shared savings programs where enrollees can earn financial incentives (minimum 25% of savings) for choosing specific lower-cost, non-emergency healthcare services like lab tests, surgery, or telehealth. These programs must be listed on an insurer’s public webpage, with incentives applied as premium reductions or deposits to health savings accounts - not as taxable income. Insurers must report program participation, savings, and service details annually to the Kansas Department of Insurance. The law directly affects health insurers (requiring program implementation and reporting) and enrollees (who may benefit from reduced costs for covered services).
SB 441 authorizes private providers to deliver medically necessary applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy during school hours for students with autism spectrum disorder, as prescribed by a healthcare provider. School districts must permit these services when parents provide documentation from a healthcare provider and a treatment plan, and private providers must pass background checks. The bill requires school districts to adopt policies for this service and allows third-party insurance to cover costs, without replacing existing school-based behavioral support under IEPs.
HB 2761 establishes a licensing system for speech-language pathology assistants (SLPAs) in Kansas, requiring them to meet specific education and training standards to practice. To become licensed, applicants must complete a bachelor's degree (or equivalent coursework) in communication sciences, 100 hours of supervised clinical experience, and meet national certification requirements. The law mandates that SLPAs work under direct or indirect supervision by a licensed speech-language pathologist and complete 12 hours of continuing education every two years for license renewal. This bill directly affects current and future SLPAs by setting clear qualifications, supervision rules, and renewal requirements for their practice.
HB 2718 gives adult care home residents the right to choose their own pharmacy without facing fees or financial penalties from the facility. The bill prohibits adult care homes from charging residents for using an outside pharmacy or offering financial incentives to use the facility's preferred pharmacy. It also specifies that facilities cannot charge for repackaging medications if that cost is already reported on their financial statements. This directly affects residents of Kansas adult care homes and requires facilities to adjust billing practices.
HB 2729 requires the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to provide physicians with specific forms and notices for the "Woman's Right to Know Act." It mandates that physicians give women written information 24 hours before an abortion, including details about the procedure, risks, alternatives, physician qualifications (like medical degree year and disciplinary history), and fetal development. The law also requires women to sign a written certification confirming they received this information before the procedure. This bill directly affects physicians performing abortions and women seeking abortion care in Kansas, with the department responsible for creating the required forms.
HB 2455 is a funding bill that adjusts budget allocations for specific Kansas state agencies across fiscal years 2026-2029. It primarily increases expenditure limits for agencies like the State Board of Healing Arts ($8.2 million for 2027), Kansas State Board of Cosmetology ($1.3 million for 2027), and others, while slightly decreasing funding for the State Board of Pharmacy ($3.2 million for 2027). The bill also lapses unused funds for the Legislative Coordinating Council’s operations accounts. It directly affects state boards and agencies managing professional licensing fees, not the general public. The bill authorizes these budget adjustments through specific appropriations and fee fund modifications.
HB 2508 requires Kansas healthcare providers at school facilities to obtain parental consent before prescribing medication, administering diagnostic tests, or providing ongoing behavioral health treatment to minors under 18. It prohibits these actions without consent, except for behavioral health crises, mandated school screenings, or emergency care. Key exceptions include medical care for pregnant minors, blood donations over age 16, emergency treatment, and existing laws for venereal disease or drug abuse treatment. The bill directly affects minors, school-based healthcare providers, and parents/guardians who must provide consent for non-emergency care. It amends Kansas law to strengthen parental involvement in minors' healthcare decisions within school settings.
HB 2534 creates an interstate agreement (compact) allowing respiratory therapists licensed in one participating state to practice in other member states without obtaining separate licenses. It directly affects licensed respiratory therapists and patients in participating states by establishing a "compact privilege" that permits practice under the laws of the state where the patient is located. Therapists must maintain an active home-state license, pass background checks, and comply with each state's scope of practice. The goal is to improve access to respiratory therapy services, support military families relocating across state lines, and address workforce shortages.
