HB 2676 allows Kansas pharmacists to initiate therapy for specific minor health conditions, such as influenza, strep throat, and urinary tract infections, without a physician's direct order, provided the condition is minor, self-limiting, or meets other defined criteria like not requiring a new diagnosis. Pharmacists must follow statewide protocols developed by a committee, which specify required training, documentation, communication with the patient's primary care provider, and adherence to the standard of care. Violations of these protocols could lead to disciplinary action by the state board, including license suspension. The law became effective on July 1, 2022.
SB 409 requires health insurance plans in Kansas to cover diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations for breast cancer without any out-of-pocket costs (like deductibles or copays) for policyholders. This applies to exams used to evaluate suspicious findings detected during screening or other exams, as well as exams for high-risk individuals (e.g., those with family history or dense breast tissue). The law takes effect January 1, 2027, for new or renewed plans, with HSA-qualified plans still required to cover these as preventive care under federal law. It does not affect existing coverage but mandates no cost-sharing for these specific exams when provided under the defined guidelines.
HB 2157 expands Kansas pharmacists' scope of practice to include point-of-care testing for and treatment of COVID-19, directly affecting pharmacists and patients seeking immediate care for this condition. The bill amends Kansas law to add "COVID-19" to the list of conditions where pharmacists may initiate therapy under statewide protocols established by the collaborative drug therapy management advisory committee. These protocols must specify required training, documentation standards, patient assessment tools, and communication with primary care providers. The change takes effect July 1, 2022, and requires pharmacists to operate within these new framework guidelines.
HB 2296 requires most health insurance plans in Kansas to cover diagnostic and supplemental breast cancer exams without out-of-pocket costs for insured individuals. This means patients won’t pay deductibles, co-pays, or coinsurance for these exams when medically necessary to evaluate abnormalities (diagnostic) or screen high-risk individuals (supplemental), as defined by national cancer guidelines. The bill applies to plans issued or renewed before January 1, 2026, and exempts health savings account plans until after meeting the deductible for non-preventive care. It specifically covers exams like mammograms, MRIs, and ultrasounds used in these scenarios.
