Legislative session had successes

Though Gov. Laura Kelly called a special session this month to address tax policy, the 2024 legislative session concluded last month and had significant successes for healthcare and the practice of medicine.

The biggest success was the approval of an across-the-board 9% increase in the Medicaid physician fee schedule. The increase, which was championed by the Kansas Medical Society and MSSC, goes into effect July 1 and is in addition to the 3% increase approved last year.

There also were several local successes, including increased financial support of the new psychiatric hospital planned in Wichita and funding for Project Access, family medicine residency programs in Wichita, and osteopathic service scholarships.

KMS and MSSC opposed several bills that would expand the scope of practice of certified registered nurse anesthetists, optometrists and naturopaths. None of these bills cleared the Legislature. Another bill that didnít advance would have allowed out-of-state physician supervision of laser hair removal.

Several bills sought to create a new civil cause of action against healthcare providers. One bill, which Gov. Kelly vetoed, would have revoked the license of and allowed a civil cause of action against healthcare providers who provided gender-affirming care to a minor.

Medicaid expansion was a top priority of Gov. Kelly and was supported by KMS and MSSC. But, as in previous sessions, lawmakers did not advance the legislation.

There was another push this year to allow the medical use of marijuana, but no bill advanced. The Kansas Hospital Association also led an unsuccessful effort to reduce the burden of prior authorization.

MSSC and KMS appreciate the engagement of physicians in monitoring legislation. This engagement and the relationships that physicians form with lawmakers are key to influencing the legislative process.