Legislative session was positive overall

Though there were some disappointments, the 2026 Kansas legislative session was positive overall on bills impacting the practice of medicine.

Bills that passed, supported by the Kansas Medical Society and MSSC, included HB 2509, which added APRNs to the list of healthcare providers participating in the Health Care Stabilization Fund – important in maintaining the state’s medical liability framework.

The Legislature also passed HB 2374, which creates a specialty medical practice student loan program, and Substitute for HB 2250, which authorizes expedited partner therapy to treat sexually transmitted

diseases. Another positive was the Legislature included funding in its budget for Project Access, MSSC’s affiliate that coordinates donated healthcare for uninsured residents of Sedgwick County.

Also positive, the Legislature passed HB 2702, which updates the licensure act for physician associates. And it didn’t advance scope expansion bills for naturopaths and chiropractors, which KMS and MSSC opposed. Though it did pass HB 2068, which allows pharmacists to initiate some therapies, it is limited to minor and generally self-limiting therapies or patient emergencies.

A major disappointment this session was the passage of HB 2223, allowing optometrists to perform certain laser surgeries. Opposed by ophthalmologists, KMS and MSSC, it was heavily lobbied by optometrists.

This year’s budget bill included language requiring Kansas to follow new CDC guidelines for vaccine schedules, which KMS and MSSC opposed. However, Gov. Laura Kelly vetoed the provision, and the Legislature did not override her.

Bills that failed to advance that KMS and MSSC supported included HB 2368, which allows for the licensure of anesthesiologist assistants; SB 413, which prohibits counsel from suggesting an amount of damages for noneconomic loss in civil actions; and SB 330, which creates more transparency in prior authorization.