Adding maternity center to the definition of healthcare provider for purposes of the healthcare provider insurance availability act, amending definitions in the Kansas credentialing act to provide that certain entities providing physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech-language pathology are not home health agencies, clarifying that the authorized activities of paramedics, advanced emergency medical technicians, emergency medical technicians and emergency medical responders may be authorized upon the order of a healthcare professional, permitting certain ambulance services to offer service for less than 24 hours per day, every day of the year, and requiring entities that control automated external defibrillators to register the device with the emergency medical services board.
Impact
The bill aims to revise the laws governing emergency medical services and healthcare provider insurance availability, addressing significant gaps in current legislation. By enhancing the operational scope of emergency medical technicians and paramedics, it could lead to improved patient care during emergencies. The requirement for entities placing automated external defibrillators to register with the emergency medical services board could enhance access to critical equipment and boost public safety standards.
Summary
House Bill 2039 focuses on amending various aspects of healthcare provider regulations in Kansas. Notably, the bill broadens the definition of a healthcare provider to incorporate maternity centers and clarifies the distinction between certain therapy providers and home health agencies. Additionally, it aligns the privileges of emergency medical service providers with orders from healthcare professionals, providing emergency personnel greater autonomy in life-saving situations. It also allows non-emergency ambulance services to operate for less than 24 hours daily, potentially increasing service flexibility in rural areas.
Sentiment
The reception of HB2039 appears largely supportive, particularly among those advocating for enhanced access to emergency services and improved definitions within healthcare legislation. However, some opposition may arise regarding the changes in operational hours for non-emergency ambulance services, particularly in debates around consistent availability of care. The bill’s provisions related to maternity centers could also spark discussions regarding inclusivity in the healthcare sector.
Contention
One notable point of contention may concern the broader implications of allowing more flexibility in emergency service operations, particularly in rural counties where resources are limited. There can be apprehensions about whether the amendments adequately address the varied needs across different regions of Kansas and whether they sufficiently protect patient care standards while promoting accessibility.
Amending the definition of "healthcare provider" for purposes of the healthcare provider insurance availability act to include maternity centers and not include facilities where elective abortions are performed.
House Substitute for SB 233 by Committee on Health and Human Services - Enacting the forbidding abuse child transitions act, restricting use of state funds to promote gender transitioning, prohibiting healthcare providers from treating children whose gender identity is inconsistent with the child's sex, authorizing a civil cause of action against healthcare providers for providing such treatments, requiring professional discipline against a healthcare provider who performs such treatment, prohibiting professional liability insurance from covering damages for healthcare providers that provide gender transition treatment to children and adding violation of the act to the definition of unprofessional conduct for physicians and nurses.
Enacting the forbidding abuse child transitions act, restricting use of state funds to promote gender transitioning, prohibiting healthcare professionals from treating children whose gender identity is inconsistent with the child's sex, authorizing a civil cause of action against healthcare professionals for providing such treatments, authorizing professional discipline against a physician who performs such treatment, prohibiting professional liability insurance from covering damages for healthcare providers that provide gender transition treatment to children and adding violation of the act to the definition of unprofessional conduct for physicians and nurses.
Providing that certain mental health medications be available without prior authorization to treat medicaid recipients and abolishing the mental health medication advisory committee.
House Substitute for SB 287 by Committee on Health and Human Services - Prohibiting a healthcare provider from administering medication, diagnostic tests or conducting ongoing behavioral health treatments to a minor in a school facility without parental consent, enacting the no patient left alone act to require medical care facilities to allow in-person visitation in certain circumstances, expanding licensure of rural emergency hospitals that meet criteria between January 2015 and December 2020 and authorizing emergency medical responders to distribute non prescription over-the-counter medications.
Adding a citation to the code of federal regulations to the definition of veteran and disabled veteran and removing the active requirement from military service members for occupational licensure.
House Substitute for SB 287 by Committee on Health and Human Services - Prohibiting a healthcare provider from administering medication, diagnostic tests or conducting ongoing behavioral health treatments to a minor in a school facility without parental consent, enacting the no patient left alone act to require medical care facilities to allow in-person visitation in certain circumstances, expanding licensure of rural emergency hospitals that meet criteria between January 2015 and December 2020 and authorizing emergency medical responders to distribute non prescription over-the-counter medications.
Requires all health care facilities to provide functional automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and least one person who is properly trained in the operation and use of an AED.