Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

Kansas House Bill HB2325

Introduced
2/7/23  
Refer
2/7/23  
Report Pass
2/21/23  
Engrossed
3/1/23  
Refer
3/2/23  
Report Pass
3/23/23  
Enrolled
4/24/23  

Caption

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.

Impact

The implications of HB 2325 highlight significant changes for various healthcare providers in Kansas. Maternity centers that have received proper accreditation will now be included as eligible providers under laws governing professional liability insurance. In contrast, the exclusion of facilities performing elective abortions from accessing this insurance could shift the risk burden onto those providers, potentially affecting their operational feasibility and financial planning. This selective inclusion and exclusion are posited to alter the landscape of healthcare provision related to maternal and reproductive health services significantly.

Summary

House Bill 2325 seeks to amend the definition of 'healthcare provider' under the healthcare provider insurance availability act. Specifically, the bill includes maternity centers within the definition while simultaneously excluding facilities where elective abortions are performed. This adjustment is intended to clarify the eligibility of certain healthcare providers for professional liability insurance, particularly focusing on who can access coverage through the healthcare stabilization fund designed to support medical professionals in Kansas. Through this act, maternity centers gain substantial recognition and support within the insurance framework.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 2325 is divided along partisan and advocacy lines. Supporters, primarily from conservative circles, argue that the bill is a necessary step to bolster the healthcare infrastructure supporting maternity services. They see it as a pro-family initiative that enhances care accessibility. Conversely, critics, particularly from liberal and reproductive rights advocates, contend that this bill infringes upon women's health rights by effectively limiting the services eligible for critical insurance coverage. The discussion reflects broader societal divides over maternal health and reproductive rights in Kansas.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HB 2325 revolve around its implications for healthcare providers, especially concerning reproductive rights. Critics of the bill argue that by purposely excluding facilities associated with elective abortions, the bill enforces an ideological stance that could negatively impact the range of services available to women. Proponents of the bill maintain that it serves a practical purpose by ensuring maternity centers are adequately insured, enabling them to provide essential services. The balance of ensuring comprehensive care while respecting legislative intent remains a debated issue within Kansas's legislative assembly.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

KS HB2478

Adding "maternity center" to the definition of "healthcare provider" for purposes of the healthcare provider insurance availability act.

KS SB41

Adding advanced practice registered nurses to the definition of healthcare provider for purposes of the healthcare provider insurance availability act.

KS SB354

Designating facilities where elective abortions are performed as being ineligible to purchase professional liability insurance from the healthcare stabilization fund.

KS HB2039

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.

KS HB2171

Providing that peer review privilege for healthcare providers does not apply to factual information.

KS SB233

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.

KS HB2071

Enacting the help not harm act to restrict the use of state funds to promote gender transitioning, prohibit healthcare providers from providing gender transition whose gender identity is inconsistent with the child's sex, authorize a civil cause of action against healthcare providers for providing such treatments, require professional discipline against a healthcare provider who performs such treatment and prohibit 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.

KS SB63

Enacting the help not harm act, restricting use of state funds to promote gender transitioning, prohibiting healthcare providers from providing gender transition care to 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.

KS HB624

Includes behavioral health services providers within the definition of "healthcare provider" in the La. Telehealth Access Act

KS HB826

Includes addiction counselors and other behavioral health providers within the definition of "healthcare provider" in the La. Telehealth Access Act (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)

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