Kansas House Bill HB2751

Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/24
• Refer: 2/7/24
• Report Pass: 2/15/24
• Engrossed: 2/28/24
• Refer: 2/29/24
• Report Pass: 3/25/24
• Failed: 4/30/24

Caption

Authorizing the Kansas department for aging and disability services to condition or restrict a disability service provider license, granting the secretary authority to grant regulation waivers unrelated to health and safety and authorizing correction orders and civil fines to be appealed to the secretary.

Impact

The changes proposed in HB2751 aim to strengthen oversight of disability service providers by enacting stricter standards for licensure. With the secretary able to waive certain requirements, the bill also introduces provisions that could allow for more flexibility in managing compliance issues without compromising health and safety. This approach is expected to enhance the overall quality of care delivered by these facilities but may raise concerns about the adequacy of oversight as waivers could be granted more freely.

Summary

House Bill 2751 is an act designed to update and amend the regulations surrounding the licensure of providers of disability services in Kansas. Specifically, the bill grants the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services the authority to condition or restrict the licenses of these providers. This includes the ability for the department to issue correction orders and civil fines, and to appeal these orders to the secretary, thereby ensuring compliance with health and safety standards.

Approval

On February 22, 2024, HB2751 passed with a strong majority in the House, registering 111 votes in favor and only 9 against. The legislative support indicates a recognition of the need for modernized frameworks that better align with the evolving nature of disability services in Kansas. The initial voting reflects a bipartisan agreement on the importance of adapting state laws to meet current health care challenges.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB2751 include the balance between regulatory flexibility and necessary oversight to protect vulnerable populations. Advocates for the bill argue that it will allow for more responsive regulatory practices that can adapt to specific circumstances affecting providers, thus fostering a healthier environment for service delivery. However, critics of the legislation worry that such flexibility might lead to lapses in supervision and potentially dangerous outcomes for individuals relying on these services.