Welcome to Kansas Medical Society
April 19, 2026 Newsletter
Key Takeaways from the 2026 Legislative Session
Politics at play
As expected, the 2026 Legislative Session was defined by opposing political platforms and the impending elections. Three Senators, including the President, are running for Governor, and at least three members of the House of Representatives, including the Speaker, are running for statewide offices. The Republican supermajority was determined to develop a budget independent from Democrat Governor Laura Kelly, and to run an aggressively abbreviated calendar. The legislature adjourned its regular session in a record 54 days, returning ten days later for a two-day wrap-up session to take up issues vetoed by the Governor. Of the more than two dozen vetoed items, they ultimately succeeded in overriding 14 of the 16 issues they considered, many of which were budget items. One line item the Governor vetoed would have moved Kansas to the Federal vaccination schedule – a policy that KMS opposed. The Legislature chose to let the Governor’s veto stand on this measure.
Wins and Challenges
Despite the somewhat chaotic and contentious tenor of the session, KMS was successful in pursuing several key priorities. HB 2366 which would have allowed naturopathic doctors to prescribe drugs and controlled substances without physician oversight, and also perform certain invasive procedures was defeated. The bill failed on a tie vote on the floor of the House and efforts to resurrect the issue did not prevail.
Other scope of practice issues that advanced included HB 2068, which allows pharmacists to “initiate treatment” (prescribe) for conditions that do not require a new diagnosis, are minor and generally self-limiting, or constitute an emergency if the prescription is not immediately dispensed. KMS opposed the measure but succeeded in adding several amendments to narrow the bill, including limiting prescribing to a 90 day supply, not allowing for the prescribing of controlled substances except for medication assisted therapy for addiction, and adding liability insurance requirements for pharmacists including participation in the Health Care Stabilization Fund. Similarly, HB 2223 allowing optometrists to, among other things, perform two laser procedures independently, also passed after a several-year push by optometrists. The optometrists did agree to several amendments narrowing the scope expansion, including a KMS amendment to require physician involvement in approving new technologies or procedures, and also a requirement that optometrists participate in the Health Care Stabilization Fund.
While not a scope of practice bill, HB 2509 requires all APRNs to carry a minimum of $1M in malpractice insurance and participate in the Health Care Stabilization Fund. The bill passed both the House and Senate with supermajority margins and was signed into law by the Governor. This bill, along with the amendments adopted in HB 2068 and HB 2223 have established a new policy standard that any provider which is independently performing any aspect of medical practice must purchase the same minimum level of malpractice coverage and participate in the Health Care Stabilization Fund. KMS supported HB 2509 and has long advocated for holding providers to the same requirements if they are granted the same practice privileges.
Other issues that advanced include HB 2702, updating and modernizing the physician assistant/associate licensure act with necessary changes to better reflect current practices in diverse clinical practice settings, and also to reduce outdated and burdensome regulations. The bill did not expand PA scope of practice. Another bill which has positive implications for physician workforce issues, HB 2374, expands the Kansas Medical Student Loan Program beyond the primary care specialties to allow for other specialties to participate in this program which provides student loans which can be repaid with practice in rural and underserved areas. The program has proven to be very effective at attracting and retaining physicians in our less populous areas.
Takeaway from 2026 Session
In the end, KMS as always, emphasized to legislators the importance of education and training of health professionals in order to maintain high quality care and patient safety. We also continued to advocate for policies which promote a fair and stable professional liability environment. Also, thankfully efforts to eliminate or weaken vaccination requirements did not prevail.
With the session now over, elections are officially in full swing, not only for Governor and statewide office, but the entire House of Representatives stands for re-election. Many of our most loyal supporters will face difficult races or may choose to retire. If you have not already, please contribute to KaMPAC today so that we can support legislators who share our value of ensuring access to a physician-led team for all Kansans.
It is always a privilege to represent you and advocate on your behalf in the Kansas Statehouse. If you have questions about legislative or election matters, please reach out.
Sincerely,
Advocacy & Elections Forum Canceled
The Kansas Medical Society’s Advocacy & Elections Forum, originally scheduled for May 1st, has been canceled due to unforeseen scheduling conflicts. We are exploring options to reschedule the event at a later date and will share updates as they become available.
We sincerely appreciate the demonstrated interest in this event, and we remain committed to providing meaningful opportunities for member involvement in the future. Your engagement in advocacy and the electoral process is incredibly important. Thank you for your continued support of the Kansas Medical Society.
Earl L. Mills Educational Trust
Scholarship funds are available from the Earl Mills Educational Trust to deserving physicians who meet the following criteria:
- Applicants must have practiced in Kansas continuously for at least a five-year period and may not be a member of a medical group of more than five practicing physicians.
- Funds may be used for study in medicine or health care for a period of at least four months, but no more than one year, at an approved institution.
In addition, the Earl Mills Educational Trust provides funds for educational seminars in Sedgwick County, Kansas, which support post-graduate medical opportunities to practicing physicians.
The deadline for receipt of applications is August 31, 2026.
Applications should be sent to:
Weekend Moonlighting/Locums: Support Military Medical Readiness in Kansas
Leidos QTC is currently seeking to panel a select group of Kansas-licensed Physicians (MD/DO) to support the Department of Defense’s Reserve Health Readiness Program (RHRP-3).
We are looking for physicians to provide weekend PRN medical coverage for military reserve units (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and National Guard) at Group Events across the state. The scope of work involves conducting standard Physical Health Assessments (PHAs) to ensure our service members are medically cleared and deployable.
Opportunity Highlights:
- Compensation: Highly competitive $900 flat daily rate (1099 Independent Contractor).
- The Work: Low-stress, high-impact clinical work. No prescribing, critical care, or long-term patient management.
- Zero-Obligation Roster: Once you are pre-paneled, you simply pick up weekend events only when they fit your schedule. There are no minimum shift requirements and no obligation to accept any event.
- Travel: All flights, hotels, and rental cars are coordinated and paid for by Leidos QTC. Providers also receive a GSA per diem for meals.
- Malpractice: Comprehensive malpractice insurance coverage is available through QTC for $25/day (or you may use your own locums coverage).
This is an excellent, low-stress moonlighting opportunity for physicians looking to earn supplemental income while serving those who serve.
To learn more or get pre-paneled for upcoming Kansas events, please email your CV/Resume to:
Remembering Mary Ann Starbuck
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It is with great sadness that we share with you, our dear friend Mary Ann Starbuck has passed away. She passed peacefully on her birthday surrounded by loved ones at 87 years old.
To view Mary Ann's obituary, please click here |
Kansas State Board of Healing Arts and Board of Pharmacy Issue Joint Statement Regarding Intravenous Therapy
Click below to read the joint press release issued by the
Kansas Board of Healing Arts & Kansas Board of Pharmacy.
AMA National Advocacy Conference 2026
Advocacy at the National Level
Last week, leadership from the Kansas Medical Society and the Medical Society of Sedgwick County traveled to Washington, DC to advocate on behalf of Kansas physicians. Meetings were held with the Kansas congressional delegation, and each office was provided with comprehensive information outlining the challenges facing physicians and their patients across our state.
The discussions centered on Medicare payment reform, the administrative burden of prior authorization and its impact on patients’ timely access to care, Medicare Advantage and post-acute care accessibility, and other critical issues affecting the House of Medicine. These conversations ensured that the realities facing Kansas physicians were clearly communicated and thoughtfully considered.
The legislative process is often deliberate and measured. Fittingly, the word “Congress” derives from the Latin congressus, meaning “walking together” or “meeting.” Progress is rarely immediate, but the word itself implies that meaningful and lasting change requires persistence, collaboration, and sustained engagement.
Advocacy efforts will continue in the months and years ahead. The strength of our collective voice remains one of our most effective tools. Members are encouraged to stay engaged and involved as we work together to advance policies that support physicians and protect patients’ access to care across Kansas.
If you are not currently a member and are interested in becoming more engaged, click here.
