Call to action: Help your legislators understand the difference between a physician and a nurse

From Rachelle Colombo, KMS Executive Director:
This KMS update is to ask you — yet again — to take a moment now to remind Kansas lawmakers of what they need to know as they consider what would be sweeping legislation, now under consideration, implicating the practice of medicine in our state. HB 2279 would amend Kansas's advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) authorized scope of practice statute to permit their prescribing of drugs without a collaborative practice agreement (CPA) with a physician, among other things.

Where the legislature draws the statutory line between a licensed physician and other health care providers is a fundamental question regarding the practice of medicine in our state. KMS will continue to advocate on your behalf as this bill is considered in the Legislature, perhaps being approved by the Senate this week and then progressing on to the House, where it could potentially be passed without a public hearing on the contents of the bill. In any case, KMS continues its work and will seek to make this bill more amenable for both physicians and patients in Kansas.

If you are able to do so we urge you to contact your senator and representative regarding this impending APRN bill as soon as you may, and before noon tomorrow if at all possible. It now appears the Senate will vote on the bill tomorrow afternoon. You can find your Senator and House Representative's contact information here. Communication should be respectful and concise

1. Without clear statutory limitations on scope of practice and without oversight by the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts (KSBHA), this bill would permit the unsupervised practice of medicine by non-physicians.
2. 94% of Kansans responding to a recent statewide poll on health care issues said it was important to have a physician leading their health care team when it comes to diagnosing or treating them or their family member.
3. Ask your senator and representative to please vote against this legislation.

Thank you to the many of you who have reached out to your legislators  — and to us at KMS. Your advocacy for the practice of medicine is so crucial and helpful to our efforts.

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If you have questions about this update or other matters, please contact KMS Executive Director Rachelle Colombo: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..