— Published Sept. 17, 2022
Guidance for new APRN law
The Kansas State Board of Nursing this week approved the permanent regulations that will soon govern independently practicing Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs). These regulations will become effective upon publication in the Kansas Register, which should occur within the next 30 days. The permanent regulations are identical to the temporary regulations currently in effect.
As we have briefed you on previously, KMS has opposed these regulations, which we believe go beyond what was authorized by the legislation that was passed by the Kansas Legislature. We are working closely with legal counsel to determine next steps.
In the meantime, physician practices should review their employment agreements with APRNs, including the professional liability insurance coverage that may be provided for them to ensure they comply with the new law. Also, if you employ, contract with, supervise, or sign off on the care provided by an APRN in any clinical site, you are most likely going to continue to be at least partially if not wholly responsible for the care they provide to patients pursuant to any supervision, order, or delegation you provide, so you will want to discuss those situations with your insurance provider, legal counsel, or health care facility administrator
For additional guidance, KMS has updated our “Frequently Asked Questions” page at www.kmsonline.org/APRNfaq.
Additional information on this issue is available via the recent webinar hosted by KMS and the Kansas Hospital Association — the recording is available here and the slides are available here.
Physician Suicide Awareness Day
Saturday, September 17, 2022, is National Physician Suicide Awareness Day. Discussion of physician suicide is not easy, but crucial. Almost 400 physicians in the United States die by suicide each year. All physicians licensed in Kansas will be receiving an email with this letter from the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts today.
Funding opportunity for clinics interested in embedding Community Health Worker teams
The Kansas Healthcare Collaborative, in partnership with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, is seeking clinics interested in embedding teams of Community Health Workers (CHW) at clinics in any county in Kansas. Recent research shows employing CHWs can improve health outcomes, increase patient satisfaction, reduce costs, and reduce health disparities. CHW teams will work to provide greater access to COVID-19 prevention and response, while addressing chronic diseases and social determinants of health that exacerbate COVID-19.More information is available at www.khconline.org/chw-initiative.
The deadline to express interest is October 15, 2022. To express interest please contact Mandy Johnson at
AMA Report: Disturbing trends on overdose deaths require action
A new report issued by the American Medical Association (AMA) details the toll of the nation’s overdose and death epidemic and calls for a comprehensive approach — by policymakers, public health experts, educators, faith leaders, and employers — to help save lives.
While physicians and other health care professionals have reduced opioid prescribing in every state — by nearly 50% nationally — that by itself cannot reverse the trend of drug-related overdose deaths. For the first time, in 2021 drug-related overdose deaths exceeded 100,000 — primarily due to illicitly manufactured fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine. Overdose deaths are amplified by underlying social needs including housing and transportation. Read the full report here.
Save the date: KMS Advocacy Day, 2023
Mark your calendar for the next KMS Advocacy Day on Jan. 25, which will be held in Topeka.
Advocacy Day offers a chance to meet with state legislative leaders, to meet with your colleagues across the state, and to hear from KMS leadership about the upcoming legislative session. While some specialty societies may also hold events later in the year, Advocacy Day is the one event of the year for allKansas physicians. More information will be forthcoming in this KMS newsletter.
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If you have questions about this update or other matters, please contact KMS Executive Director Rachelle Colombo:
