KMS Newsletters
February 25, 2023 Newsletter
Legislative Update
The first major deadline of the 2023 legislative session was reached this week, with what is known as “turnaround”, the date at which most bills have to pass their chamber of origin in order to be alive for further consideration this session. However, there are exceptions to this deadline, as bills can be “blessed” which keeps them alive even though they have not passed their chamber of origin. Certain committees which are exempt from normal deadlines can also introduce bills about anytime, and the contents of a “dead” bill can always be added to an unrelated bill. So, even though there are deadlines, as a practical matter no issue is truly beyond the reach of the legislature as long as it is in session.
An example of an issue that failed to pass the Senate, but was “blessed”, keeping it alive for further consideration, is SB 112, which allows CRNAs to practice independently. Although the bill made it out of the Health Committee, the Senate deferred action on it for the time being. KMS opposed the bill and would like to thank everyone that reached out to their senator following Thursday’s call to action.
February 4, 2023 Newsletter
Legislative Bill Introductions
The 2022 legislative session is approaching its Feb. 10 deadline when bills must be introduced by committees in their originating chamber. That means bill introduction activity is likely to pick up in the next week. Feb. 24 is the turnaround deadline, when most bills must be approved by committees in their originating chamber or be exempted from deadlines in order to advance through the process.
January 28, 2023 Newsletter
In Memoriam, Jimmie A. Gleason, MD
Jimmie A. Gleason, MD, of Topeka, passed away January 24. He was 89. He is survived by his wife Louise and his two sons — Doug Gleason, MD, and Jeff Gleason, MD, and their families — and two stepdaughters, Lisa and Katherine and their families. He was preceded in death by his by his first wife, Mary Ellen “Micke,” who passed away in 2000, and by his son Mike, who passed away in 2013.
Dr. Gleason practiced obstetrics and gynecology in Topeka for 35 years, delivering more than 10,000 babies and caring for thousands of women throughout northeast Kansas. Dr. Gleason grew up in Clay Center. His family was in the livestock business raising mules and horses. Growing up, Dr. Gleason was an accomplished musician, playing the trumpet as a youngster and then in a band in college.
January 21, 2023 Newsletter
Legislative Update
On Friday, the legislature wrapped up its second full week of the 2023 legislative session. Bill introductions continue at a brisk pace, and committees have begun the process of holding hearings, discussing issues and advancing legislation.
As always, there will be a large number of health-related issues which we anticipate will receive some legislative attention this session. Efforts by non-physician healthcare providers to expand scope of practice provisions will likely continue to be an issue. Though nothing has been introduced as yet, there have been some rumblings that the APRNs may introduce a bill to broaden their scope of practice beyond the prescribing of drugs and durable medical equipment, which was all that was specifically authorized by last year’s legislation. Additionally, the pharmacists are expected to seek legislation which would allow pharmacisy technicians to administer immunizations; and also to expand pharmacists’ authority to provide vaccines to patients down to age 6 years and older.
January 10, 2023 Newsletter
2023 Legislative Session Begins
Yesterday marked the start of the 2023 legislative session. As always, KMS will vigorously advocate for keeping the practice of medicine and surgery in physicians’ hands, and making the environment in which you practice medicine the best it can possibly be.
This session will undoubtedly produce several important health care discussions, which will be affected by new leadership in the House of Representatives, as well as some Senate changes brought on by recent resignations. Both chambers of the legislature will be led by Republican legislators from the Wichita area: Representative Dan Hawkins is the new speaker of the House of Representatives, and Senator Ty Masterson continues as Senate president. The House Health Committee will continue to be chaired by Representative Brenda Landwehr of Wichita, and the Senate Health Committee will have a new chair in Senator Beverly Gossage of Eudora, who was made committee chair following the resignation from the senate by Richard Hilderbrand of Baxter Springs, who was the main architect of the 2022 legislation which authorized APRNs to prescribe drugs without a physician’s written authorization.
September 17, 2025 Newsletter
2025 Kansas Physician Leader Forum
No-Cost Statewide Event | Open to All Physician Leaders and Aspiring Leaders. Co-Hosted by the Kansas Medical Society and Kansas Hospital Association.
Join physician leaders from across Kansas for a powerful day of learning, connection, and discussion on the most pressing issues shaping health care today. This forum offers a unique opportunity to engage with peers, gain insights from experts, and explore strategies to strengthen leadership across hospital, clinic, and health system settings. We suggest layered business casual attire. A continental breakfast and cozy lunch will be provided. See below for further event details and registration information.
Event Details
Kansas Medical Society
623 SW 10th Ave Topeka, KS, 66612
Friday, November 7th, 2025
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Event Highlights
AI-Powered Future of Health Care
Barry Chaiken, MD, MPH will explore how artificial intelligence is transforming patient care, operations, and innovation. He offers practical frameworks for adopting AI while preserving the human touch essential to quality care.
Advocacy and Policy Updates
Hear from KMS and KHA leaders on key state and federal policy developments, upcoming legislation, and how health care professionals can effectively engage in advocacy to shape the future of care delivery.
Physician Workforce Panel Discussion
Experts including Mark Meyer, MD, Lynn Fisher, MD, and Jennifer Bacani McKenney, MD, FAAFP will discuss efforts to address Kansas’ health care workforce shortages and expand access to care, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
Communication: The Other Vital Sign
Leadership and communication skills are vital for effective teamwork and patient outcomes. This interactive session, led by Trey Burton focuses on tools and strategies to strengthen collaboration, reduce stress, and enhance leadership impact.
Registration
In depth event details including, the agenda, hotel accommodations, and more are included in the brochure. Please register no later than October 31st, so we can adequately prepare for your arrival.
To utilize the resources scan or click the corresponding QR code below.
Registration Brochure
2026 Advocacy Day & Physician Day at the Statehouse
On behalf of the Kansas Medical Society, we would like to invite you to our upcoming annual Advocacy Day on January 21st, 2026. You will join physicians from across the state, of all specialties to learn about issues impacting the house of medicine. This opportunity is a great chance to connect with your legislative leaders and guide decision-making to generate support for policies on critical issues.
We are excited to report that legislative, physician, and statewide leaders as well as our Governor have been invited to speak that morning.
A physician’s priority is their patients. The Kansas Medical Society's mission is to ensure patient care remains physician-directed. KMS advocacy is steadfast in ensuring lawmakers are well-educated all year on the issues affecting the practice of medicine. Whether you view advocacy as a responsibility or an option, your community participation, leadership, and our collective voice are essential to the House of Medicine’s continued leadership in health care.
Event Details
Kansas Medical Society
623 SW 10th Ave Topeka, KS, 66612
Wednesday, January 21st, 2026
7:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Registration
To register click or scan the QR code below.
Deadline to register is Monday, January 19, 2026 at 5pm.
National Physician Suicide Awareness Day
September 17th is recognized nation wide as National Physician Suicide Awareness Day. The main goal is to bring attention to the crisis of physician burnout. It is a call to action to provide safe and helpful resources, so a physician's mental struggles don't escalate to a mental health emergency.
Through our Professionals' Health Program - also known as PHP - we protect the health of Kansans and promote medical excellence. We do this by seeking early identification, rehabilitation, and treatment of physicians affected by mental/emotional disorders, physical health, substance use disorders, disruptive behaviors, and other life circumstances that affect medical competency. Denial that a respected healthcare provider could be impaired or struggling can sometimes lead to a fatal outcome. Immediate action can save a career and potentially a life.
Listed below are warning signs and potential resources for you to utilize. Use the clickable links and phone numbers below to go straight to the resource.
Warning Signs
A person might be suicidal if he or she exhibits behavioral changes. This is of greatest concern if the new or changed behavior is related to a painful event, loss or change. People who take their lives exhibit one or more warning signs, either through what they say or what they do.
TALK - Be concerned if a person talks about:
- Killing him/herself
- Feeling Hopeless
- Having no reason to live
- Being a burden to others
- Feeling trapped
- Unbearable pain
BEHAVIOR - Behaviors that may signal risk, especially if related to a painful event, loss, or change:
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs
- Looking for a way to end their lives, ex. researching methods
- Withdrawing from activities
- Isolating from family and friends
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Visiting/calling people to say goodbye
- Giving away prized possessions
- Aggression
- Fatigue
MOOD - People considering suicide often display one or more of the following moods:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Loss of interest
- Irritability
- Humiliation/Shame
- Agitation/Anger
- Relief/sudden improvement
Source: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Wellness Resources
Who to Contact - Free & Confidential:
- Kansas Medical Society - Professionals' Health Program
- Website: https://kmsonline.org/php
- Phone: (785) 231-1306
- National Suicide Prevention & Crisis Lifeline - 24/7/365
- Website: https://988lifeline.org/
- Chat: https://chat.988lifeline.org/
- Phone: 1 (800) 273-8255 or 988
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
- Website: https://www.nami.org/
- Chat: Text "NAMI" to 62640
- Phone: 1 (800) 950-6264
- Physician Support Line *Psychiatrist available 8AM-1AM every day. No appointment necessary.*
- Website: https://www.physiciansupportline.com/
- Phone: 1 (888) 409-0141
Therapy & Wellness:
- Psychology Today Therapist Database
- PeerRxMed
The Happy MD:
- Website: http://www.thehappymd.com
- YouTube: The Happy MD
Federation of State Physician Health Programs (FSPHP):
AMA Steps Forward:
Reccomended Reading:
- Physician Suicide Letters Answered, Pamela Wible, M.D.
- Why Physicians Die by Suicide–Lessons Learned from Their Families and Others Who
Cared, Michael F. Myers, M.D.
