KMS Newsletters

Session Hits Halfway Mark

Legislators concluded the first half of the session this week with the Senate finishing business on Wednesday and the House spending another day, wrapping up debate on Thursday night, marking the conclusion of “Turnaround”.  Each chamber will consider those bills that were advanced from the opposite body and a few remaining bills that have been exempted from legislative deadlines.  

After the turnaround deadline, those bills that did not have a hearing or committee action and were not voted on or exempted from the deadline are now considered “dead” for the remainder of the 2025 session. While these deadlines help to thin out the number of actionable bills, they also lead to the coupling of issues through the amending of perishing proposals onto those that remain alive. In order for differing proposals to be amended together, they generally must share subject matter or a statutory connection.  

Both the House and Senate will return to Topeka on Tuesday, February 25th to commence the session’s second half.

The following bills of interest to the Kansas Medical Society remain active and viable for advancement before the session’s conclusion.

SB 29 as originally drafted would revoke the authority of the Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to impose quarantine measures. However, the bill was heavily amended to allow the Secretary to maintain public health, with the exception of banning mass gatherings. The bill passed the Senate and now heads to the House of Representatives. KMS is opposed.

SB 54 expands disclosure of third-party funding litigation. Private equity and other third parties can currently fund cases as “investments” and only the judge determines whether their funding is relevant to disclose to the jury.  An increase in third-party funding has led to an increase in litigation and some alarming trends nationwide, particularly in excessive verdicts and settlements. KMS provided testimony in support of SB 54 and the requirement to disclose the participation of a third-party’s funding. The bill exempts non-profits from mandatory disclosure.  The bill passed out of Senate Judiciary unanimously and passed the full Senate and now heads to the House. 

SB 67 as introduced would have authorized Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) the nearly unrestricted practice of medicine without any physician supervision. KMS strongly opposed SB 67 and the proponents’ characterization of the bill as an effort to merely equalize APRN and CRNA privileges. In 2022, APRNs were granted the authority to order durable medical equipment and to prescribe without a written prescribing protocol from a physician. Since that time, CRNAs have pushed for an entirely new statutory practice act that goes well beyond what was granted to other APRNs.  The Senate Health Committee, in response to advocacy by KMS and physicians statewide,  approved a substitute bill that strikes the original contents of SB 67, and instead amends the CRNA practice act to mirror the changes authorized for other APRNs three years ago, which is limited to allowing for prescribing drugs without a physician protocol. As amended, CRNAs must still provide anesthesia prescribing and administration pursuant to the order of a physician or dentist. KMS opposed SB 67 both in its original and amended form because we do not support allowing nonphysicians to practice medicine without supervision, regulatory oversight, and patient protections. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives.

HB 2223 allowing optometrists to perform surgical procedures was introduced and has been exempted from legislative deadlines but has not been scheduled for a hearing. KMS opposes HB 2223. 

HB 2368 establishes licensure for Anesthesiology Assistants (AAs). This issue has been brought to the legislature for nearly a decade in an effort to allow more anesthesia providers and to establish appropriate oversight and regulation ensuring patient safety. AAs practice under the direct and immediately available supervision of an anesthesiologist. They work interdependently with CRNAs and are particularly sought in urban areas to increase capacity for anesthesiology services. KMS provided testimony in support of HB 2368 and the establishment of a strictly constructed statutory scope of practice ensuring direct supervision of an anesthesiologist. The bill has been “blessed” and could yet advance this session.   

Issues Failing to Advance

SB 19 establishes the “conscientious right to refuse act” to prohibit discrimination against individuals who refuse medical care and creating a civil cause of action based on such discrimination and revoke the authority of the Secretary of Health and Environment to quarantine individuals and impose associated penalties. The bill was not advanced from the committee or exempted from deadlines and is now considered “dead” for the remainder of the session.  KMS opposed the bill.

SB 41 follows the recommendation of the Health Care Stabilization Fund Oversight Committee to add two classes of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) into the fund, requiring them to purchase $1M in malpractice coverage as a condition of licensure. KMS testified in support of SB 41, but it was not voted on or exempted from deadlines and is now “dead” for the remainder of the session.

HB 2157 expands pharmacist's scope of practice to include point-of-care testing for and treatment of COVID-19. KMS opposed HB 2157 and it is dead for the remainder of the session.

What's Next?

The last half of the session will focus on reconciling priorities between the House and Senate, finalizing the Budget, and acting on any additional vetoes issued by the Governor prior to adjournment on April 12. Last week, Governor Kelly vetoed SB 63, the “Help Not Harm Act” which prohibits the use of puberty blockers and surgical treatments for minors for the purpose of gender reassignment.  Both the House and Senate achieved the constitutionally required majority to override the veto. The law takes effect upon publication in the Kansas register, which is essentially immediately. 

There are several other issues that we could see resurrect or materialize either through amendments or in the budget process. We are monitoring all issues impacting the practice of medicine and advocating our unchanging message that Kansans deserve access to a physician-led team that does not sacrifice quality for access. If you have questions about these or other legislative matters, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

A Personal Message from KMS Executive Director Rachelle Colombo

Since 1859, KMS has been advocating for access to physician-led medical teams, the highest standards for medical care, you, and your patients. Pioneer physicians meeting at the Eldridge Hotel on a blustery February day in Lawrence recognized the value of organizing and immortalizing our mission, two years before Kansas was even a state. The practice of medicine is a high calling going back in history further than most all professions, with an emphasis on science, training, service, and measurable outcomes. 

In 2025, the average professional tenure equals just shy of 4 years, with most professionals switching jobs after just 3 years and 9 months. This has not been the case for the Kansas Medical Society. We have a strong tradition of principled, dedicated staff that have spanned many decades in service to advocating for the practice of medicine and the patients you care for. Today, we are honoring Nancy Sullivan, our Director of Operations who has worked at the Kansas Medical Society on behalf of Kansas physicians for 40 years. She began her career with an earnest desire to take care of people – a gift she is uniquely qualified for and has done so with excellence for four full decades. 

She was mentored by Jerry Slaughter, who hired her in 1985 and who will reach his own milestone of 52 years on staff with KMS next week. He embodies what it means to lead and serve with integrity and commitment and continues to foster a legacy of purpose. Both of these individuals have made it their life’s work to serve Kansas physicians, to encourage the highest quality care and to ensure policies which promote the best environment to practice and receive care. We have a proud heritage and whether you began your career 50 years ago or are just now entering practice – Jerry and Nancy have been a part of shaping healthcare in Kansas and will leave a lasting imprint on the future of medicine, here and nationwide. 

I hope you will take the time to learn about these forbearers of quality and service and join me in thanking them for their unwavering love and support for each of you. It is a true honor to be a member and champion of the Kansas Medical Society. 

Yours, 

Rachelle Colombo 

Nancy Sullivan's Legacy at KMS

For four decades, Nancy Sullivan has been the heartbeat of the Kansas Medical Society (KMS), a guiding force behind its mission, and a steady presence in the ever-changing landscape of organized medicine. Hired by former KMS Executive Director Jerry Slaughter in 1985, Nancy’s journey from executive assistant to Director of Operations is a testament to her unwavering dedication, adaptability, and the deep-seated passion she holds for Kansas physicians.

Nancy’s early days at KMS paint a picture of a different time—one of typewriters, carbon paper, and an in-house magazine, Kansas Medicine, painstakingly laid out by hand. From these humble beginnings, she witnessed and facilitated transformative changes, from the advent of digital communication to the expansion of KMS’s advocacy and service initiatives. Through it all, she remained a steadfast pillar of the organization, ensuring its culture of service and professionalism endured.

Slaughter, who worked alongside Nancy for 40 years, describes her impact as immeasurable. “Nancy has been as important as anyone who’s sat in the corner office in sustaining the culture of service that defines KMS,” he reflects. “She’s been the glue that holds everything together—the maternal figure in this professional family.”

More than just an operations leader, Nancy has been a mentor, confidante, and advocate for physicians across the state. She played a critical role in the formation of key programs such as the Kansas Healthcare Collaborative and the Kansas Medical Mutual Insurance Company (KAMMCO), demonstrating a keen ability to navigate complex policy and organizational shifts while keeping the needs of Kansas physicians at the forefront.

Her dedication extends beyond logistics and leadership; it is rooted in a genuine love for the organization and its mission. “I believe in the mission of KMS,” Nancy says. “Every morning, I wake up knowing I’m working for the physicians of Kansas. That’s what keeps me going.”

Over the years, Nancy has built deep relationships with KMS’s physician leaders, attending American Medical Association (AMA) meetings, organizing advocacy efforts, and ensuring seamless board operations. She has watched generations of medical professionals grow, from medical school to leadership roles, and takes great pride in supporting them throughout their careers.

Dr. Aron Fast, the current KMS board president, echoes these sentiments: "Nancy is one of those unique people that you run across only occasionally - a great combination of professional attitude, a caring mindset for others, and a trustworthiness to see a job through. My experience over the past 12 years in my involvement with KMS is that Nancy never drops the ball and at the same time she is always one step ahead in preparation. I am thankful for Nancy."

As KMS moves forward, Nancy’s influence will remain deeply embedded in its foundation. “If every physician in Kansas could see the value of KMS the way I do, there would never be hesitation about their membership,” she says. Her hope is that her passion and dedication will inspire continued support and involvement in the organization’s mission.

Reflecting on her 40 years, Nancy sums up her time at KMS in three words: family, mission, and gratitude. It’s a fitting tribute to a woman who has not only shaped an organization but has also enriched the lives of those around her. Her legacy will continue to inspire, ensuring that KMS remains a strong advocate for Kansas physicians for generations to come.

Nancy Sullivan's 40-Year Celebration – KMS invites you to share Your Memories & Congratulations! CLICK HERE to submit a note for Nancy's 40-Year Celebration!