Kelly signs bipartisan bill removing health care barriers

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced Friday that she signed Senate Substitute for House Bill 2279. The bipartisan bill expands access to health care in Kansas by removing barriers, allowing advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to practice independently.

“Kansas, like so many other states, is experiencing a health care shortage – especially in rural parts of the state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This will improve the availability of high-quality health care by empowering APRNs to reduce local and regional care gaps.”

“This bill will increase access to care for all Kansans, many of whom rely on safe and expert APRN care today,”Amy Siple, APRN, president of Kansas Advanced Practice Nurses Association, said.

“We applaud Governor Kelly and the Kansas legislature for taking this step towards greater access, quality outcomes, and reduced regulatory barriers. As the 26th state to remove these barriers for APRNs, Kansas demonstrates a commitment to improving the health of its citizens,” Siple added.

Senate Sub. for HB 2279 requires an APRN to maintain malpractice insurance and national certification for initial licensure as an APRN. It also requires that these medical professionals comply with federal Drug Enforcement Administration requirements related to controlled substances to prescribe controlled substances.

Additional information about Senate Sub for HB 2279 can be found here.