The hearing for HB2676 was opened.
Carly Choi,Revisor of Statutes, provided an overview of the HB2676 (Attachment 1).
Ms. Choi responded to questions from the committee.
Tim Frost, Senior Fellow,Cicero Action, provided testimony in support of HB2676 (Attachment 2). Kansas faces a real and measurable access crisis. 71 of Kansas' counties are designated Primary Health Professional Shortage Areas. Kansas has more than 3,500 licensed pharmacists that are open nights, weekends and without appointment requirements. These pharmacies are often more accessible, and sometimes the only healthcare sites available in rural and underserved areas. The bill recognizes that access delays is access denied. The bill regulates pharmacist practices under a standard of care framework. This model does not reduce oversight. Pharmacist education supports full practice authority. This approach aligns with federal healthcare policy.
Mr. Frost responded to questions from the committee.
Alexandra Blasi, Executive Secretary, Kansas Board of Pharmacy, provided testimony in support of HB2676 (Attachment 3). Other states have implemented similar standard of care models. The Board appreciates the maker of the bill communicating with the Board in advance of bringing the legislation. The Board noted that additional amendments may need to be brought to ensure this law falls under the Pharmacy Act and the Boards regulatory oversight of pharmacists. The Board is ready to take on any regulatory oversight.
Ms. Blasi responded to questions from the committee.
Dr. Jim Backes, Associate Dean, University of Kansas School of Pharmacy, provided proponent testimony on HB2676 (Attachment 4). Pharmacists complete a minimum of six years of post secondary education. Dr. Backes provided a curriculum overview for a degree as a Doctor of Pharmacy. Today, healthcare is not delivered by a single profession. Expanding the pharmacy scope does not compromise patient safety. HB2676 reflects the realities of modern healthcare.
Dr. Backes responded to questions from the committee.
Tyler Woods, Treasure, Kansas Pharmacists Association, provided testimony in support of HB2676 (Attachment 5). This legislation allows Kansas pharmacists to provide care consistent with their training and clinical judgment. This bill will result in fewer emergent occurrences and fewer ER visits. This bill does not remove oversight or patient safety guardrails.
Mr. Woods responded to questions from the committee.
Written only proponent testimony provided by:
Bradley Seiler, Walgreens Healthcare Supervisor (Attachment 6)
Daniel Pons, President-Elect, Kansas Council, of Health-System Pharmacy (Attachment 7)
Michael Baxter, Vice President, Government Affairs, American Pharmacists Association (Attachment 8)
Dr. Courtney Johnson, Private Citizen (Attachment 9)
Hollie Resseguie, Private Citizen (Attachment 10)
Jennelle Knight, Pharmacy Services Manager, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (Attachment 11)
Paige Holopirek, Private Citizen (Attachment 12)
Elizabeth Kish, Private Citizen (Attachment 13)
Parker Corrin, Private Citizen (Attachment 14)
Morgan Buntin, Private Citizen (Attachment 15)
Kyle Robb, Director of State Policy & Advocacy, American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (Attachment 16)
John Monroe on behalf of the Kansas Association of Chain Drug Stores (Attachment 17)
Elizabeth Patton, Regional Director, Americans for Prosperity (Attachment 18)
Dr, Susan King, Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Kansas (Attachment 19)
Opponents:
Rachelle Colombo, Executive Director, Kansas Medical Society, provided testimony in opposition to HB2676 (Attachment 20). The bill allows pharmacists to "initiate therapy", which by all practical purposes means "prescribe drugs", for virtually any condition which does not require a new diagnosis, is "minor and self-limiting", has a test that is CLIA-waived, or in the judgment of the pharmacist, is patient emergency. The bill appears to be a way for pharmacists to independently diagnose and prescribe drugs for a potentially broad array of health conditions, in effect avoid prescribing protocols and limitations. The bill is overly broad and the implications have not been vetted with prescribers or regulatory boards.
Ms. Colombo responded to questions from the committee.
The hearing on HB2676 was closed.