Kansas Gov. signs several bills into law to further access to healthcare
TOPEKA, Kan. (KCTV) - The Kansas Governor has signed several bills into law, including one that allows CRNAs to prescribe certain narcotics based on their qualifications.
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly says she recently signed Substitute for Senate Bill 67 to authorize certified ed nurse anesthetists to prescribe, gather and ister narcotics consistent with their education and qualifications.
“By allowing health care providers to practice the full extent of their qualifications and capabilities, we are expanding opportunities for both providers and patients,” Gov. Kelly said. “This legislation will help address our health care workforce shortage and increase access to care.”
The Governor indicated that current law dictates that certified ed nurse anesthetists can only perform certain functions under the order of a doctor or dentist. The bill now amends that law to allow CRNAs the authority to prescribe durable medical equipment and ister drugs consistent with their qualifications.
Kelly noted that the new law removes barriers to healthcare access and reduces wait times for patients in need of care statewide.
“Health care providers work hard to obtain the training and certification necessary to provide high-quality care,” said Senator Cindy Holscher (D-Overland Park). “Through this legislation, we are empowering more providers to treat patients across the state in a timely and appropriate manner, which is a win for all.”
Legislators revealed that the bill was amended in the Senate to limit the privileges of CRNAs to be similar to other categories of advanced practice ed nurses. This ensures appropriate prescription and istrative power.
“I am honored to our CRNAs as they work to serve more Kansans. By allowing their scope of practice to expand, we increase access in rural Kansas where anesthesiologists are hard to come by,” said Sen. Stephen Owens (R-Hesston). “This bill will rural doctors, dentists, and other practitioners, saving Kansans from extended travel and long wait times. This is yet another step in ing the heart of Kansas to be more prosperous.”
Additionally, the Governor said she signed the following bills into law:
- House Bill 2152 - to shift the state’s investment strategy for public funds to encourage deposits into Kansas financial institutions. The change would help ensure taxpayer dollars are invested in local communities, increase economic activity in the state and provide Kansans access to additional capital to finance investments in their home, business or community.
- Senate Bill 97 - to clarify that vehicle dealers are required to apply for a dealer inventory-only title for certain used non-highway vehicles.
- Senate Bill 89 - to allow the Kansas Department of Agriculture to assess a participant fee for poultry producers that wish to participate in the National Poultry Improvement Plan - a state-federal cooperative testing and certification program that seeks to eradicate disease in the poultry industry.
- House Bill 2359 - to simplify interstate recognition of guardianship orders and increase opportunities for individuals subject to guardianship or conservatorship to be involved in decision-making.
- House Bill 2338 - to authorize the board of cosmetology to issue temporary permits for guest artists.
- House Bill 2307 - to transfer the prenatal and postnatal diagnosed conditions awareness programs from the Department of Health and Environment to the Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities.
To read the full text of Senate Bill 67, click HERE.
Copyright 2025 KCTV. All rights reserved.
