Governor Kelly Signs Bipartisan Bill Expanding Opportunities for Nurse Anesthetists
Topeka–Governor Laura Kelly has signed Senate Bill 67, which authorizes certified registered nurse anesthetists to prescribe, procure, and administer drugs consistent with the registered nurse anesthetist’s 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,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This legislation will help address our health care workforce shortage and increase access to care.”
Current law authorizes certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) to perform certain functions only upon the order of a physician or dentist. This bill will amend law pertaining to a CRNA’s prescription authority to prescribe durable medical equipment, as well as prescribe and administer any drug consistent with a CRNA’s qualifications, among other clarifications. This new law will remove barriers to accessing health care professionals and reduce wait times for patients in need of care across Kansas, particularly in rural areas.
“Health care providers work hard to obtain the training and certification necessary to provide high-quality care,” said Senator for District 8 Cindy Holscher. “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.”
This bill was amended in the Senate to limit the privileges of CRNAs to be similar to other categories of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to ensure appropriate prescription and administrative power.
“I am honored to support 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 Senator for District 31 Stephen Owens. “This bill will support rural doctors, dentists, and other practitioners, saving Kansans from extended travel and long wait times. This is yet another step in supporting the heart of Kansas to be more prosperous.”
In addition to Senate Bill 67, Governor Kelly also signed the following bipartisan bills:
House Bill 2152: Shifts Kansas’ investment strategy for public funds to encourage those funds be deposited in Kansas financial institutions. This change will 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: Clarifies that vehicle dealers must apply for a dealer inventory-only title for certain used nonhighway vehicles.
Senate Bill 89: Allows the Kansas Department of Agriculture to assess a participant fee for poultry producers that wish to voluntarily 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: Simplifies interstate recognition of guardianship orders and increases opportunities for individuals subject to guardianship or conservatorship to be involved in decision-making.
House Bill 2338: Authorizes the board of cosmetology to issue temporary permits for guest artists.
House Bill 2307: Transfers the prenatal and postnatal diagnosed conditions awareness programs from the Department of Health and Environment to the Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities.
