The bill amends the Kansas Nurse Practice Act to enhance the regulatory framework governing nursing practices in Kansas. It introduces a requirement for the Kansas State Board of Nursing to declare certain non-practice violations void and establishes a process for late license renewals for various nursing professionals, including associated fees. The definition of unprofessional conduct is narrowed to actions directly related to nursing practice, and the board is prohibited from retaliating against licensees for lawful actions. Additionally, the bill mandates Senate confirmation for board members, requires refunds for overpayments, and establishes a two-year renewal cycle for nursing licenses, along with a digital notification system for license renewals.

Further amendments include clarifying the grounds for disciplinary actions against nursing licensees, streamlining the licensure and reinstatement processes, and specifying that costs incurred by the board in legal proceedings will be covered by the board's fee fund if not recoverable from the applicant or licensee. The bill also sets a timeline for closing investigations into alleged violations and allows the board to designate independent contractors for investigations. It modifies the structure of the board, stipulating membership qualifications and term limits, and grants the board powers to issue subpoenas and assess civil fines for violations, with all collected fines directed to the state treasury. Overall, the legislation aims to ensure fairness, transparency, and efficiency in the operations of the Kansas State Board of Nursing.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 65-1117, 65-1118, 65-1119, 65-1120, 22-4715, 65-1120a, 65-1127, 65-1131, 40-3402, 40-3404, 65-1132, 74-1106, 74-1108, 74-1110
As Amended by House Committee: 65-1117, 65-1118, 65-1119, 65-1120, 22-4715, 65-1120a, 65-1127, 65-1131, 40-3402, 40-3404, 65-1132, 74-1106, 74-1108, 74-1110
{As Amended by House Committee of the Whole}: 65-1117, 65-1118, 65-1119, 65-1120, 22-4715, 65-1120a, 65-1127, 65-1131, 40-3402, 40-3404, 65-1132, 74-1106, 74-1108, 74-1110
As Amended by Senate Committee: 65-1117, 65-1118, 65-1119, 65-1120, 22-4715, 65-1120a, 65-1127, 65-1131, 40-3402, 40-3404, 65-1132, 74-1106, 74-1108, 74-1110
{As Amended by Senate Committee of the Whole}: 65-1117, 65-1118, 65-1119, 65-1120, 22-4715, 65-1120a, 65-1127, 65-1131, 40-3402, 40-3404, 65-1132, 74-1106, 74-1108, 74-1110