This bill amends the laws governing the licensure and regulation of physician assistants (PAs) in Kansas, introducing several key changes aimed at enhancing public safety and professional standards. A significant requirement is the implementation of criminal history record checks for PA license applicants, which includes fingerprinting and submission to state and national databases. The state board of healing arts is authorized to collect fees to cover these checks, and the bill establishes confidentiality for the criminal history information obtained, with penalties for unauthorized disclosure. Additionally, the bill outlines the grounds for revoking a PA's license and emphasizes the collaborative relationship between PAs and supervising physicians.

The legislation also introduces new licensing designations for PAs, including active, inactive, federally active, and exempt licenses, along with specific application processes and renewal requirements. It allows PAs to prescribe and dispense prescription-only drugs under certain conditions and clarifies the scope of practice based on their training and experience. The bill establishes a physician assistant council to advise the board and repeals several existing statutes related to PA practice. Overall, the bill aims to create a more flexible and comprehensive regulatory framework for PAs, ensuring that they can effectively contribute to patient care while adhering to legal and professional standards. The effective date of the act is set for January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 22-4714, 65-28, 65-28a02, 65-28a01, 65-28a12, 65-28a03, 65-2855, 65-28a04, 65-28a05, 60-4404, 60-4405, 65-28a06, 65-28a08, 65-425, 65-28a09, 65-28a11