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Minutes for HB2118 - Committee on Insurance
Short Title
Providing liability exceptions and inactive provider coverage limits under the health care provider insurance availability act and exempting certain licensed providers from the act.
Minutes Content for Tue, Feb 7, 2017
Chairperson Vickrey opened the hearing for HB 2118.
Jason Thompson briefed the members on HB 2118. He said the bill amended the Health Care Provider Insurance Availability Act and the Nurse Practice Act. The Act stated the Health Care Stabilization Fund would not be liable for claims already covered by the Federal or Kansas Tort Claims Acts and it defined a charitable health care provider. It clarified that advance practice registered nurses with exempt licenses would not be required to obtain professional liability or HSCF insurance. (Attachment 1)
Charles "Chip" Wheelen testified in support of the bill. He said the bill was a minor tuneup to major legislation passed earlier. The bill amended the definition of charitable health care provider. It excluded coverage for health care workers who provided charity-based care outside the scope of their regular employment if they were already covered under the tort claims acts. (Attachment 2)
Representative Hawkins asked if Sec.2.d related to what was done last year.
Mr. Wheelen answered that it was a mirror image to the amendment adopted last year in the Kansas Tort Claims Act.
Matthew Schmidt testified in support of the bill. He said the HMC was a Charitable Health Care Provider serving Harvey County. He added healthcare providers, especially in rural and medically undeserved areas, were important and the bill removed restrictive regulatory language that hindered the providers' ability to provide care. The bill made it possible for them to step out of their scope of care and provide services, such as in a nursing home. In summary, the bill enabled accessibility and affordability (Attachment 3)
Written testimony in support of HB 2118 was presented by Bryan R. Brady (Attachment 4) Denise Cyzman (Attachment 5) Mary Blubaugh (Attachment 6) and Rachelle Colombo (Attachment 7)
Chairperson Vickrey closed the hearing on HB 2118.
