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Minutes for HB2039 - Committee on Health and Human Services
Short Title
Amending definitions in the Kansas credentialing act to provide that certain entities providing physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech-language pathology are not home health agencies.
Minutes Content for Mon, Feb 10, 2025
Carly Choi, Revisor of Statutes, provided an overview of HB2039 (Attachment 1).
Stephanie Underwood, General Counsel, Fox Rehabilitation, provided testimony in support of HB2039 (Attachment 2). An overview of the organization was provided. The organization does not bill Medicare Part A nor are they a home health agency. The average age of a patient is 82 years of age with multiple comorbidities. Fox fills the gap for patients that are not home-bound and need outpatient services. Approximately 60% of the services are in assisted living facilities and 40% in residential homes. Fox would like to expand its operations in Kansas to be able to offer its house calls to older Kansans. Current statute would require Fox be subject to home health licensing. Fox is proposing a clarification to Kansas' definition of Home Health Agency to exclude entities not reimbursed by Medicare Part A and only provide services licensed under the physical and occupational therapy act and is licensed as a speech-language therapist. Ms. Underwood provided a slideshow giving an overview of Fox Rehabilitation (Attachment 3).
Ms. Underwood responded to questions from the committee.
Tara Mays, Vice President, State Legislative Relations, Kansas Hospital Association, provided testimony in support of HB2039 (Attachment 4). Ms. Mays asked the committee to consider adding language to the bill regarding the issues of credentialing of healthcare providers which may take 90-120 days for the process. Prospective language was provided to the committee.
Ms. Mays responded to questions from the committee.
The following provided written only proponent testimony:
Alex Melugin, President and Partner, Phoenix Home Care and Hospice (Attachment 5)
The hearing was closed.
