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Minutes for SB165 - Committee on Public Health and Welfare
Short Title
Providing insurance coverage for opioid-related treatments and establishing standards for use of emergency opioid antagonists.
Minutes Content for Mon, Feb 20, 2017
Chairperson Schmidt opened the hearing on SB165.
Scott Abbott, Staff Revisor, presented an overview of SB165.
Dr. Bob Twillman testified in support of SB165, He stated that passing SB165 would be an important step towards solving the current problem of unintended overdose deaths resulting from the use of opioid pain relievers and illicit opioid drugs. (Attachment 1)
Dr. Jody Reel testified in support of SB165, stating that passage of SB165 would increase access to the lifesaving drug nalaxone. She presented a balloon amendment defining groups affected by passage of SB165. (Attachment 2)
Alexandra Blasi presented testimony in support of SB165. She stated that the bill would allow increased access to Naloxone and any future emergency opioid antagonists. (Attachment 3)
Rachel Marsh testified that making sure that all appropriate treatment options are available and covered by insurance by those struggling with addiction is an important step and supports the passage of SB165. (Attachment 4)
Katie Whisman testified in support of SB165, stressing the importance of allowing first responders access to opioid antagonist medication for administering in an emergency. She provided two amendments. (Attachment 5)
Jason White testified on behalf of Marcer (Attachment 6) & Kansas EMS Association in support of SB165. (Attachment 7)
Sgt. Fred Farris, Lenexa Police Department presented testimony in support of SB165. (Attachment 8)
Ed Klumpp, KS Assoc of Chiefs of Police, KS Sheriffs Assoc, KS Peace Officers Assoc. testified on behalf of SB165. (Attachment 9)
Written testimony provided by Ryan Jacobsen in support of SB165. (Attachment 10)
Larrie Ann Brown, Express Scripts provided testimony in opposition to section two of SB165. (Attachment 11)
Brad Smoot, Legislative Counsel for Blue Cross Blue Shield, provided testimony in opposition to SB165. (Attachment 12)
Written testimony in opposition to SB165 was provided by Bill Sneed, Counsel for America's Health Ins. Plan. (Attachment 13)
Neutral testimony was provided by Joseph House, KS Board of Emergency Medical Services. (Attachment 14)
Chairperson Schmidt adjourned the meeting at 10:30.
The next meeting is scheduled for March 6, 2017.
