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Minutes for HB2530 - Committee on Children and Seniors
Short Title
Adding emergency medical services personnel to the list of mandatory reporters of abuse, neglect or exploitation of certain adults.
Minutes Content for Thu, Feb 8, 2018
The Vice-Chair opened the meeting and announced the hearing of bills. Kyle Hamilton, Office of Revisor of Statutes, briefed committee members on HB 2530, explaining that the bill establishes the authority of emergency medical personnel to report neglect or abuse of certain adults.
Joseph House, speaking as a proponent of HB 2530, explained that this bill mandates what some emergency medical service (EMS) providers are already doing. An EMS provider is expected to report any suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation of a child to the proper authorities. Mr. House noted that there are other persons who may not be able to advocate for themselves and by changing wording from "some" providers to "all" providers, those more vulnerable persons would be protected. He requested support and passage of HB 2530 (Attachment 1).
Marvin VanBlaricon also spoke as a proponent of HB 2530. He explained that often EMS providers are the first to observe incidences of neglect or abuse when responding to a call. Mr. VanBlaricon noted that the bill, which mandates reporting for adults, would bring Kansas law in line with surrounding states and allow free exchange of information when needed. He voiced the importance of being the eyes and ears of the community in providing protection and service (Attachment 2).
Kathy Armstrong, presenting testimony in support of HB 2530, noted that the Department for Children and Families (DCF) provides services to vulnerable persons of any age. She acknowledged the importance of EMS personnel reporting to DCF when they observe mistreatment of someone in an adult care home. Ms. Armstrong said HB 2530 will reinforce mandating reporting of persons in need of protective services (Attachment 3).
Written only testimony as a proponent was provided by Kansas Advocates for Better Care (Attachment 4).
The Chair, now conducting the meeting, closed the hearing on HB 2530.
