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Minutes for SB118 - Committee on Ways and Means
Short Title
Protecting counties from debts or obligations of a county hospital upon its closure.
Minutes Content for Wed, Feb 20, 2019
Chairperson McGinn opened the hearing on SB 118. Jill Wolters provided an overview of the bill and responded to questions from Committee members. (Attachment 5)
Kurt Fairchild spoke in support of the bill. The Stafford County Commissioners became concerned about their local county hospital when they were made aware that the hospital board signed a contract with a management company without the commissioners' knowledge. The commissioners sought an opinion from the attorney general regarding what happens to the liabilities of a county hospital if it closes. The attorney general determined that current statute does not address financial obligations and that legislation was needed. Mr. Fairchild responded to questions from Committee members. (Attachment 6)
Jay Hall testified in favor of the bill. This bill would fill a gap in statute and only applies to county hospitals, not to private hospitals. His testimony includes a proposed amendment to provide clarifying language. Mr. Hall responded to questions from Committee members. (Attachment 7)
Written testimony in support of the bill was submitted by:
Paul Dean, Greenwood County (Attachment 8)
John Smith, Kansas Legislative Policy Group (Attachment 9)
Chad Austin testified as a neutral conferee. There are approximately 38 hospitals in Kansas that are considered county hospitals. Hospital boards should submit budgets to county commissioner boards for approval. There is some concern about unintended consequences of a bill such as this. There is also an option for county hospitals to include language in their contracts clearly stating that the county is not responsible for the debts and obligations of the hospital if it closes. (Attachment 10)
There being no further conferees, Chairperson McGinn closed the hearing on SB 118.
Chairperson McGinn adjourned the meeting at 11:40 am. The next meeting will be February 21, 2019.
