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Telemedicine widens scope of services amid pandemic, but payment parity looms large
TOPEKA — The consensus opinion among health care professionals indicates telehealth services have opened new avenues toward better patient outcomes across Kansas, but many providers fear the loss of current reimbursement rates could force them to cease these services. Early in the pandemic, Gov. Laura Kelly issued an executive order expanding access to telehealth by […]
Kelly picks her lieutenant governor to be Kansas state treasurer
TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly is appointing Lt. Gov. Lynn Rogers to the soon-to-be-vacant position of Kansas state treasurer, citing his experience in banking and public service. The decision lifts Rogers, a Wichita Democrat, to the higher-profile job now occupied by Jake LaTurner, a Republican who was elected to Congress in November. Kelly must now […]
Moran praises COVID-19 vaccines, offers public injection to boost confidence
TOPEKA — U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran on Thursday pledged his support for COVID-19 vaccines in response to polling that suggests half the country refuses or is reluctant to accept an injection. Kansas leaders expect to receive 23,750 doses of the Pfizer vaccine within the next week, pending Food and Drug Administration approval, which could come […]
Current and former Kansas political players throw support behind Texas election lawsuit
TOPEKA — Kansas joined 16 states Wednesday in calling for the U.S. Supreme Court to hear a lawsuit brought by Texas that calls for a review of voting procedures in the 2020 general election in four swing states. The suit, filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Republican, demands that Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and […]
Kansas broadband efforts receive $85 million boost to bridge digital divide
TOPEKA — Kansas’ broadband czar says a new grant initiative will infuse tens of millions of dollars over the next decade into projects working to close the digital divide in underserved areas across Kansas. Stanley Adams, director of the office of broadband development at the Kansas Department of Commerce, said the Broadband Acceleration Grant […]
GOP legislators frustrated with labor department response to unemployment problems
TOPEKA — Frustrations with the state’s distressed unemployment system are mounting among Republican legislators on an oversight panel who say they are not getting answers to their inquiries. The legislators expressed displeasure with information provided by Ryan Wright, acting secretary of the Kansas Department of Labor, and the agency’s failure to meet timely deadlines in […]
Republican, Democratic legislators select new partisan leadership for 2021 session
Republicans and Democrats in Kansas Legislature select partisan leaders for 2021 session. House voted for status quo. Senate made big changes.
High-level EMS workers granted temporary allowance to administer COVID-19 vaccine
TOPEKA — The state board overseeing emergency medical services moved Friday to allow workers above a certain level of EMS certification to aid in the administration of any COVID-19 vaccine for the next 12 months. The recommendation, which also passed with a guidance document listing best practices, allows for those with Emergency Medical Technician, or […]
Lawmakers signal preemptive strike against refinancing of Kansas pension system
TOPEKA — Members of a committee tasked with monitoring the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System took a preemptive stance Wednesday against refinancing the public pension system’s unfunded liability. Rep. Jim Kelly, an Independence Republican, proposed the 2021 Legislature put off refinancing, or re-amortizing, the state’s 40-year plan to pay off debt to the KPERS fund. […]
COVID-19 vaccine for high-risk health care workers expected in Kansas in mid-December
TOPEKA — A Kansas health official says a COVID-19 vaccine could be available for many high-risk health care workers in mid-December. Phil Griffin, deputy director of the bureau of disease control and prevention for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, said pending approval from the Food and Drug Administration, a vaccine from the pharmaceutical […]
Kansas post-election audit shows no signs of foul play in record-breaking election
TOPEKA — Kansas election officials say the record-breaking 2020 general election avoided any major issues or discrepancies despite unpredictable circumstances amid COVID-19. The Kansas State Board of Canvassers — composed of the governor, secretary of state and attorney general — met Monday to certify election results in a year that saw historic turnout. This year, […]
Gov. Kelly: Melissa Taylor Standridge’s unique career makes her ‘perfect fit’ for Kansas Supreme Court
TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly is appointing Melissa Taylor Standridge to fill a Kansas Supreme Court justice vacancy. Standridge, who has served as a judge in the Kansas Court of Appeals since 2008, will replace Carol Beier, who retired in September after 17 years on the bench. This is the governor’s third appointment to the […]