KMS Position Opening: PHP Case Manager

Under the direct supervision of the Professionals' Health Program (PHP) Program Director, this position provides appropriate activities for intakes, intervention, support, referral to treatment and monitoring of physicians, physician assistants, medical students (program participants), chiropractors and any other allied group participants with health-related issues such as substance use disorders, mental and emotional concerns, physical illness, behavioral health issues, and other issues resulting in PHP involvement.

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KMS Update: New emergency declaration issued, Advocacy Day, and other updates

New emergency declaration issued
On Thursday, Gov. Kelly issued a new 15-day state of emergency and signed two executive orders aimed at addressing staffing shortages at hospitals and nursing homes as COVID-19 cases climb in Kansas.

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KMS Update: Immediate response requested on ballot for KMS officers; Advocacy Day registration; latest COVID and other guidance

Immediate response requested: Your ballot for KMS election of officers
The KMS Nominating Committee presents the following slate of candidates for KMS annual elections to be held on Monday, January 24, 2022, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the KMS Annual Meeting to be held in the Vanguard Ballroom at the Cyrus Hotel, 920 S Kansas Avenue in Topeka. Trustees and officers will serve two-year terms. (*As indicated below, currently serves on the Board, and is eligible for re-election.)

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KMS Position Opening: Clinical Case Manager

The Kansas Medical Society Professionals’ Health Program is hiring a full-time Clinical Case Manager.  Under the direct supervision of the KMS PHP Program Director, this position provides appropriate activities/talks for intakes, intervention, support, treatment facility referral, monitoring of program participants with health related issues such as substance use disorders, mental and emotional health issues, and other issues resulting in PHP involvement. The Clinical Case Manager meets with participants for monitoring with appropriate interaction to meet criteria set forth in KSBHA Professional Development Plans and Consent Orders.

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KMS Update: Guidance on new vaccine mandate after court issues injunction; Dr. Clifford elected to legislature; 2022 Advocacy Day schedule; and more

2022 Advocacy Day schedule now available
We are planning to hold the 2022 Advocacy Day in person on January 25 in Topeka. Among other things, Advocacy Day will offer a chance to hear from KMS leadership about the upcoming legislative session, to meet with legislative leaders, and to meet with your specialty society peers. While some specialty societies may also hold events later in the year, Advocacy Day is the one event of the year for all Kansas physicians. The event schedule is now available here:  www.kmsonline.org/AdvocacyDay.

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KMS Update: New Kansas law in response to federal vaccine mandates

(Update, 11/24/2021) AG Derek Schmidt advises employers not to question religious beliefs of employees who claim waiver from vaccine mandate: Read full announcement here.

The Kansas Legislature convened for an unprecedented special session on Monday to consider legislation responding to the federal COVID-19 vaccine mandates. Both chambers concluded their work in just 13 hours. Gov. Laura Kelly has already signed the bill into law.

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KMS Update: 2022 Advocacy Day, guidance on recent vaccine mandate developments, and Legislature calls special session

Physician Leaders Forum
Building on the information shared during the Physicians Leaders Forum in June, this virtual session will focus on physician resilience and wellbeing in a post-COVID environment. A panel discussion will highlight strategies currently being used in Kansas to address physician and health care worker resilience. This event—co-presented by KMS and the Kansas Hospital Association—will be from noon to 1:15 p.m. on Dec. 14, 2021. More information and free registration here: www.kmsonline.org/PhysicianLeadersForum.

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KMS Advocacy Day 2022

Advocacy Day offers a chance to meet with legislative leaders, to meet with your specialty society peers, and to hear from KMS leadership about the upcoming legislative session. While some specialty societies may also hold events later in the year, Advocacy Day is the one event of the year for all Kansas physicians.

Physician Leaders Forum (recording)

The Physician Leaders Forum—cosponsored by the Kansas Medical Society (KMS) and the Kansas Hospital Association (KHA)—was a no-cost virtual event bringing together Kansas physician leaders and fostering discussion regarding critical issues impacting health and health care in Kansas. The focus of this virtual event was physician resilience and wellbeing in a post-COVID environment. A recording of the event—held on June 29, 2021—is available here.

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KMS Update: Where key issues stand at the conclusion of the 2021 legislative session

The legislature will return May 26 for the official conclusion of the 2021 session, Sine Die, a traditionally ceremonial day albeit one that could entail some official business, such as votes to override vetoes.Otherwise, bills considered by the legislature this year have either expired or may carry over to next session. Following is a look back at the primary issues we were tracking this year and where things stand ahead of the 2022 session.

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Suggested Resources for Maintaining Your Mental Health During COVID-19

As we continue to face challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, KMS seeks to support our membership with a variety of resources. The Federation of State Professionals’ Health Programs (PHP) and the KMS PHP has compiled the following list of free resources available that will hopefully assist you in maintaining your own health. If you need additional resources or emotional support, the KMS PHP staff can be reached 24 hours a day at (785) 235-2383.

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