A message from Rachelle Colombo about Advocacy Day
We know it has been a long two years, particularly for physicians and others continuing to cope firsthand with fallout from the pandemic. Much has changed — and continues to change. However, the Kansas legislature continues to meet — where most of the public policy that affects the practice of medicine is enacted. Of course, we continue to advocate for you in the Statehouse and otherwise — and we will do so however circumstances may change.
This year, several major issues could arise implicating the practice of medicine. Advocacy Day is your chance learn more about these issues, learn how you can make a difference, and hear directly from legislative leaders and others who shape public policy. Among those scheduled to speak with attendees are Kansas Attorney General and gubernatorial candidate Derek Schmidt, Senate President Ty Masterson, House Speaker Ron Ryckman, House Majority Leader Dan Hawkins, and Senate Vice President Rick Wilborn.
Of course, we will be following Shawnee County public health directives, as well as taking extra steps to minimize any risk to attendees (please see our website for more information).
We hope you will come and advocate for your profession and for your patients. If you have not done so yet, please let us know that you are interested in attending:
First week of the 2022 legislative session
The Kansas Legislature finished its first week of the session Thursday, most notably by beginning to address the governor’s recent state of emergency declaration in response to rising COVID cases and health care staffing shortages. As the session progresses, the likely top priorities for lawmakers will be the 10-year redistricting process and passing a budget. It is an election year, meaning some more polarizing issues may receive less attention than otherwise, and it may be a shorter session, as legislators are not allowed to campaign until its conclusion. We will update you in this newsletter as the session progresses. We are also resuming our podcast version of legislative updates for those of you who prefer that format. As always, your feedback is welcome and encouraged.
Final reminder: Last week to vote in the 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.
Short bios of each candidate are avaiilable here. *Denotes currently serving on the Board, and is eligible for re-election.
| President | Mark Brady, MD; Anesthesiology-Overland Park |
| President-elect | G. Aron Fast, MD; Family Medicine-Hesston |
| Central District Trustee I | Chad Schroeder, MD; Family Medicine-Salina* |
| Eastern District Trustee I | Scott Coates, MD; General Surgery-Parsons* |
| Western District Trustee I | Jill Linville, MD; Family Medicine-Lakin* |
| AMA Delegate | Art Snow, MD; Family Medicine-Shawnee Mission* |
| AMA Delegate | Richard Warner, MD; Psychiatry-Overland Park* |
Please submit your ballot by 1:00 p.m. on January 24, 2022. This proxy is for KMS members only — please see your email for a link to the ballot.
New website for sourcing Paxlovid and Molnupiravir
This week the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services launched a locator for therapeutics to treat COVID-19, including Paxlovid and Molnupiravir. These two oral treatments were authorized in late December and may be effective for high-risk patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 infections who are at high risk of progression to severe COVID-19.
• • •
If you have questions about this update or other matters, please contact KMS Executive Director Rachelle Colombo: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
