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Bill

SB 193

Sub for SB 193 by Committee on Public Health and Welfare - Exempting law enforcement agencies who do not provide emergency opioid antagonists pursuant to the statewide protocol from the requirement to procure a physician medical director.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Kansas law enforcement agencies can now skip hiring a physician medical director if they don't distribute opioid antagonists like naloxone to their officers.

Enrolled and presented to Governor on Friday, April 4, 2025
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Bill Summary · SB 193

Legislative bill overview

SB 193 exempts Kansas law enforcement agencies from the requirement to hire a physician medical director if they do not provide emergency opioid antagonists (such as naloxone/Narcan) under the state protocol. This creates a conditional exemption based on agencies' opioid antagonist distribution decisions rather than requiring all law enforcement to maintain physician oversight regardless of their role in overdose response.

Why is this important

The bill addresses a potential regulatory burden on law enforcement agencies, particularly smaller or rural departments that may lack resources to employ a medical director. However, it also means some agencies providing life-saving opioid antagonists may operate without physician medical supervision and oversight, which could affect training standards, liability protection, and protocol adherence during overdose emergencies.

Potential points of contention

  • Public health trade-off: Agencies choosing cost savings by not providing naloxone lose the medical director requirement but also lose emergency overdose response capability, potentially leaving communities less protected
  • Inconsistent oversight: Creates a patchwork of different medical standards across Kansas law enforcement depending on individual agency choices, with no universal medical director guidance
  • Liability concerns: Officers administering opioid antagonists without physician medical director oversight may lack adequate legal protections if adverse outcomes occur during treatment
  • Rural access disparity: Smaller departments more likely to skip both naloxone programs and medical directors, potentially widening rural-urban gaps in overdose response capabilities

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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