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Minutes for SB460 - Committee on Public Health and Welfare
Short Title
Requiring a forensic medical evaluation of an alleged victim of child abuse or neglect as part of an investigation, creating a program in the department of health and environment to provide training and payment and defining child abuse review and evaluation providers, networks and examinations and child abuse medical resource centers.
Minutes Content for Tue, Mar 1, 2022
Chairperson Hilderbrand discussed the upcoming agenda for the Committee.
Chairperson Hilderbrand opened the hearing on SB460.
Jenna Moyer, Staff Revisor gave an overview of the bill and took questions from committee members.
Senator Baumgardner presented proponent testimony. (Attachment 1) She stated that she is in firm support of requiring a CARE (child abuse review and evaluation) examination referral for all children five years of age or younger when there is any investigation of physical abuse or neglect. SB460 creates the training process for forensic evaluation services to a child that may be victim to physical or emotional abuse, medical or physical neglect. SB460 also establishes a child abuse review and evaluation fund to pay for CARE exams and training for CARE providers.
Mel Huddelson offered testimony in support of SB460. She said that SB460 puts a system of support in place for all Kansas physicians and medical providers to allow appropriate and timely follow up for reports of child physical abuse and neglect. Additionally, SB460 allows for appropriate compensation for the CARE Providers to perform time intensive exams. (Attachment 2)
Dr. Jennifer Hansen stated in her proponent testimony that KAAP proposes the following recommendations to create a process that provides the best possible follow up for child physical abuse and neglect reports:
- CARE Network - increase the workforce physicians who are CARE providers throughout the state, especially in rural areas.
- CARE Referrals - maximize the existing systems for statewide triage based on the model that is currently being piloted in Johnson and Wyandotte Counties.
- The state would need to be sure that a payment system is in place for CARE exams performed by CARE providers and for the triage system. (Attachment 3) (Attachment 4)
Kelli Mark gave testimony in support of SB460 by stating KDHE commends their partners in the establishment of a promising practice to address and investigate child abuse and stands at the ready to develop and implement the program. (Attachment 5)
They took questions from committee members.
Proponent, written only testimony was submitted by:
Melissa Johnson, Senior Assistant AG (Attachment 6)
Rachel Marsh, CEO, Children's Alliance of Kansas (Attachment 7)
Deanne Dinkel, Kansas Department of Children and Families (Attachment 8)
Chairperson Hilderbrand closed the hearing on SB460.
Chairperson Hilderbrand adjourned the meeting at 9:20 a.m. The next scheduled meeting is March 2, 2022.
