What is HB2676?

Officially titled the "Pharmacist Practice Authority Act", HB2676 seeks to align the practice of pharmacy with the education and experience of licensed pharmacists in Kansas to improve access to care for patients. As it stands, pharmacist scope of practice is decided on a state-by-state basis with many states allowing pharmacists to utilize their knowledge and training to practice at the top of their license. HB2676 moves to bring pharmacy practice in Kansas to be on par with states who already allow pharmacists to fully employ their skills and training. 

The bill permits pharmacists to initiate therapy for conditions that:

1. Do not require a new diagnosis
2. Including previously diagnosed chronic conditions such as tobacco cessation, diabetes and hypertension, OR
3. Preventative care
4. Are minor and generally self-limiting
5. Including conditions such as hair loss, head lice, and tick bite post-exposure prophylaxis.
6. Can be confirmed with a diagnostic test that's waived under federal Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) regulation such as respiratory viruses
7. Involve a patient emergency, where immediate intervention could be critical such as epinephrine, glucagon, and emergency refills

Implementing HB2676 will make healthcare more efficient, especially in rural areas of Kansas where access to care is limited but also in team based clinics and health systems.

Where Is HB2676 in the Legislative Process?

HB2676 was introduced and referred to the House Committee on Health and Human Services. A public hearing was held on February 10, 2026, where proponent testimony was provided by Kansas pharmacists, Kansas Board of Pharmacy, and a representative from the Cicero Institute. Reactions from the committee were favorable and on February 16th, HB2676 was passed out of committee.  The next step is a floor debate and vote in the House as soon as Thursday, February 19th.

Why This Matters

This bill would give Kansas pharmacists the ability to provide timely treatment for common minor conditions or refill non-controlled medications when another clinician is unavailable — especially evenings, weekends, or in areas with limited provider access.

Here are a few everyday scenarios where HB2676 would make a real difference:

• It’s 8:30 pm on a Friday. A frantic parent comes in with their 8-year-old who just brought home a head lice note from school. The child is itching badly, and the soonest doctor or urgent care appointment is Monday afternoon. Under this bill, the pharmacist could assess the infestation, initiate treatment (such as permethrin or an appropriate alternative), and send the family home with instructions the same night — preventing the whole household from being affected over the weekend.
• A primary or specialty care pharmacist working in a team-based clinic can prescribe for previously diagnosed conditions with less paperwork
• An elderly hospice patient at home experiences some new symptoms. The hospice nurse contacts the team's consulting pharmacist, who reviews the chart and determines this is a minor condition unrelated to the existing diagnosis. The pharmacist initiates therapy (consistent with protocols and training), ensuring treatment without delaying care until the physician is available — improving quality of life in end-of-life care.



These are just a few examples that demonstrate how HB26765 would reduce unnecessary delays, ease the strain on the health care system, and deliver safe, efficient care for Kansas patients. HB2676 seeks to allow our highly educated and well-trained pharmacist workforce to fill the gaps currently found in healthcare.