Senate Judiciary Committee
Senator Vratil, Chair
Testimony in opposition of HB 2530
March 21, 2007

Chairperson Vratil and members of this Committee, thank you for the opportunity to provide written testimony to you regarding HB 2530, an act concerning consumer protection; relating to health care providers.

I am Jennifer Schwartz, the Executive Director of the Kansas Association of Centers for Independent Living (KACIL).  KACIL represents Centers for Independent Living (CILs) across Kansas.  KACIL is driven by the following mission statement:  To coordinate efforts within Kansas and the United States to the extent that these efforts will further independent living for all.  KACIL will advocate for the civil rights of Kansans with disabilities. 

Centers for Independent Living provide services to people with any disability, of all ages.  CILs provide information and assistance to businesses and other entities in the community to increase opportunities for people with disabilities to live, work, and play in all aspects of community life.  In 2006 Kansas CILs served more than 16,000 individuals with disabilities or elderly that came through our doors requesting services.  Centers for Independent Living are governed by a philosophy of consumer control.    

KACIL is opposed to HB 2530.  This bill would exempt the Health Care industry from the Kansas Consumer Protection Act.  This Act is the individual, everyday consumer’s voice in the health care services they receive.  KACIL is opposed to eliminating these protections for Kansas constituents.  Individuals with disabilities and elderly Kansans spend significant time doing advocacy with the health care industry.  We must not do anything to weaken the voice of the average health care consumer.    

KACIL rises in opposition of HB 2530.  Please remember in your deliberations that it is important to protect the voice of the health care consumer in Kansas.

Thank you for your time.  Please contact me with any additional questions.

Sincerely,

 

Jennifer Schwartz