Kansas
The Kansas Legislature enacted legislation in 1986 that requires licensed medical care facilities to establish and implement internal risk management programs, such as incident reporting systems, as a condition of licensure. Facilities are required to report specific information on internal incidents that, based on the determination of the facility’s risk management committee, qualify as Standard of Care III incidents (standard of care did not meet determinations, with injury occurring of reasonably probable) and Standard of Care IV incidents (possible grounds for disciplinary action by the appropriate licensing agency).
| Authorizing statutes or regulations | Kansas Statutes, Chapter 65, Article 49, Statutes 4922-4924 | |
| Authorizing statutes or regulations | Kansas Administrative Regulations, Title 28, Article 52, Section 2 | |
| Reportable event forms | Confidential Quarterly Report |
For individuals living with complex, often chronic conditions, and their families, palliative care can provide relief from symptoms, improve satisfaction and outcomes, and help address critical mental and spiritual needs during difficult times. Now more than ever, there is growing recognition of the importance of palliative care services for individuals with serious illness, such as advance care planning, pain and symptom management, care coordination, and team-based, multi-disciplinary support. These services can help patients and families cope with the symptoms and stressors of disease, better anticipate and avoid crises, and reduce unnecessary and/or unwanted care. While this model is grounded in evidence that demonstrates improved quality of life, better outcomes, and reduced cost for patients, only a fraction of individuals who could benefit from palliative care receive it. 
