KS HB2742

Medical professionals must document consideration of alternative medical explanations before issuing opinions that a child's injuries are consistent with abuse or neglect; repeated failure to document may result in referral to licensing boards for review or corrective action

Parents must receive notice and explanation of the medical professional's role before any nonemergency examination related to suspected abuse, including informed consent about whether to participate in conversations with the professional

Parents have the right to obtain an independent second medical opinion from a qualified professional not affiliated with the original hospital or child abuse team, with costs reimbursed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and recouped from the original medical provider

The CARE provider conducting a review or exam cannot be the same individual who initiated the original abuse report; the department must inform parents within 10 business days of the names, credentials, and specialties of all medical professionals involved in the opinion

Mandatory reporting requirements, immunity for good faith reporters, and emergency medical care provisions remain unaffected by this act