Topeka ? The state medical board’s top two staffers resigned Wednesday amid criticism that it had mishandled cases, including that of a doctor accused of running a “pill mill” linked to 56 deaths.

Legislators have pushed the Board of Healing Arts to fire Executive Director Larry Buening, and some also sought General Counsel Mark Stafford’s dismissal. Many lawmakers believe the board is too slow in investigating allegations of misconduct against physicians and too lax in its punishment.

The most recent high-profile case involved Stephen Schneider, a Wichita-area physician who has been jailed without bond and faces 34 federal charges, including four counts of unlawful distribution of a controlled substance resulting in death. He maintains his innocence.

Both legislative chambers unanimously adopted resolutions within the past week calling for changes on the board. That was partly a response to Schneider’s medical license not being suspended until January, a month after a federal grand jury indicted him.

Buening plans to step down July 1. He submitted his resignation before the board began a special meeting Wednesday to discuss the Legislature’s resolutions. A few hours later, the board announced Stafford’s departure, effective June 1.

Buening told The Associated Press that he is leaving to increase the board’s chances of getting legislation passed to improve its oversight of physicians and to reassure legislators that changes will occur.

“My continued presence as executive director, I think, seemed to be possibly an impediment to that,” he said.

Stafford declined to comment, but in his resignation letter, he wrote: “The board has been burdened with a very difficult task. I will not add to that burden by forcing a decision on whether I should be retained as counsel.”

Board members said Wednesday that legislative critics and news reports have misled the public about how well the board functions. Representatives of professional groups also said Kansans haven’t gotten a complete picture.

“I don’t see anybody on the staff and the Board of Healing Arts who’s slacking,” said board member Merle “Boo” Hodges, a Salina physician. “I feel like we’re doing a good job.”

The board is pushing a bill designed to allow it to address allegations of poor medical care more quickly. The measure is before the Senate and debate is scheduled for today.