(Nov. 6, 2026) – Earlier this week, the Kansas Hospital Association Board of Directors met in person for the final time before the end of 2026. It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is fast approaching! The KHA Board heard from Kansas Department of Health and Environment Secretary Janet Stanek. Secretary Stanek highlighted the agency's priorities, including implementing the Rural Health Transformation Program and overseeing the state's Medicaid program. As Governor Laura Kelly wraps up her second term, Secretary Stanek identified a few key areas KHA should closely monitor as the state transitions to a new administration. Secretary Stanek also reflected on several accomplishments this year, including a successful World Cup experience and the passage of the hospital provider assessment program. The KHA Board also discussed this week's state and federal elections and their potential implications for Kansas hospitals and the health care industry. Several key federal policy issues are scheduled for consideration before the end of the year. KHA will encourage members to weigh in on these critical issues and participate in grassroots advocacy initiatives.
Additional highlights from the November board meeting are listed below:
- Tammy Peterman was recognized for her service as the KHA Board Chair in 2026. On behalf of the entire KHA membership and staff, we thank Tammy for her leadership and service.
- Selection of Jeremy Clingenpeel of Cheyenne County Hospital, Saint Francis, as the at-large member of the KHA executive committee for 2027.
- Reviewed the 2025-2027 KHA Strategic Plan.
- Appointed Aimee Zimmerman, CEO of Logan County Health Services, Oakley, and Margaret Grismer, CEO of SCK Health, Arkansas City, to the KHSC Board.
- Approved the KHA finance and investment report and the 2027 budget.
- Recapped recent discussions at the American Hospital Association's Regional Policy Board meeting.
- Touched on the Rural Health Transformation Program and its upcoming timelines.
- Discussed the latest hospital finance initiatives, including the hospital provider assessment program and the payor scorecard.
- Approved funding for the second phase of the public perception campaign focused on messaging around "putting patients first" and affordability education.
- Discussed advocacy priorities at the federal and state levels. KHA staff has been working on policy initiatives for the upcoming 2027 Kansas legislative session, including several workforce-related policies. At the federal level, attention has focused on Congress' end-of-year agenda, including extending targeted payments for the Low Volume Hospital and Medicare Dependent Hospital programs, price transparency, REH 2.0 and advocacy for the 340B program.
- Highlighted the status of the KHA Political Action Committee's goal for 2025/2026, which is more than $204,000.
- Presented on KHA initiatives addressing quality and safety opportunities, educational programs and workforce strategies.
As always, please don't hesitate to let us know if you have any questions or need assistance with any matters affecting your hospital. Your team at KHA is readily available to assist you with any needs.
--Chad Austin