(Nov. 7, 2025) – On Wednesday, the Kansas Hospital Association's Board of Directors met in Topeka for its final meeting of 2025. There was much to discuss concerning Kansas hospitals, including the implications of a federal government shutdown, preparations for the 2026 Kansas legislative session and final touches on Kansas' Rural Health Transformation Plan.
The KHA Board meeting started with an engaging presentation about the latest activities concerning readiness planning for the 2026 World Cup. The Kansas City effort is led by Pam Kramer, CEO of KC2026. Kramer highlighted the expected impact on the bi-state Kansas City region and surrounding areas. More than 650,000 visitors are expected to arrive for the World Cup games in Kansas City next summer. Information about which international teams will play in Kansas City, and which teams will use the area as their base camps will be available in the coming months.
Bryan Beaver, MD, presented materials to the KHA Board. Dr. Beaver, an emergency medicine physician at The University of Kansas Health System, is serving as the medical lead for the host city of Kansas City and will work alongside FIFA officials. While hosting an additional 650,000 visitors, the already strained health care system in the Kansas City area is likely to experience additional stress. It is expected the health care impact will be felt throughout Kansas, as visitors are anticipated to travel across the entire state. Over the coming months, KHA will collaborate with KC2026 officials and neighboring states to educate and prepare hospitals and health care providers in the Midwest region. Stay tuned for more information.
Additional highlights of the November board meeting are below:
- George Stover, Rice Community Health in Lyons, was recognized for his service as the KHA Board Chair for 2025. On behalf of all KHA members and staff, we thank George for his tireless leadership and dedication.
- Kevin Strecker, Ascension Via Christi Health, Inc. in Wichita, was selected to serve as the at-large member on the KHA executive committee in 2026.
- Carrie Lutz from Holton Community Hospital in Holton was honored for her dedication and service on the KHA Board.
- Welcomed Sarah Teaff, Patterson Health Center in Anthony, as a new KHA Board member.
- Introduced Azucena Gonzales as the new KHA program manager, Data Analytics.
- Approved the KHA associate membership application for HealthDox.
- Shared highlights from the recent American Hospital Association's Regional Policy Board meeting.
- Adopted the KHA finance and investment report and the 2026 budget.
- Highlighted the recent activities related to Kansas's application for the Rural Health Transformation Program.
- Summarized advocacy efforts at both federal and state levels. KHA staff have been working on legislative initiatives for the upcoming 2026 Kansas legislative session, focusing on policies related to 340B and workforce. At the federal level, significant attention has been on Congress's ongoing government shutdown and potential extensions to the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits. Other federal issues include site-neutral payments, 340B, Medicare Advantage and Rural Emergency Hospital requirements.
- Discussed the latest updates on the hospital provider assessment program, as well as other finance and reimbursement initiatives.
- Approved funding to enhance the public image of Kansas hospitals and health care, along with a communication plan to educate the public about the 340B Drug Pricing Program.
- Previewed the upcoming KHA Rural Health Symposium in Hays and the 2026 KHA Education Calendar of Events.
- Updated the KHA Board about the 2026 Virtual Health Care Career Day scheduled for Feb. 18, 2026.
- Shared information on various quality and safety activities, including the Be the Light initiative, medical staff bylaws and the co-sponsored KHA/KMS Physician Leadership Forum.
- Celebrated KHA-PAC surpassing its 2025 goal and shared in the excitement that KHA-PAC may reach $100,000 in contributions by the end of 2025.
Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need help with any matters related to your hospital. KHA is always available to support you with any needs!
--Chad Austin