Communications

(Feb. 21, 2025) – Trustees play a significant role in transforming health care. Strong leadership and governance skills are needed to navigate the opportunities and challenges hospitals face. Board service can be challenging, as the broad range of board responsibilities is complex and so is the hospital and health care industry.

I encourage hospitals to encourage their board members to attend this year's Critical Issues Summit for Hospital Boards, March 6-7 in Wichita. The summit brings together hospital leaders and trustees from across the state to promote the importance of good governance practices. It will feature top-notch speakers, educational sessions and discussions on the most critical topics facing hospitals today. If you haven't registered, do so today.

Here is a little more on the sessions we will be covering.

Board and Governance Best Practices – Karma Bass will explore the key practices that distinguish high-performing boards and how they transition from good to great. Participants will learn practical tips for enhancing their board's effectiveness, improving decision-making and fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability.

Legal and Ethical Considerations in AI Health Care Applications – Susan Frew, an AI expert and entrepreneur, will provide practical insights into navigating legal challenges, ensuring patient privacy and fostering trust in AI-driven health care solutions. With AI rapidly transforming the industry, understanding compliance with regulations like HIPAA and maintaining ethical integrity is essential.

Empowering Rural Communities Through Meaningful Engagement – Drawing on the successes in Cowley County, Yazmin Wood will focus on how rural communities can engage in meaningful conversations around health equity, using examples from Kansas to reduce stigma and misconceptions.

Policy Issues Impacting the Health Care Sector –Tara Mays will provide an update on the latest policy developments, share insights into legislative strategies and discuss how health care professionals can actively engage in advocacy to influence change.

Strengthening Health Care Governance: Best Practices for Hospital Boards – Barbara Lorsbach will facilitate a panel of Kansas trustees and CEOs on how they leverage Kansas governWell to support their boards in driving quality care, patient safety, compliance and financial sustainability.

Reframing Resilience: Connecting to the Present, Others and Oneself – Everyone in society has a shared human connection. We all have been through something, are currently going through something or will inevitably go through something. Paul Long will share how we leverage that foundation to connect more to the present, to others and ourselves.

This event also allows members to recognize board members for their dedication and service. KHA implemented the Trustee Accountability and Recognition Program in 2010 to help hospitals demonstrate their accountability to legislators, attorneys generals and their communities. We encourage hospitals to recognize trustees at this year's Critical Issues Summit by completing a recognition form by Feb. 28. We hope to see you and your board members on March 6-7.
--Chad Austin