President's Perspective – KHA Board Elections and Meeting Coincide with KHA Convention
(Sept. 13, 2024) – The 2024 Kansas Hospital Association’s Annual Convention and Trade Show concluded last week and was filled with excitement, great speakers and plenty of networking. I want to thank the KHA Convention Planning Committee for their guidance on this year's convention and give a huge shoutout to Hayley Finch-Genschorck for her outstanding leadership in ensuring the KHA Convention was a success. We appreciate the nearly 1,100 attendees, sponsors and exhibitors who joined us in Overland Park. I also want to congratulate all our award recipients and those nominated. Thank you for your leadership and service.
During the convention's opening ceremonies, KHA Board Chair Bobby Olm-Shipman led the KHA Annual Meeting. During that meeting, the membership approved the following slate of officers to the KHA Board of Directors for 2025. George Stover, Hospital District #1 of Rice County, Lyons, Board Chair; Tammy Peterman, The University of Kansas Health System, Kansas City, Chair-Elect; Val Gleason, NMC Health, Newton, Treasurer; and Bobby Olm-Shipman, Saint Luke's South Hospital, Overland Park, Past Chair. The following individuals were also approved as new or re-appointed directors on the board starting in January 2025: Mark Brady, MD, Overland Park; Connie Chavez, trustee, Hodgeman County Health Center, Jetmore; Kiley Floyd, Nemaha Valley Community Hospital, Seneca; Joel Phelps, Salina Regional Health Center, Salina; and Karen Orr, Providence Medical Center, Kansas City.
Before the convention's kick-off, the KHA Board of Directors met in person to discuss several emerging and pertinent topics, including the latest federal and state advocacy initiatives. On the state level, the KHA Board had an opportunity to discuss the recent Kansas primary elections and weigh in on legislative priorities for the 2025 Kansas legislative session. The legislative agenda will likely revolve around three core areas: finance, workforce and patient care. KHA staff will gather additional feedback on the policy proposals from the membership during the upcoming round of district meetings. The KHA Board also received an update regarding the ongoing 340B lawsuits in Kansas. It approved a policy recommendation that increases the Medicaid Provider Assessment to six percent as outlined by the Kansas legislature.
On the federal level, Congress continues to wrestle with several outstanding issues, including the budget for the fiscal year 2025. The House Appropriations Committee has reported all 12 of its annual appropriations bills to the full House for consideration, and half have been passed by the House and sent to the Senate. A continuing resolution appears more likely as we near the Sept. 30 deadline. Additional highlighted federal issues included streamlining prior authorization requirements, publicizing the challenges of the Medicare Advantage program and protecting the 340B Program.
Additional highlights of the September board meeting are bulleted below:
- Recognized Lorin Haas, a trustee at Pratt Regional Medical Center, Pratt, for his service on the KHA Board
- Approved the KHA associate membership applications for Ethos Medical Staffing
- Appointed James Longabaugh, DO, CEO at Sabetha Community Hospital, Sabetha, to serve a three-year term on the Healthworks Board of Directors
- Approved the KHA finance and investment report
- Reviewed the draft 2025-2027 KHA Strategic Plan that will now be presented at the upcoming KHA District Meetings for additional input
- Reviewed the latest information regarding the KHA Payor Scorecard and financial studies
- Approved a public communication strategy for several important initiatives, including Medicare Advantage
- Reviewed the latest workforce strategic initiatives developed by KHA staff to address health care workforce supply and capacity issues
- Highlighted the latest activities surrounding the KHA Strategic Aim to "improve Kansas' statewide health ranking, with a focus on preventative health services"
- Provided a status update on the fundraising progress of the KHA Political Advocacy Committee
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 help.
--Chad Austin