(March 28, 2025) – The Kansas Hospital Association Board of Directors met earlier this week in Topeka to discuss several timely and important topics affecting the association and its membership, including the latest advocacy issues at the state and federal levels.
Today marks the official end of the regular portion of the 2025 Kansas legislative session. Legislators are heading back to their respective districts and will return to Topeka for the veto session, which is anticipated to start on April 10. This legislative break is an opportune time for KHA members to connect with Kansas House and Senate members to discuss the most important issues to you and your community.
The KHA Board had the opportunity to hear first-hand from one of our state leaders, Senate President Ty Masterson. Senator Masterson provided a brief overview of the ongoing legislative budget discussions and the financial outlook for the next few years. He recognized the importance of the health care industry and touched upon his support for Kansas hospitals, especially as it relates to protecting our workforce against acts of violence and addressing the behavioral health challenges within our state. Senator Masterson also highlighted the recent approval by the Kansas Senate on the 340B legislation and acknowledged that Kansas hospitals need to engage and educate House members on this issue.
Additional highlights of the March board meeting are bulleted below:
The KHA team will discuss how best to engage our state and federal officials during our upcoming KHA district meetings, which begin next week. We hope you can take some time out of your schedule to attend a meeting and network with your colleagues!
- Recognized Robert Kenagy, MD, for his leadership and service on the KHA Board, as he is retiring in May 2025.
- Welcomed Carrie Lutz, CEO, Holton Community Hospital, to the KHA Board as the KHA representative serving on the American Hospital Association's Regional Policy Board.
- Carrie Lutz, CEO of Holton Community Hospital, and David McCorkle, CEO of Citizens Medical Center, gave a recap of the recent American Hospital Association's Regional Policy Board meeting.
- Approved the KHA associate membership applications for the following organizations:
- Fusion Workforce Solutions, Elkhorn, NE
- MedCurate, Prairie Village, KS
- Roshal Health, Katy, TX
- TRS Managed Services, Tontitown, AR
- Reviewed and adopted the KHA finance report.
- Received the latest status of the Health Care Access Improvement Program.
- Discussed activities related to health care finance, including hospital credentialing and the current public awareness campaign.
- Highlighted quality and safety initiatives, including vaccination awareness, Kansas Perinatal Quality Collaborative, survey activities and the Kansas Fights Addiction Grant Partnership.
- Presented information on the nominating process for the 2025 KHA Awards Program.
- Heard a recap on the 2025 Virtual Health Care Career Day and other workforce-related activities.
- Discussed the 2025 KHA Convention and Trade Show preparations, including the theme, "Mission Possible."
- Received an update on the KHA Political Action Committee fundraising status and upcoming activities.
Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or require assistance with matters affecting your hospital. We hope to see you at the upcoming KHA District Meetings!
--Chad Austin