President's Perspective – Nominations Open for KHA Committees through Oct. 24

KHA is requesting members to volunteer time and knowledge to participate in KHA's policy groups. KHA needs your insight and expertise to guide the work of the association, including shaping our strategic priorities, advocacy positions and essential resources for members.

How the Government Shutdown Impacts Hospitals

The U.S. House of Representatives and Senate were unable to reach an agreement on a continuing resolution, and federal government funding expired at midnight on Sept. 30.

Healthworks Awarded Grant to Expand Rural Apprenticeships

Exciting news! Healthworks has been awarded a Patterson Family Foundation grant to expand rural hospital apprenticeships. More details coming at KHA’s Fall District Meetings and a Nov. 4 webinar.

Registration Open for KHA Workers' Compensation Fund & Safety Seminar – Oct. 16-17

This seminar provides members with comprehensive information on safety in health care, OSHA reporting, changes and trends in Workers' Compensation and networking opportunities. Fund members who attend the seminar will receive a one-time $500 credit on their 2026 premiums.

Registration Open for KHA's Rural Health Symposium – Nov. 20

This symposium will provide attendees with the skills, ideas, practical strategies and timely updates for sustaining health care in rural communities. It is held in conjunction with National Rural Health Day.

Hospital Board Chair Leadership Virtual Program – Oct. 23, Nov. 6 and Nov. 18

Trustees will learn about the board chair's leadership role; how to build purposeful agendas; facilitation and executive sessions; the Open Meetings Act; quality oversight, the board chair/CEO relationship; board conduct; board orientation and board self-assessment.

Kansas Health Opportunities Conference – Register Before Oct. 8

This conference aims to bring together health care professionals, payers, state collaborators and community organizations to explore strategies and solutions for improving health outcomes in underserved communities. Registration closes Oct. 8.

Survey and Licensure Implications with Government Shutdown

CMS released QSO-25-29-ALL to provide guidance to surveyors and communication to providers about what and how Survey and Certification activities will be impacted by the current federal government shutdown.

Potential Threat to CISCO Devices

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency publicized ED 25-03: Identify and Mitigate Potential Compromise of Cisco Devices, warning of an ongoing exploitation campaign targeting Cisco Adaptive Security Appliances.

CDC Publishes ACIP Influenza Vaccination Recommendations for 2025 – 2026 Influenza Season

Routine annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all persons aged six months and older who do not have a contraindication to vaccination. For most persons who require only one dose of influenza vaccine for the season, vaccination should be offered during September or October.

Health Alert for Increased Candidozyma Auris Activity

On Sept. 25, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance Section released a Kansas Health Alert Network to warn about Candida auris cases in Kansas.

ACIP Makes Vaccine Recommendations During Sept. 18-19 Meeting

The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices met Sept. 18 and 19 and made recommendations for the COVID-19 and MMRV vaccines.

Register for KC Health Communicators Fall Conference - Oct. 17

Join health care marketing and communications professionals, Oct. 17, at the National WWI Museum and Memorial, and enjoy a day packed with valuable insights, networking and a a tower tour with stunning views of the KC skyline.