(Sept. 22, 2023) – Prior to the start of the KHA Annual Convention and Trade Show, the Kansas Hospital Association Board of Directors met, in person, to discuss several emerging and pertinent topics facing Kansas hospitals, including health care workforce. To kick off the meeting, the KHA Board had the opportunity to hear from David Ninan, DO, from the Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine in Wichita. Dr. Ninan, who serves as the dean and chief academic officer, recapped the history of KCOM and highlighted its commitment to increasing the number of physicians practicing in Kansas. KCOM's inaugural medical student class consisted of 90 students who are expected to be practicing by June 2029. The KHA Board also heard about recent workforce initiatives revolving around health care apprenticeship opportunities and additional health care career awareness programs.
A state and federal advocacy update was provided to the KHA Board touching upon those policy issues most relevant to Kansas hospitals. On the federal level, Congress continues to wrestle with several outstanding topics including the federal budget, site-neutral payment, Medicaid disproportionate share and the 340B Drug Discount Program. The KHA Board also discussed the difficulties and confusion caused by the Medicare Advantage program. KHA encourages continued involvement by the membership in our federal advocacy efforts as we continue to educate our Kansas Congressional Delegation on these important programs.
On the state level, the KHA Board had an opportunity to hear a preview of the upcoming 2024 Kansas legislative session and potential topics that may be considered. KHA's advocacy initiatives largely revolve around growing the health care workforce, improving health care reimbursement and eliminating administrative burdens. KHA members will have the opportunity to engage with their elected officials later this year during the upcoming legislative dinners. These events will begin on Oct. 11 in Salina.
Additional highlights of the September board meeting are bulleted below:
- Welcomed David McCorkle, CEO, of Citizens Health, Colby, to the KHA Board of Directors.
- Recognized KHA staff member, Tom Hagen, as the new KHA director of corporate relations.
- Approved the KHA membership applications for Minimally Invasive Surgery Hospital, Community Care Hospice and JustAskEvie.
- Approved modifications to the KHA Bylaws, including allowing rural emergency hospitals to be eligible for membership as a community hospital.
- Adopted the KHA finance and investment report.
- Recapped the results of the public opinion poll and identified potential public campaign strategies.
- Highlighted the latest activities surrounding the KHA Strategic Aim to "improve Kansas' statewide health ranking, with a focus on preventative health services."
- Discussed the status update on the Rural Emergency Hospital program, including the recent proposed regulations.
- Provided a status update on the fundraising progress of the KHA Political Action Committee.
Please don't hesitate to let us know if you have questions or need assistance on any matters affecting your hospital. We hope to see many of you, next month, at the KHA District Meetings!
--Chad Austin