President's Perspective – Unstoppable Together: Board and Convention Takeaways
(Sept. 18, 2026) – More than 1,000 attendees from across Kansas gathered in Overland Park last week for the Kansas Hospital Association's 2026 Annual Convention and Trade Show. The event delivered exceptional education, networking and energy. Centered on the theme Unstoppable Together, the convention reminded us that, collectively, we are unstoppable when we come together around the shared vision of Optimal Health Kansans and Kansas Hospitals. I appreciate the guidance of the KHA Convention Planning Committee, the dedication of the entire KHA staff and the exceptional leadership of KHA's Hayley Finch-Genschorck. I also thank our attendees, trade show exhibitors and sponsors for making this year's convention so successful.
Before the convention began, the KHA Board of Directors met in person to discuss key emerging issues, including KHA's latest advocacy initiatives and the Rural Health Transformation Program. The KHA team reviewed the August primary election results and recent federal advocacy discussions and priorities, such as 340B, price transparency, REH 2.0 and Medicare Advantage. Staff also outlined preparations for the 2027 legislative session, when we expect lawmakers to consider numerous health care policies. Regarding RHTP, KHA remains closely engaged with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment in implementing the Kansas plan. Several programs and grants were recently awarded, including Emerging Technology grants, the Accountable Food is Medicine program and the Interfacility Transport program. KHA will continue to host monthly RHTP webinars and distribute email updates as needed.
Additional highlights from the September board meeting:
- Highlighted progress on the 2026 KHA Operational Dashboard.
- Approved associate membership applications from Creative Planning, Midwest QIN-QIO, Kansas State Board of Nursing, Kansas Initiative for Stroke and Survival, Pulse Design Group, Argosy Group, Clinicus, Agiliti Health and Sciometrix.
- Reviewed the KHA Governance Committee's recommended slate of directors, presented to members at the annual meeting.
- Adopted the KHA's finance and investment report.
- Recapped lessons learned from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- Discussed several KHA quality and safety initiatives, including medication safety and a newly developed chief nursing officer/director of nursing orientation program.
- Shared results from the recent public opinion poll and the public perception campaign.
- Discussed recommendations developed at the KHA Board retreat.
- Reviewed the 2025-2027 KHA Strategic Plan dashboard and recent initiatives.
- Presented updates on health care finance and reimbursement initiatives, including an area wage index study, the payor scorecard and the provider assessment program.
- Updated the board on KHA's Political Advocacy Committee's fundraising progress.
As always, please contact us with any questions or for assistance with an issue affecting your hospital. Your KHA team is ready to help.
--Chad Austin