(February 2026) – Trustees play a significant role in transforming health care, and strong leadership and governance skills are essential to navigate the opportunities and challenges hospitals face. We know board service can be challenging, given the broad range of responsibilities and the complexity of the hospital and health care industry.

I encourage hospital board members to register for this year's Critical Issues Summit for Hospital Boards on March 5-6 in Wichita. The summit brings together hospital leaders and trustees statewide to highlight the importance of sound governance. This event features top-notch speakers and educational sessions on the most critical topics facing hospitals. If you haven't registered, please do so today.

Here is a little more about the sessions we will cover:

Governing Through Disruption: What Strong Boards Do Differently – As hospitals navigate financial pressures, workforce challenges, regulatory changes, and evolving care models, the board's role continues to grow more complex. We will explore what it means to be an effective board member in today's environment.

Medical Staff Credentialing Deep Dive for Boards – Through three short, focused mini-sessions, participants will review credentialing basics, the board's oversight role, best practices, and common warning signs and breakdowns that pose risks to hospitals.

Rural Health Transformation Program – The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has awarded Kansas $221,898,008 under the Rural Health Transformation Program. Kansas Department of Health and Environment Secretary Janet Stanek will outline the key components of the Kansas plan and explain how the program will be implemented statewide.

Policy Issues Impacting the Health Care Sector – Learn about the key issues affecting the health care sector, including ongoing efforts, proposed legislation, and challenges and opportunities at the state and federal levels.

From Oversight to Outcomes: Board Roles in Quality – Hospital boards play a vital role in ensuring safe, high-quality care. Boards will learn to oversee quality and patient safety while remaining in a governance role and without assuming day-to-day management responsibilities.

The Leadership Multiplier: How Boards and Executives Influence Culture at Every Level – Culture is shaped from the top, whether leaders intend it or not. This session focuses on how boards and executive teams can serve as positive culture multipliers by modeling the behaviors they expect across the organization.

Board Recognition – This event offers members the opportunity to recognize board members for their dedication and service. We encourage hospitals to recognize their trustees at this year's Critical Issues Summit by completing a recognition form by Feb. 27. We hope to see you and your board members on March 5-6.

A room block has been reserved at the Hyatt Regency Wichita, 400 W Waterman St., Wichita, KS 67202, for the nights of March 4 and 5 at $137 per night plus tax. Reservations will be accepted on a space-available basis. To make your reservation and receive the special rate, call (316) 293-1234 and ask for the Kansas Hospital Association room block.
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