Spring/Summer 2026 Newsletter

Conference Recap

Thank You for Attending the spring 2026 Conference

It was wonderful to see everyone who attended the Spring 2026 Conference. With 123 participants in attendance, the event was a tremendous success, featuring engaging speakers, meaningful discussions, and valuable opportunities for networking and professional development.
Our distinguished group of presenters shared insightful and thought-provoking content across the fields of risk management, quality improvement, patient safety, and healthcare leadership.

Artifical Intelligence in Healthcare

Keith Fricke, tw-Security, provided an overview of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare, including the anatomy of AI technology, its potential benefits, and associated risks. His key message was simple: "Trust, but verify." Organizations should establish multidisciplinary teams to review AI technology requests, evaluate organizational policies, and ensure appropriate oversight. As AI continues to evolve, the risk of data breaches and cybersecurity threats will increase, making awareness, vigilance, and prevention essential.

Building a Generative Quality Model

Darlene Bainbridge, RN, Darlene Bainbridge & Associates, Inc., discussed the importance of transitioning quality and risk management teams toward a collaborative Generative Quality Model. Key takeaways included the importance of Quality, Safety, and Finance teams working together to ensure appropriate resource allocation, reduce redundancy, and maintain continuous surveillance focused on future improvement. She emphasized the value of a strong Culture of Safety and Just Culture principles while protecting relationships among patients, staff, and providers. Her message resonated with attendees:
"Spend $1 to get it right the first time. Spend $100 fixing a process after implementation."

Communicating Quality and Safety Data

Susan Runyan, RN, Rural Health Care Quality Consulting, reviewed best practices for reporting quality and safety data to both governing boards and frontline staff. She highlighted the importance of board reports that are curated, mission-aligned, trend-focused, and accompanied by clear interpretation to support informed decision-making.
For frontline teams, she emphasized setting clear expectations for performance, connecting metrics to daily work, and using meaningful stories to bring quality data to life. Creating a sense of contribution to improvement efforts and fostering psychological safety for questions and learning were identified as critical success factors.

KDHE Risk Management Update

Cecilia Sherraden, RN, KDHE Risk Management Assistant Program Manager, shared updates regarding the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Risk Management Program and current survey trends. Cecilia reinforced that the Risk Management Survey process remains educational in nature and does not include a Plan of Correction requirement.

Expert Panel Discussion

An engaging expert panel discussion, facilitated by Amber Styles, UKMC, focused on the review of a risk management event, investigation processes, root cause analysis (RCA), and collaborative efforts among Risk, Quality, and Safety teams.
A special thank you to panelists: Sarah Hoy, Dorothy Rice, and Michelle Lour.

Legal and Regulatory Updates

Anne Kindling, JD, CPHRM, provided attendees with current legal and regulatory updates, including recent legislative developments, mandatory reporting requirements, Fit for Confinement considerations, and Advanced Directives.

RHTP Evidence-Based Practice Program Update

To conclude the educational sessions, Dr. Kevin Moser and Martie Ross, JD, provided updates on the RHTP Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Program.
Martie reviewed Participation and Attestation Agreements, while Dr. Mosier presented an overview of EBP workflows and implementation efforts. Additional information and resources will be shared through the KU Care Collaborative.

Recognizing Excellence

The conference concluded with the presentation of the inaugural Catalyst Award, recognizing outstanding leadership and contributions to healthcare quality and safety. Congratulations to this year's recipients:
Heidi Courson and Vickie Everett
The event also featured a book giveaway with valuable reference materials for quality, safety, and risk leaders. A complete list of previously offered books is available on the website under the Book Club section.

Looking Ahead

We sincerely appreciate the feedback provided through the conference evaluation survey. Your input helps guide the planning of future educational events and ensures we continue to offer timely and relevant content.
Highlights from participant feedback included appreciation for:

•    Networking and collaboration opportunities
•    Interactive panel discussions
•    KDHE updates and insights
•    Susan Runyan's presentation
•    The RHTP program overview

Your Board remains committed to balancing relevant topics across risk management, quality improvement, and patient safety while creating opportunities to learn, share perspectives, and spark meaningful discussion.
Patient safety remains our shared goal. When we identify risks early and intervene effectively, our patients, families, healthcare teams, and communities all benefit.
Thank you for your continued engagement, feedback, and support. We look forward to seeing you at future events.

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A Call for Nominations

During our next conference we will be holding a vote for these termed board positions. If you are interested in running for President-Elect or Treasurer please fill out the nomination form by clicking below.

Sign up here  

Position responsibilities as found in bylaws

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Mentor Program

The board decided to add a permanent location on the website for the mentorship program. From this page mentors and mentees can sign up to be part of the program and all applications will go directly to our Vice President. This will be helpful for mentors that decide later that they are ready to help out or new members. Also any new member that did not sign up for the program when joining the association can sign up later. 

Click here to view page  

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Calendar of Events

Save The Dates

2026 Fall Conference at Manhattan Hilton Garden Inn - October 28th. Registration will come out in a few months. 

2027 Spring Conference TENTATIVE at Salina Hilton Garden Inn - April 7th 

2027 Fall Conference at Manhattan Hilton Garden Inn - October 27th

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