Dear KSNA Members,
As we move through 2026, I want to thank each of you for your continued dedication to nursing, your patients, and your communities across Kansas. The first several months of this year have brought significant legislative, regulatory, and workforce discussions impacting nursing practice, nursing education, and healthcare delivery throughout our state.
Since January 2026, KSNA has remained actively engaged in monitoring and responding to legislation affecting nurses, nursing faculty, students, and healthcare systems in Kansas. One major area of focus has been legislation related to the Kansas State Board of Nursing (KSBN), nursing workforce development, and nursing education requirements.
During the 2026 legislative session, House Bill 2528 generated significant discussion across the nursing community. The bill addressed several issues related to nursing licensure, disciplinary actions, license renewal processes, and Board governance. Among other provisions, the legislation addressed disciplinary actions related to non-practice violations, created provisions for late license renewal, limited “unprofessional conduct” to practice-related matters, and included restructuring requirements for the Kansas State Board of Nursing.
KSNA also monitored Senate Bill 334, legislation focused on nursing workforce development and nursing faculty qualification requirements for nursing programs. The bill became law in April 2026 and reflects the ongoing statewide concern regarding nursing faculty shortages and the continued need to strengthen Kansas’ nursing workforce pipeline.
In addition to legislative activity, Kansas nurses have continued to face significant workforce challenges, including staffing shortages, burnout, recruitment and retention concerns, increasing patient acuity, and ongoing pressures within both academic and clinical practice settings. These challenges continue to affect hospitals, long-term care facilities, community health systems, and nursing education programs throughout the state.
KSNA has also continued discussions related to nursing workforce sustainability, faculty recruitment, and support for nurses practicing in rural and underserved areas. Kansas nursing programs continue working to balance workforce demand with limited faculty availability and clinical placement opportunities.
Internally, KSNA has continued efforts to strengthen organizational communication, member engagement, and operational processes. Like many professional organizations adapting to changing technologies and systems, we recognize that transitions can create frustration and additional work for volunteers and members. We remain committed to improving transparency, communication, and support for our members throughout these changes.
I also want to recognize the extraordinary work being done by Kansas nurses every day. Across the state, nurses continue serving in leadership roles, mentoring students and new graduates, advocating for patients, participating in legislative efforts, and supporting their communities during challenging times in healthcare.
As we move forward through the remainder of 2026, KSNA will continue focusing on:
- Advocacy for safe patient care and the nursing profession;
- Support for nursing education and workforce development;
- Legislative and regulatory engagement;
- Leadership development and member involvement;
- Organizational transparency and operational improvement; and
- Collaboration across nursing practice settings and regions.
Nursing continues to face complex challenges, but the strength and resilience of Kansas nurses remain evident every day. I encourage each of you to stay engaged with KSNA, support one another, and continue advocating for our profession and the patients we serve.
Thank you for your commitment to nursing and to KSNA.
Sincerely,
Dr. Linda Moody
President
Kansas State Nurses Association
