On October 3, 2016, members of the Arkansas Hospital Association (AHA) gathered in Little Rock for their annual convention. Hospital administrators from across the state met to discuss developments in healthcare, including legislative proposals that concern member hospitals.
The AHA, now in its 80th year, serves as an advocate for its member hospitals, representing their concerns and interests to elected officials on both the state and federal level. Through AHA, members’ views are represented to state lawmakers on dozens of healthcare bills through active lobbying at the state capitol.
At the October 3 convention, AHA Board Chairman Darren Caldwell appointed Vincent Leist, President and CEO of North Arkansas Regional Medical Center, to be Chairman of the AHA’s Council on Government Relations. In that capacity, Mr. Leist will review legislative ideas and proposals and assist in preparation of a legislative agenda on issues of importance to AHA. During the legislative session beginning in January 2017, members of the Council on Government Relations will be in contact with their legislative
representatives, discussing the effect of various proposals concerning healthcare for their hospitals, and their communities as well.