An announced deal between a Kansas hospital and a Missouri one is stirring up controversy about state control across the border.
The proposed partnership would bring together the University of Kansas Health System and Liberty Hospital, a public hospital designated as a political subdivision district hospital under Missouri law.
The University of Kansas Health System isn't owned by the state of Kansas, nor does it receive state or local tax funding. But it does have connections to the University of Kansas School of Medicine, and is governed by a board appointed by the Kansas governor.
That doesn't sit well with Missouri state Sen. Greg Razer, who represents the 7th District — which covers parts of Kansas City south through Grandview. He's pre-filed a bill in the Missouri General Assembly that would prevent similar deals from taking place.
"What we're seeing is a division of the state of Kansas, with a board made up of Kansans, appointed by the governor of Kansas, taking over a legal political subdivision of the state of Missouri," Razer said.
Raghu Adiga, president and CEO of Liberty Hospital, says that "health care is different."
He said that the deal, which is expected to be finalized in 2024, will have protections for Missouri taxpayers.
- Dr. Raghu Adiga, president, Liberty Hospital
- Sen. Greg Razer, Missouri senator representing the 7th district
