Topeka ? Kansas House of Representatives Speaker Melvin Neufeld Monday sent a letter to the Chairman of the Kansas Board of Regents, requesting the board hire an arbitrator to assist the University of Kansas School of Medicine and Medical Center (KUMC), the University of Kansas Hospital Authority (KUH), and the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita, reach an agreement that is in the best interest of Kansas involving KUMC’s current affiliation negotiations with St. Luke’s Hospital and other Kansas City-area health care providers.

“Thousands of Kansans and communities across our great state depend upon the health care services and medical education provided by KUMC. Thank you for your dedicated focus and due diligence in making sure the best interests and integrity of our state’s higher education system and the medical education system are upheld,” wrote Speaker Neufeld to Chairman Nelson Galle.

Speaker Neufeld went on to write about his continued concerns about the potential partnership between KUMC and St. Luke’s Hospital and what is or is not contained in the proposed agreement. He also pointed to three principles he believes should guide their discussions.

Speaker Neufeld said because of the March 31, 2007 deadline, he is asking the Board of Regents to act quickly.

“Kansans have invested hundreds of millions of dollars into the KUMC health care and medical education systems. It is the responsibility of the Board of Regents to make sure those investments are nurtured and cared for so they might continue to flourish for the good of the entire state, not just one part,” said Speaker Neufeld. “It is clear to me and others in the Kansas Legislature there are still many unanswered questions about these potential partnerships that, if not addressed prior to the deadline, could have a negative effect on our state’s health care system and medical education system.”Â