SEN. MEREDITH NAMED 2026 LEGISLATIVE HERO BY KENTUCKY HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION
Award honors Meredith's commitment to strengthening Kentucky's health care system and expanding access to care
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 4, 2026) —Sen. Stephen Meredith, R-Leitchfield, has been recognized by the Kentucky Hospital Association (KHA) with its 2026 Legislative Hero Award in recognition of his leadership on health care policy and longstanding support of Kentucky's hospitals. Meredith received the award during a ceremony held July 31 at Breckinridge County Health in Hardinsburg.
The KHA Legislative Hero Award recognizes members of the Kentucky General Assembly who have demonstrated exemplary service to the Commonwealth's hospitals and the patients they serve. A former hospital chief executive officer, Meredith has spent both his professional career and legislative service advocating for policies that strengthen Kentucky's health care system, support the health care workforce, and expand access to quality care. He has been a consistent champion for rural hospitals, recognizing the critical role they play in providing lifesaving care, supporting local economies, and ensuring Kentuckians can receive high-quality care close to home.
As chair of the Senate Health Services Committee, Meredith has led efforts to address some of Kentucky's most pressing health care challenges. During the 2026 legislative session, he sponsored Senate Bill (SB) 137, creating a provisional medical license pathway for qualified internationally trained physicians to help address physician shortages, particularly in medically underserved areas.
Meredith also sponsored SB 12, legislation that proposed allowing Level IV verified trauma centers to use physician assistants and advanced practice registered nurses, under physician supervision, to help provide emergency department coverage. The measure was intended to support rural hospitals seeking trauma center designation and strengthen access to emergency care in communities facing ongoing workforce challenges.
"I am honored to receive this recognition from the Kentucky Hospital Association," Meredith said. "Throughout my time in the General Assembly, I have remained committed to strengthening Kentucky's health care system by supporting our hospitals, expanding access to care, and ensuring patients, especially those in rural communities, receive the quality care they deserve. I am grateful to the Kentucky Hospital Association for this recognition and look forward to continuing that work."
Founded in 1929, the Kentucky Hospital Association represents 128 hospitals and related health care organizations across the Commonwealth. The association advocates for policies that strengthen Kentucky's health care system and supports hospitals in their mission to provide high-quality care to patients across the state. For more information, visit kyha.com.
###
Sen. Stephen Meredith, R-Leitchfield, represents the 5th Senate District, which includes Breckinridge, Butler, Grayson, Ohio, and Meade Counties. He serves as co-chair of the Interim Joint Committee on Health Services and also serves on the Interim Joint Committees on Education; Families and Children; and Licensing, Occupations, and Administrative Regulations. He was recently appointed to the Medical Oversight and Advisory Board for the Interim. Additionally, he is a member of the Government Contract Review Committee.
For a high-resolution .jpeg of Meredith, please visit: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators Full Res Images/senate105.jpg.