Happy Holidays from AHCA/NCAL!

AHCA/NCAL Supports the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act

AHCA/NCAL has added its name to the list of national organizations that support the bipartisan Building Our Largest Dementia Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act, or BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act (S. 2076/H.R. 4256), which would apply a public health approach to Alzheimer’s disease.  Headed by the Centers of Disease and Prevention (CDC), it would create a modern infrastructure for the prevention, treatment, and care of Alzheimer’s and related dementias.  More than five million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, and the United States spends more than $277 billion per year, including $186 billion in costs to Medicare and Medicaid.  Without further action, the number of Americans with Alzheimer’s is expected to triple to as many as 14 million by 2050, costing the nation more than $1.1 trillion per year.

Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) introduced S.  2076, and it is co-sponsored by 57 Senators.  Reps. Brett Guthrie (R-KY), Paul Tonko (D-NY), Maxine Waters (D-CA), and Christopher Smith (R-NJ) introduced a companion bill in the House of Representatives, and it is co-sponsored by 253 members.  It is also supported by 181 organizations and individuals.  The bill was approved by the full Senate on December 12, 2018, and has been sent to the House for consideration.

Texas Judge Strikes Down Obamacare As Unconstitutional but the Law Remains in Effect for Now

A federal judge in Texas ruled on Friday, December 14^th, that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is unconstitutional under tax law because of change Congress made that reduces the individual penalty to zero in 2019.  The 55-page ruling said that the constitutional foundation of the ACA was removed when the individual penalty was effectively eliminated. 

 

By all reports, it seems certain that the ruling will be appealed.  Supporters and opponents of the ACA are gearing up for a battle over the ruling which could go up to the Supreme Court.  Until those appeals are decided, the ACA remains intact according to the White House.

 

“We expect his ruling will be appealed to the Supreme Court,” said White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders.  “Pending the appeal process, the law remains in place.”

 

The Department of Health and Human Services echoed the White House’s comments in a statement this week saying “The recent U.S. District Court decision regarding the Affordable Care Act is not an injunction that halts the enforcement of the law and not a final judgment. Therefore, HHS will continue administering and enforcing all aspects of the ACA as it had before the court issued its decision.” 

 

AHCA/NCAL will continue to monitor developments with the ACA and will keep members apprised of any changes with the law.

‘Live Soulfully’ Announced as 2019 Theme for National Skilled Nursing Care Week

The American Health Care Association (AHCA) recently announced “Live Soulfully” as the 2019 theme for National Skilled Nursing Care Week (NSNCW), which will be held May 12-18.  The theme “Live Soulfully” will celebrate skilled nursing centers, and their residents and staff, by showcasing how they achieve happy minds and healthy souls.  Whether it’s planting, cooking, reading or listening to music, these centers pay it forward by helping individuals find happiness to improve quality of life.  Centers will be encouraged to participate by hosting activities that display how they “Live Soulfully” and share their stories and experiences on social media. 

“Each and every person in our profession makes an impact on the lives of our residents,” said AHCA/NCAL President and CEO Mark Parkinson. “National Skilled Nursing Care Week celebrates our centers and caregivers for their tireless everyday work caring for others.”

Established by the American Health Care Association (AHCA) in 1967, NSNCW, formerly known as National Nursing Home Week, recognizes the essential role of skilled nursing care centers in caring for America’s frail, elderly, and disabled.  Skilled nursing care centers and members of the public can download NSNCW promotional materials at www.ahcancal.org/NSNCW and are encouraged to share activities, ideas, and experiences for the observance on social media using the hashtag, #NSNCW.  AHCA will issue a planning guide and product catalog in late February.  For more information on National Skilled Nursing Care Week, visit www.ahcancal.org/NSNCW​.

Long Term Care Sector Addresses Caregiver Shortage with Innovative Workforce Resource Center

Finding a qualified workforce is one of the largest challenges facing long term care providers. The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) recently unveiled new resources to help members attract and retain qualified caregivers in the more than 13,800 member centers nationwide. 

The online Workforce Resource Center includes resources and tools for AHCA/NCAL members to learn more about effective strategies for recruiting, retention and staff development.  The association also announced a partnership with PHI, a leading provider of workforce training programs.  PHI offers a range of services that help providers attract quality workers, promote excellent care, reduce turnover and achieve cost efficiencies. AHCA/NCAL and PHI will provide coaching, training and consulting to help long term care providers deliver quality care. 

“Our members have been clear that staffing is one of their biggest challenges,” said Mark Parkinson, President and CEO of AHCA/NCAL. “The tools we’ve developed, and our partnership with the premier organization in long term care training and development, will provide valuable resources for our members.” 

The health care system has experienced a shortage of trained caregivers for critical roles for some time. The federal government estimates nearly 27 million people will need some kind of long term care by 2050, magnifying the workforce shortage that already exists. 

“AHCA/NCAL will continue to develop workforce resources that help our members maintain the high quality of care they provide for America’s seniors and people with disabilities,” said Parkinson.  

ICF/IID Reports

AHCA's Research Department has released the following June 2018 updates for use by AHCA/NCAL members (Login Required):

• LTC Stats: Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID) Standard Health Survey Report, June 2018
• LTC Stats: Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID), Facility and Resident Characteristics, June 2018

The standard health survey report includes Emergency Preparedness (E-tags) this year for the first time.  If you have any questions relating to these reports, which include important ICF/IID state and national data, please contact AHCA’s Research Director, Kiran Sreenivas.

Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Grassroots Advocacy – Facility Visits Over Recess

Holly Jarek, AHCA's ID/DD Committee Chair, 
encourages AHCA's ID/DD providers to participate in our grassroots advocacy efforts in 2019.  AHCA would like to help you get facility tours and in-district meetings set up over future recess days.  Please provide your name, facility address, and email address and we will craft the invite and send it to you to send to the Congressional office.  The four brief steps for a successful facility tour visit can be found here.  Please feel free to contact Matthew Smyth and Dana Halvorson who can help you with all of the logistics. 


AHCA’s ID/DD Committee members, Renee Naylor (pictured to the left) and Kelly Head-Halladay (pictured to the right), met with Representative Kurt Schrader (D-OR-5), during AHCA’s ID/DD Residential Services Providers annual Hill Fly-In event.