AHCA Announces “Care For Our Seniors Act”
AHCA & LeadingAge Announce Care For Our Seniors Act
Improving America’s Nursing Homes By Learning From Tragedy & Implementing Bold Solutions For The Future
What a year. When we first learned of COVID-19 in early 2020, we had no idea what was ahead of us. It has been a long, arduous road with tremendous heartache. Likely we all faced personal loss. While we all did the best we could in the face of an unprecedented challenge, there are important lessons that we must learn from going forward.
But here we are, a year later – dare we say, stronger than before. The hard work, perseverance, sacrifice, and selflessness of staff, residents, and families has brought us to this point. While a vaccine provides hope in our return to a new normal, now is the time to take action that will ensure a strong future for long term care.
Providers are dedicated to learning from this pandemic and offering solutions that will improve the quality of care in our nation’s nursing homes. It is time for bold, transformative, and meaningful action.
That is why, with the vision of our members and our Boards, AHCA and LeadingAge are pleased to announce the Care For Our Seniors Act. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed and exacerbated systemic issues impacting our industry, including workforce shortages, aging physical plants, and underfunded government reimbursements for care. These policy proposals are the result of months of discussion and reflection and are solutions on key principles we believe will drive change in nursing homes.
We all know that reform comes with a cost, and this proposal includes financing mechanisms and other details vital to the success of these policies. It is time for the federal government and state governments to step up and make a commitment to our residents. We are proposing a significant increase in federal Medicaid funds, with a required commitment from states to maintain funding levels and cover our costs.
We encourage you to learn more about the Care For Our Seniors Act on the AHCA website and in the joint AHCA/LeadingAge press release. The policy proposals focus on four key areas, and each require government resources and support:
- Clinical: Enhanced Quality Care – Enhance Infection Preventionist, 24-hour Registered Nurse, and Minimum 30-day supply of PPE
- Workforce: Strengthen and Support our Frontline Caregivers – Recruit and Retain More Long Term Caregivers
- Oversight: Improve Systems to be More Resident-Driven – Improve the Survey Process for Better Resident Care, Address Chronic Poor Performing Facilities, and Publicly Report Customer Satisfaction
- Structural – Address Aging Infrastructure With a Greater Emphasis on Autonomy, Dignity, and Privacy
Additionally, AHCA will host a webinar on Tuesday, March 16 at 2 PM Eastern to review the policy proposal and answer questions. Please be sure to register in advance as space will be limited.
Finally, thank you for working every day to protect and care for our residents. Our mission to improve lives by delivering solutions for quality care has never been more important than in this very moment.
Sincerely,
Debbie Meade Phil Fogg
AHCA Board Chair AHCA Board Vice Chair
NYSHFA/NYSCAL CONTACTS:
Stephen B. Hanse, Esq.
President & CEO
518-462-4800 x11
