Attendees will hear from legislators and make their concerns heard.
More than 500 long-term and post-acute care professionals gathered on Capitol Hill today for the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL)'s annual Congressional Briefing.
The weeklong event will take place at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill beginning Tuesday, June 6.
In addition to presenting issues in long-term and post-acute care to legislators, they will also hear from House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington.
"It is crucial that we share our story with members of Congress, so it is amazing to see so many of our members here in D.C. this week to do exactly that," Mark Parkinson, president and CEO of AHCA/NCAL, said in a statement.
"It is our job to help them understand the challenges we face, such as the ongoing workforce crisis, and the solutions we need to protect seniors' access to care. By working together, we can help improve the lives of our residents and staff."
Other topics to be discussed throughout the week include the Biden Administration's impending federal staffing mandate for nursing homes, supportive legislative solutions—such as the Building America's Health Care Workforce Act and the Ensuring Seniors' Access to Quality Care Act—to address the workforce shortage, and resuming typical protocols and transitioning out of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.
The importance of Medicaid for vulnerable seniors and individuals with disabilities requiring long-term care and the need to fully fund the program will also be discussed.
"This week, we need to convey what we go through on a daily basis to policy makers," Phil Fogg, AHCA board chair, said in a statement.
"We must share the meaningful and vital work we do in providing quality care to millions of Americans, the hurdles in place that make caring for our residents more difficult, and the need for policymakers to invest in our seniors and their caregivers."
“This week, we need to convey what we go through on a daily basis to policy makers.”
Phil Fogg, AHCA board chair
Jasmyne Ray is the revenue cycle editor at HealthLeaders.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
AHCA/NCAL's annual Congressional Briefing will begin on Tuesday, June 6 through the rest of the week.
Topics of discussion include the proposed nursing home staffing mandate, workforce crisis, and transitioning out of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.