VHCA-VCAL’s advocacy work on behalf of long term care providers is a year-round job.  While the General Assembly session may get most of the attention, the meetings and outreach we conduct with legislators, agency officials, and other stakeholders beyond session can have lasting impact on our ability to be effective advocates.

We’ll be using this space to highlight VHCA-VCAL staff and leadership’s participation in meetings and events that are critical to the profession.

Take a look at our outreach and advocacy work for the week of January 16, 2017.   

• 1/16—Met with Del. Scott Garrett (R-Lynchburg) and Del. Cliff Hayes (D-Chesapeake) regarding VHCA-VCAL’s legislative priorities.
• 1/16—Monitored the House Appropriations Committee and the Senate Finance Committee’s Health and Human Resources subcommittee.
• 1/17—Met with Del. Chris Stolle (R-Virginia Beach) to discuss Medicaid.
• 1/17—Monitored the Health, Welfare and Institutions Committee meeting and the Education and Health Committee’s subcommittee on health professions.
• 1/19—Met with Sen. Barker (D-Fairfax) and Del. Bobby Orrock (R-Caroline County) to discuss VHCA-VCAL’s legislative priorities.
• 1/19—Hosted a subgroup of the Geriatric Mental Health Partnership, which is evaluating ways to reduce the use of unnecessary antipsychotic medications for residents in long term care.
• 1/19—Participated in the monthly update on AHCA/NCAL activities for state executives hosted by AHCA/NCAL President and CEO Mark Parkinson.
• 1/20—Held a conference call with the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association to discuss ways to collaborate on care transitions and readmissions.