This Friday marks the bill filing deadline for the 2021 session. VHCA-VCAL is tracking dozens of bills—some related directly to long term care (LTC) and many related to workforce and employment issues. The association has been focused this week on two staffing mandate bills. VHCA-VCAL is also pleased that Del. Mark Sickles (D-Fairfax) and Sen. Emmett Hanger (R-Augusta) introduced budget amendments to extend the $20/day Medicaid rate enhancement through 2022 while working to develop rate reform proposals and to defer nursing home rebasing. These budget amendments are top priorities for the association this session.